Ten questions with Amy Suiter Clarke
Amy Suiter Clarke has had the debut that aspiring writers dream about. Her first novel was published in twelve languages and in fifteen territories and it’s earned widespread critical praise, including glowing reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the New York Times (which called her “adroit”and described her novel as “difficult to put down”). I’m grateful that she has shared her insight and experiences about her path to publication.
1. Please tell us about your debut novel.
Girl, 11 is about a true crime podcast host, Elle Castillo, who investigates cold cases of crimes against children. In her latest season, she’s tackling the case of the Countdown Killer, Minnesota’s most notorious serial killer whose victims were each a year younger than the last. Only as her episodes drop, a would-be tipster is murdered and another girl goes missing, making Elle worry that she has inspired the killer to start his deadly countdown once again.
2. I’ve read that only 4% of the people who start a novel, finish writing it. Why do you think you beat the odds?
That stat doesn’t surprise me! Finishing a novel is hard work, but there is also a lot of privilege and good fortune involved. While I do have a day job, I’m lucky to have a regular schedule so I can plan my writing time outside of that. My husband is supportive of my writing, as is my family. I have the benefit of time, resources, and financial stability that allow me space to be creative—which I know a lot of incredibly talented people who haven’t managed to finish a novel yet don’t have. I’m sure that statistic would improve if there were more time and energy put in to making it possible for authors—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—to thrive and create art on an equitable playing field.
3. Was your debut novel the first book you wrote? (Any prior efforts hiding on your hard drive?)
Definitely not my first. I had been writing solidly for several years when I had the idea for Girl, 11, and I had two finished manuscripts that unfortunately didn’t sell. I still have hope that one of them might make it to the page someday!
4. What helped you become a better writer? Any books or resources you found helpful?
While I don’t think an MFA is essential if you want to be a writer, I absolutely loved the experience of doing mine. For two years, I was able to focus almost entirely on writing and reading and talking about literature. While I’m not a huge craft book reader, I do love Story by Robert McKee and Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, both of which have helped me become a little more of a plotter than I used to be.
5. What was your process like getting an agent?
I connected with my agent through a Twitter pitch contest called #Pitmad. This was back when tweets could only be 140 characters, so I had to pitch my first manuscript in just that amount! My pitch caught the eye of Sharon Pelletier, and I eventually sent her the manuscript. Initially, it wasn’t a success. She wanted me to revise and resubmit, which was still way better than the rejections I had gotten to that point! I took her notes on board and did a major edit, then sent it back to her a few months later. From there, she wanted to talk with me on the phone, and eventually she offered to represent me. I’ve been working with her for over five years now, and I’m so glad to have her in my corner.
6. How did you celebrate when you learned your book would be published?
Although I’m from Minnesota originally, I live in Melbourne, Australia now. With the time difference, I found out I had an offer on my book at about 7 a.m.! Nevertheless, my husband and I broke out a mini bottle of champagne he’d gotten for just that occasion.
7. What was the most exciting moment involving the publication of your debut novel? (The moment you first saw the cover? The call when you learned when it was being published? When you cashed your advance check?)
I think the phone call with my editor was the most exciting. Hearing someone who really got my work, who understood what I wanted to accomplish and had ideas to help me improve, was absolutely amazing. That she worked for such a respected publishing house and had incredible chops as an editor made it even better! Again, with the time difference, it was after midnight in my time zone when I talked with her, but I was so keyed up on excitement and adrenaline that I barely even noticed.
8. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to be published?
The only thing I can recommend is persistence. I could have given up so many times, and I’m really glad I didn’t. It’s easy for someone on the other side of your dream to say “keep going; it’s worth it” and I know hearing that when I was still trying to get published didn’t always help. But sometimes, the encouragement was exactly what I needed. So if you need a boost right now, all I can say is don’t give up. If this is really what you want, keep going.
9. What are you currently reading? Or, what's one of the best novels you've read lately?
One of my favorite recent reads was Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala. While it’s a difference subgenre of crime than my own (hers being a cozy, culinary mystery), I absolutely devoured it—and not just because it was full of delicious descriptions of Filipino food. Mia’s writing is charming, funny, and perfectly mysterious. I loved her characters, and I’m so excited there’s a sequel coming next year!
10. What are you working on now? Any projects coming out soon?
I am currently working on my second novel, which has proven just as difficult as everyone said sophomore novels are, unfortunately! Still, I’m hoping I can crack it soon. I can’t say too much about it, other than that it’s a standalone novel also set in Minnesota and features an amateur sleuth as a main character.