Yes really, Dexter the sociopathic serial killer in the popular TV series of the same name, gives me hope. Strange thing to admit to I know but there you go.
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I came to this realization while listening to Jeff Lindsay, the author of Dexter, at the Perth Writers Festival.
Like Dexter, Jeff isn’t what you’d imagine him to be.
First there’s his quite speaking voice, his soft demeanor, quick sense of humour, beaming smile loitering just below the surface, and his ability to instantly act out a thought, a skill he no doubt honed at the Celebration Mine and Clown School . While some authors prefer conveying their feelings through the written word, Jeff is obviously quite comfortable entertaining an audience in person. Plus, if you believe the internet, he too is hiding his true identity, his real name is Jeffry P. Freundlich.
So why does he give me hope?
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Well for the same reason that all published authors do. Dexter is a testament to the immense perseverance needed to get a book published.
During the festival session Jeff explained that the idea for Dexter came to him while addressing a particularly boring audience who asked questions like ‘why do I need to read?’ At which pointed Jeff says he was prompted to think ‘maybe serial murder isn’t all bad’. Soon after which he jotted down his thoughts on a napkin and Dexter, a serial killer who only kills bad people, was born.
In his quest to get the first manuscript published Jeff went through 5 agents before finding the lucky 6th. While he didn’t mention the number of publishers he approached, you got the impression it was large as it spread over a four and a half year period. Perhaps the earlier title of ‘The Left Hand of God’ had something to do with it?
After so many rejections Jeff said he’d decided to forget about it.
Luckily his wife Hilary Hemingway, yes a relative of THE Hemingway, had different ideas. In a heartwarming display of true partnership, Jeff was at pains to point out that the only reason Dexter is here, is because of his wife’s belief and perseverance. It was truly lovely to watch her receive the applause, and his face beam in response.
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While it was suggested that Dexter could be turned into a movie, there was a realization that even if a movie was good it would only be around for 6 months and then gone, whereas a television show…. well you all know how that’s turned out.
There’s now a team of writers behind the television series, however Jeff does consult to ensure the essence is maintained, saying he usually has to remind them ‘don’t forget the humour’. He added that he quite likes going on set because where ever he goes they announce that ‘the creator is here’, and that for his cameo appearance he was probably ‘the only three line actor who got his own trailer’.
This leaves Jeff time to write another Dexter novel, and during the Perth Festival he was promoting the fifth book in the series, Dexter is Delicious.
Aside from listening to the man behind Dexter, it was a real treat when he read an exert from his current, yet to be published, scribbling’s about Dexter. Jeff was himself delicious when prior to reading he paused explaining that, ‘it makes me very nervous’ reading something he was still working on.
By the end of the session we were left considering future Dexter episodes. Having been asked about Dexter’s future Jeff implied that ‘homicidal sociopaths can’t change’. So that’s something to ponder about, as is the fact that Jeffs bio says he’s not won any awards, yet.
5 Comments
I love it that it was a boring audience that got him thinking about writing Dexter! And I agree, the long winding road to publication even he had to take gives me hope too. I read “Dexter is Delicious” without knowing anything about Dexter (nor having seen the TV series – not usually my genre …) and although it freaked me out a little I really did enjoy it.
WOw that’s a great effort reading the book knowing nothing about it. The TV show has quite a lot of humour in it too to soften the blow, so have a look, but get the DVD out and start at the beginning so you get the gradual build up.
I loved your take on this session. I didn’t manage to get to it, but you have relayed it perfectly.
Great blog, Glennys. Loved reading about perseverance overcoming publishing hiccups. MaureenHelen
Seems everyone had to live through it Maureen