The secret behind author Thomas Mullen’s success
You’ll have to forgive Thomas Mullen if he cannot succinctly explain the genius of his writing process. In a craft that blends equal parts creativity, discipline and learning, the process can be both rewarding and challenging, if not exactly etched in stone.
For example, his first novel, “The Last Town on Earth,” debuted two months after his first son was born, while his second, “The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers,” was published three months after his second son’s birth. “Like parenthood itself, my writing routine is constantly changing and evolving. The demands of parenthood have always been a huge factor in when or whether I write.”
The life of a writer, even a successful one like Mullen, does not play by the rules of your typical work clock. The acclaimed novelist writes on his clock. At different times over the 18 years since his debut, he has been a full-time novelist, writing and researching from 9-5 every day; has worked a full-time job, writing fiction at night or weekends; and has written in between freelance assignments. And there have been times when he would strictly help care for his children and put writing on the back-burner.
“My wife (Jenny) and I have had pretty much every permutation of childcare and work schedule. For a writer, the challenge is usually finding the time and mental energy to write. I’ve learned not to be too precious about having a routine or needing things to be a certain way. Ultimately, you just have to do it.”
There is no denying that when Mullen puts his thoughts to the page, the routine works. In all, the internationally bestselling author has published eight novels, with his latest, “The Rumor Game,” returning to the historical fiction genre. The book is a crime story set in World War II-era Boston, exploring struggles and conflicts that still echo with today’s headlines. One of his earlier historical novels, the Atlanta-set “Darktown,” was shortlisted for the “Los Angeles Times Book Prize,” the “Indies Choice Book Award,” the “Southern Book Prize,” an “Audie Award” and was named an “NPR Best Book.”
After stints in several other cities, Decatur became a serious contender for the Mullens’ next home after they traveled from their home in Washington, DC, to attend the Decatur Book Festival (DBF) in 2007. By summer 2008, inspired by their positive experience, the Mullens made the move. “[Decatur] is the perfect place because it offers a vibrant and diverse creative community. Musicians. Designers. Artists. Cinematographers. Animators. It’s also home to some great independent bookstores.”
