Success Story Interview - M. Dane

An Interview with M. Dane (michaeldane on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Jenna Satterthwaite of Storm Literary Agency.

09/19/2024

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?

M. Dane:
My novel is a middle-grade fantasy, set in the rural British countryside. It’s about a boy who discovers a hidden layer of magic to the village, along with the persecution of its mythical inhabitants. There were two main reasons behind my decision to write this story: the beauty of the Cotswolds has fascinated me for years now, and my obsession with travel. To really immerse myself in this story, I booked a cottage in a small village much like the one in my novel, and spent a month there alone, absorbing the local flavour and instilling it into my writing.

QT: How long have you been writing?

M. Dane:
I started writing in 2013, though initially, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. After three years, I had my first book—a middle-grade fantasy called The Traitor in the Trees, complete at a hefty 134,000 words. Obviously, I was still figuring things out. But with each new book, I dedicated myself to learning more and more. I knew persistence was key, and if I kept at it, I would eventually reach my goals.

QT: How long have you been working on this book?

M. Dane:
I started plotting this story in March 2023, and the query that got me my agent was sent in June 2024.

QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?

M. Dane:
Surprisingly, I never felt like giving up. Since I sent my first query in 2016, I’ve received over a thousand rejections. And though it was disappointing, I never doubted that I would eventually succeed. That’s not to say I didn’t have low points, I had those in spades, but I knew telling stories was my calling. This obsession, I believe, has been the key factor that’s kept me going through it all.

QT: Is this your first book?

M. Dane:
Nope, not by a long shot. I’ve written everything from picture books to adult. All up, I’m sitting at around eleven books.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

M. Dane:
Yes, I’ve taken several online courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre on a variety of topics. These courses were immensely helpful, as they provided me a platform to interact with other authors and to receive honest feedback on my work. This kind of critique is sometimes hard to come by in the bookish world, where people often lean towards being exceptionally nice.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

M. Dane:
Yes, I’m a very structured person. I start at my desk by 6:10 AM and write until 9 AM, focusing on my primary manuscript. I then head to the gym for an hour to get the body moving, then return to continue working on the manuscript until midday. The afternoon is reserved for other tasks, like plotting the next book, illustrating, managing social media, or marketing activities. I usually finish my day around 5-6 PM. I’ve been a full-time author for the last two years, but before that, I had to balance my writing around my career in the army, which involved juggling deployments and exercises, which was challenging.

QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?

M. Dane:
Oh, that’s a tough question. For this particular book, I believe it was six drafts or edits, with an additional one to come from my agent, and if everything works out, more with an editor.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

M. Dane:
I had some amazing beta readers which I primarily found on TikTok. I sent out the beta reader copies after I completed the 3rd draft.

QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?

M. Dane:
I’m a MASSIVE plotter. I go into extensive detail in my outlines, which allows me to write the first draft without writer’s block because all the information is there. It’s mostly about polishing the story I’ve already mapped out. I start with a story hook or location in mind and build from there. The Save the Cat! method is invaluable, but I go even further. I now write a high-concept hook for each of my characters to clarify their roles and arcs in the story. This involves defining their desires, needs, fears, and even their speech patterns.

QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?

M. Dane:
I queried my first novel in 2016, but started querying this story in March this year.

QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?

M. Dane:
I definitely tried to personalize my queries. Some agents have a wealth of information about what they’re searching for, so it’s easy to reference their wish list in the query. However, others provide little to no information, which makes it hard. If an agent’s MSWL isn’t available, I try mentioning a book they represent. If I can’t find anything specific to reference, then I don’t personalize the query.

QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?

M. Dane:
Do not quit too soon! Persistence is key, so don’t be afraid to query more agents than you thought you would. All it takes is one yes. Always have your submission materials reviewed by others, as it’s easy for errors to slip through. Take your time with your query letter; start drafting it while you’re still working on your manuscript. Let it sit for a few weeks or longer, and revisit it with fresh eyes. Repeat the process as many times as needed. Also, query in batches and adjust your submission material based on the feedback you receive.

Query Letter:

Dear [Agent],

[Personalization], I hope you’ll be interested in JACKSON JAMES AND THE STOLEN HEARTSTONE, a middle grade contemporary fantasy complete at 58,000 words. It’s A Series of Unfortunate Events meets The Graveyard Book, but with a British folklore twist, and will appeal to fans of B. B. Alston’s voice-y narrative, Amari and the Night Brothers, and has the mythic exploration of When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.

Mythological creatures are more than just folklore—they’re locals—in Twilight Lane.

Jackson James, a twelve-year-old master of mischief, is terrified he’ll waste his school holidays in the dull British countryside, trapped under the watchful glare and over-the-top rules of his fun-sucking babysitter. Tired of being treated like a child, he sneaks out one night in search of adventure, but instead finds Aisling, a dying sprite, and uncovers a hidden magical layer to the village where being different can be deadly.

Jackson learns the village is a secret haven for mythical beings tormented by the Gloaming Oppressors—cruel enforcers obsessed with power. Driven by his deepening bond with Aisling, Jackson vows to fight the savage rule that endangers all magical residents, especially his new best friend, whose life hangs in the balance. He assembles a team of unlikely heroes—a grumpy tavern owner strong enough to bench-press a dragon, a legendary blacksmith famed for forging Excalibur, and a sentient suit of armor that really can’t stand bodily fluids—and hatches a plan to infiltrate the Gloaming Oppressors’ lair to retrieve the Heartstone, the only thing that can save Aisling.

But time is slipping away. As Aisling’s condition worsens and the Gloaming Oppressors catch on to Jackson’s schemes, his fear of failure grows as each decision could be catastrophic. He must face his darkest doubts head-on if he’s going to use all his cunning, resolve, and seasoned troublemaking skills to outsmart the Oppressors and save the sprite he’s grown to love.

I’m an indie author known as M. Dane who maintains an active and growing social media presence. Over the past five years, I’ve published 7 books, spanning chapter books to adult fiction, including my latest, Born Upon a Curse, a new adult fantasy. As a full-time writer, I’m dedicated to achieving long-term success as an author. I’ve refined my skills at the Australian Writers’ Centre, which published an article about my journey here: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/m-dane-from-soldier-to-storyteller/. As a veteran and an avid traveler who has explored 75 countries, I bring an appreciation for diverse cultures into my storytelling, enhancing my stories with personal perspectives and insights.

Thank you for your time and consideration.