What does it take to move from screenwriting dreams in Hollywood to becoming a traditionally published novelist?
In this episode novelist Norm Thoeming, who writes under the pen name August Norman, offers a candid conversation about the long road to publication, learning to embrace critique, and navigating the realities of the publishing industry.
Norm shares how an abandoned screenplay became the spark for his fiction career, why the Santa Barbara Writers Conference became a turning point in his journey, and what writers should know before chasing agents, signing contracts, or rushing to publish.
This episode is packed with practical wisdom for aspiring authors, from handling rejection to defining what success really looks like.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Norm’s path from playwriting, screenwriting, improv, and Hollywood creative work to novel writing
- How a screenplay rejection became the foundation for his fiction career
- Why the novel-writing community feels very different from Hollywood
- His first experience pitching at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference
- The reality check many writers get when pursuing traditional publishing
- Why critique groups and workshops dramatically improve your work
- How his acting and screenwriting background influences his fiction writing
- A surprising editing technique: turning your novel into a screenplay to tighten structure
- The fascinating story behind his pen name, August Norman
- What authors should know about publishing contracts, marketing support, and audiobook rights
- How to determine your own personal definition of publishing success
- Why writers should avoid rushing into self-publishing before their manuscript is truly ready
- The importance of understanding why you want to write
- Balancing artistic integrity with the business realities of publishing
Memorable Takeaways
“Know what success looks like for you.”
Norm offers a refreshing perspective on publishing success, reminding writers that bestseller status isn’t the only worthwhile goal.
He also shares a crucial truth many aspiring authors need to hear:
Don’t rush to publish just to say you published.
At the same time:
Don’t hide your work forever waiting for perfection.
That balance between courage and craft serves as one of the most valuable lessons in this conversation.
About Norm Thoeming / August Norman
Norm Thoeming is a novelist, improviser, screenwriter, and creative educator. Writing as August Norman, he is the author of crime fiction and thrillers, with a passion for noir storytelling, character-driven suspense, and helping writers sharpen their craft.
He is also a longtime participant of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, where he co-leads a pirate workshops.
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