Meet Sal Cosenza, who brought his passions of art and writing together to create his debut novel, “Manhattan: The Rising War“
Tell us a little about yourself!
Hi! I was born and raised in Arizona, and later moved to New York City where I studied and worked in architecture, before circling back to the desert in 2019. My career now revolves around the creative trifecta of art, design education, and writing.
What led you to start writing fiction? And how did you end up choosing your genre(s)?
It all happened slowly, starting with poetry and design portfolios, until short stories later became part of the mix. My debut novel sets a new and exciting mark for me.
Most of my writings have been natural extensions of concepts found in my New York and anthropomorphically themed paintings. So in that sense, the artwork is what usually chooses the genre.
Do you have a new book or series coming out? What’s it about?
Yes! My new novel is a genre-blend of urban fantasy and historical fiction called Manhattan: The Rising War. It’s been a grueling yet rewarding experience writing it, because it’s a novelization of a painting series I started in 2002 and completed in 2020. As such, the paintings as well as this book showcase Manhattan in a totally new and anthropomorphic way–a perfect tribute to a city now marking its 400th Anniversary. At its heart, the book is a tale of community and courage at a towering scale.
What has been the most challenging part of being an indie author? How have you tackled that challenge?
I learned that writing the book is one thing, while getting the book edited and then promoted are entirely separate challenges. But I’m enjoying every challenge this dream invites, because the experience allowed me to craft a great story while also having the opportunity to work with a number of truly professional and collaborative people.
What has been the most fun or fulfilling part of being an author?
Two things: one is the thrill of coming up with a scene and figuring out where to place it in the story for maximum impact, while the other is just to see my final book in print.
Tell us a bit about your process. Do you write every day? Where do you like to write? What’s your routine?
Writing this last book followed me across two states and seven years. There were draughts in its production but also periods of deeply intense writing. I worked on it at home, in coffee shops, bookstores, libraries, at least one dorm room, and on board several flights. It was, by all measures, a roller-coaster of a process, and to be frank, a process I hope to streamline with my next novel.
Do you have any tips or advice for other authors working on their books?
Be patient, stick to your vision, ask questions, and order plenty of sticky notes.
What was it like working with the team at Two Birds Author Services?
Hugely fulfilling. Michele and Andrea have been godsends for me.
How did you end up choosing to work with us? What is the most helpful tip you can offer to authors who, like you, want to find the right editor for their books?
I believe it was a referral, but it was so long ago that my memory’s betraying me. Whoever it was, or however it happened, I’m sure glad that it did!
Working with Two Birds Author Services has been a thorough and detail-rich process, since the team takes great care in further sculpting what you give them, and then moving that story much closer to your original vision. It also felt like a truly collaborative experience, which I believe is what you would want in an editor.
Where can authors and readers connect with you, and find your books?
Thanks for asking! Readers may purchase Manhattan: The Rising War by clicking on https://a.co/d/01gIpGRY or they can check out my website at https://salcosenza.com/
Is there anything we haven’t asked but that you’d like to add?
This was fun, thanks for having me!
Have questions about the editing process? We’d love to chat with you and help you figure out your next steps. Contact us to set up a free sample edit.
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