A small class of students enrolled in Introduction to Nonfiction, a Laguna College of Art and Design literary survey course, received some practical advice from best-selling author and Newport Beach resident Dean Koontz last week.
“You need to know about the business,” Koontz advised students. “If you’re not learning about business, you will be a victim. I don’t think writers should be victimized.”
Koontz spoke candidly about the business of writing and publishing fiction. Koontz, published in 38 languages, spoke of his love for writing that drove him to produce more than 120 novels across multiple genres.
His books have sold over 450 million copies to date. When asked how writers can tell fresh, original stories, he said, “The most natural way about it is: who are you as a person and a writer and what about your way of your personal style and way of seeing the world. That will lead you into handling anything differently than other people.”
After sharing his hard-won lessons, Koontz took the time to sign copies of his books brought by students and fans alike.
“Dean’s commitment to his craft and passion for storytelling inspired all of us to hold our work to the same level of excellence he has pursued in his 40-year career,” said Jonathan Burke, president of LCAD.
