Discovering the Lesser-Known Realities of a Scribing Vocation

Lev Raphael, a renowned author, has made a significant impact in the literary world with his diverse body of work. His writing journey began with advice originally given by Henry James - "Try to be one of those on whom nothing is lost." Raphael has since taken this advice to heart, publishing an impressive 24 books across about a dozen different genres.

Raphael's literary portfolio is as varied as it is extensive. He has penned a vampire novella, a memoir about being the son of Holocaust survivors, a historical novel set in The Gilded Age, a children's book, and more. This versatility has earned him recognition in multiple genres, culminating in his first New York Times Book Review with a mystery series. He also delved into academia, writing a psychological study of Edith Wharton.

Despite the success, Raphael acknowledges the challenges that come with being a writer. He admits that the writing life can be lonely, even when surrounded by other writers. Moreover, writing is a business, and there is constant pressure to sell. Raphael learned these hard truths the hard way, learning five key things about the writing life that he wishes he had known earlier.

One such lesson was never to rule anything out and not to be a genre snob. Raphael's advice is to write what you love and let the genre find you. This approach has served him well, as his books can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and various other retailers.

Exercise is another essential aspect of a writer's life that Raphael emphasises. With much time spent sitting at a laptop, maintaining physical health is crucial. Raphael's dedication to this aspect is evident in his blog, Writing Across Genres, where he shares insights and tips on writing and living a healthy lifestyle.

Raphael's career did not come without its share of early successes. He was the star of his MFA program for that year, and his first short story, published in Redbook after winning a prize, made a significant amount of money for a graduate student. However, he was not informed about what his career could be like, despite spending over two years in the MFA program.

Despite the lack of clarity about his career trajectory, Raphael has continued to thrive in the literary world. He has published with multiple publishers during his career, although specific publisher names are not listed in the provided search results. He has also received fan mail and queries from agents, further testament to his impact in the literary world.

In conclusion, Lev Raphael's journey as a writer serves as an inspiration to many. His dedication, versatility, and perseverance in the face of challenges are evident in his body of work. His advice to "Try to be one of those on whom nothing is lost" resonates with many, encouraging writers to embrace their craft and never give up.