Meet Mike Rothmiller

We recently connected with Mike Rothmiller and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

As a New York Times bestselling author, I’m often asked about writer’s block. After speaking with many writers dealing with it, I realized it’s not about knowing what to write or a mental freeze—it’s the fear of risk. The fear of making the wrong decision.

They reach a point in their manuscript where they face a “fork in the road” and can’t decide which path to take. They all say, “What if I choose the wrong direction for the rest of my manuscript and it doesn’t sell?” That simple, but real fear, is what keeps them from moving forward.

The vast majority of writers have already thought through their book a dozen times before starting. If they hit a “block” it’s generally best to go with their final thoughts about the story. If they ask another’s opinion, they may elect to follow that advice, but if the book doesn’t sell, they’ll have lasting doubts about taking that advice or others advice in the future.

I tell most people not to worry about selling their book. Instead, complete your book.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My career has followed many paths. I began as a police officer in Los Angeles and later transitioned to roles as TV reporter, TV producer, and host for ESPN. I’ve also served as the president/CEO of a company and concluded my corporate career by directing three divisions for Sony Electronics EMCS-America.

Initially, I never considered becoming a successful writer or even a writer at all. However, after hosting a TV show on ESPN, I met a literary agent and pitched an idea for a nonfiction book. Although he was lukewarm about the proposal, he sent it to about a dozen major publishing houses. While some passed, deeming it no more than a magazine article, three major publishers expressed interest. The senior editor from Pocket Books flew to California to meet with me, and after discussing the book’s content, they signed me. This led to my first bestseller, titled “L.A. Secret Police. Inside the Elite LAPD Spy Network.”.

Since then, I’ve authored numerous nonfiction books, some of which have been quite successful and had their TV/Movie rights optioned.

Occasionally, I set aside writing to pursue other creative interests such as wildlife and nature photography. I’ve won several photography contests which was nice. I view photography as hobby..

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Confidence you can write an interesting story, knowledge of the subject you’re writing about, and being persistent.

Those are just three areas for a beginning writer to understand and accept.

Accepting criticism is also important. If the feedback is valid. Ask yourself, will the feedback help your project and improve your work. If it will, follow it. If it doesn’t dismiss it. Friends and family may not be honest critics, so seek feedback from impartial sources.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

This is an interesting question. My parents encouraged me to try new things and overcome the fear of failure.

My mother told me several times, “You don’t know if you’ll succeed in doing something, unless you try. And always try your best.”

My mother’s simple and clear sentence has always guided me. If you’re afraid to take a risk and try something new. You have already failed.

Take the risk, if it won’t kill you.

Contact Info:

• Other: All my books are available on Amazon and other bookseller websites.