In the world of writers, there are two kinds: Plotters, and Pantsers. Those who pour days, months, or even years into figuring up just the right outlines for their stories are called Plotters. And then there are those who have a more fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach. These are called Pantsers.
Rebecca Zanetti is a Pantser. And it doesn’t take her saying so for one to see it. Her Pantser approach bleeds into more than just the writing of her New York Times and USA Today Bestselling romance novels. You see, being a Pantser is not the same as recklessness. It’s not a lack of logic or rationale. It’s seeing opportunities for what they are—especially when you didn’t see them coming—and taking advantage of them. It’s about making calculated, intelligent decisions regarding seemingly spontaneous events, or chance circumstances.
Somewhere between high school and becoming a bestselling author, Zanetti attended Pepperdine, earned her law degree, became an attorney, taught at North Idaho College, and even served as a speech writer for Ronald Reagan. When the snows of 2008 hit Coeur d’Alene, and going out of doors seemed nigh impossible, again, Zanetti took advantage of the opportunity. She sat down and wrote her first book. And she did so in true Pantser style.
“It was a truly horrible book,” Zanetti insists. “It was a Young Adult book featuring demigods, and it was truly terrible.”
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However, horrible as it was, Zanetti had done it once, so she went to work and wrote another, and then a third. It seemed like a long shot, but she decided she’d actually try to get a publishing contract for this one. It was accepted right away by her agent, and two publishers – something completely unheard of in the publishing world. She laughs when she mentions receiving a formal rejection letter from another agent shortly after her novel was already in production. Zanetti hit the New York Times Bestselling Authors list in less than two years after publishing her first novel. She recently finished edits on book 10 of her Dark Protector series, slotted to hit the bookshelves December of this year. She has published 15 novels to date, and is currently contracted for 9 more with releases scheduled through 2016 with her current three publishers.
As for living the life of a successful writer, Zanetti says she enjoys the enthusiasm of her fans and is often inspired by their stories. “The book signings are rewarding and exhausting,” she says, “and when somebody has stood in line for four hours to get a book, it’s definitely humbling.” Then she adds, “And I’m not going to lie. Being paid for making stuff up is a lot of fun, too.”
Her family is still her number one priority, however. She speaks very highly of them and their support. It’s not uncommon to find Zanetti in her vehicle, typing away on her laptop while her children enjoy basketball practice. She feels especially lucky to have the encouragement of her
husband, Tony. “He’s incredibly supportive,” she says. “How many husbands would’ve been just fine with their wife quitting a lucrative job as a lawyer to write paranormal romances – especially with two kids and a regular student loan payment due?”
As successful as Zanetti has become in her writing career, she hasn’t forgotten how much others inspired her when she was young; she makes sure to pay some of that forward. She speaks with fondness of her high school creative writing teacher, Mr. Ruskovich. “He was great,” she says. “He was a very good teacher, very creative, and fun.” Zanetti laughs as she recalls being assigned to describe an Oreo. “To this day I remember that,” she says, “and I was 14. So, yeah, he definitely influenced me.” – (That makes at least two of us).
To other aspiring writers she smiles, a mischievous glint in her eye, “Don’t be afraid to let the crazy out,” she says. “That’s where writing gets interesting.”
Rebecca Zanetti happily continues to write from her home in Hayden, Idaho, often sitting on her back deck in a comfortable shirt and yoga pants, instead of a lawyerly suit.
By Toby Reynolds
As Featured In: Winter/Spring 2015