Safe Enough By Lee Child

In the early 1990s, after fifteen years in TV production, I faced an unexpected career shift from directing to unemployment. Seizing the moment, I turned to my long-held dream of writing novels. My extensive background in television and literature seemed to prepare me well for this new venture. With a solid understanding of storytelling and audience engagement, I completed three novels, the first of which introduced Jack Reacher in 1997. Reacher's debut was met with success, leading to both a movie option and a request for a short story.

I soon discovered the world of anthologies and the nature of short stories. Unlike novels, short stories offered limited financial rewards, often making them a labor of love rather than profit. Embracing this, I began contributing to various anthologies, finding joy in experimenting with different themes, settings, and characters. The freedom to explore diverse ideas without the constraints of a larger narrative was invigorating. Despite the lack of financial gain, writing short stories became a creative outlet where I could write with abandon, producing what felt like very short novels. This approach, though unconventional, allowed me to explore new territories and maintain a sense of spontaneity and excitement in my writing. 📚❤️