Maggie Thrash: On Writing 10 Major Drafts
Maggie Thrash is the author of the critically acclaimed graphic memoirs, Honor Girl (a Los Angeles Times Book Prize nominee) and Lost Soul, Be At Peace, as well as two novels for young adults. Born and raised in Atlanta, she lives in New Hampshire. Follow her on Instagram.
Maggie Thrash
In this interview, Maggie discusses the process of writing her new literary thriller (and her debut novel for adults), Rainbow Black, the value of a good editor, and more!
Name: Maggie Thrash
Literary agent: Stephen Barr, Writer’s House
Book title: Rainbow Black
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Release date: March 19, 2024
Genre/category: Legal thriller, literary fiction
Previous titles: Honor Girl; Lost Soul Be At Peace
Elevator pitch: Rainbow Black is a legal thriller about queer identity and American media set during the late-1980s Satanic Panic.
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What prompted you to write this book?
My father is a federal judge, so I think I naturally see the world through a legalistic lens. But I’m also very dramatic. I love gossip and Lifetime movies. So, I wanted to write a legal thriller that married high drama with meticulous procedure. Inside the courtroom, you can have the wildest, bloodiest, most deranged criminal drama playing out, but all the characters are restrained by their roles (prosecutor, defendant, judge, jury, etc.).
Historically, queer people know exactly what it’s like to be confined to playing a role in public. We’re used to feeling constantly judged as though our inner lives are on trial. The law and queerness share a deeply contentious, unresolved history. With Rainbow Black I wanted to show that.
How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?
Rainbow Black took 14 years to write. As I grew up, the book grew up with me. At one point I deleted the whole thing, keeping only the main character and the setting of New Hampshire. It went through at least 10 major drafts.
Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?
In 2021 my agent brought on an editor, Genevieve Gagne-Hawes. Gen opened my eyes to how intensely impactful a great editor can be. A truly great editor doesn’t just make the book better; they make the author a better person.
Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?
As the years went on, Rainbow Black became less cynical. I became less afraid of the gooeyness of real emotion. I surprised myself in how raw and earnest I was capable of being.
What do you hope readers will get out of your book?
I hope they get a fantastic reading experience. I wrote Rainbow Black for readers who are bored, for readers who are searching for something gripping and complicated.
If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?
Don’t listen to advice from authors. Figure out what works for you and do it!
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