Sheldon Siegel Books

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Sheldon Siegel is an American author that writes mysteries and legal thrillers. He attended the Boalt Hall School of Law (University of California at Berkeley) before opening a private practice that kept him busy for the next two decades.

But writing was in his blood, and eventually, the itch to tell stories grew too strong for Siegel to ignore. The author was in high school when he decided he wanted to write fiction. He cannot remember the reasons that ignited the desire.

But he entered the publishing arena much later in life than he would have preferred. Siegel was approaching his 40th birthday by the time he finished the first draft of his first novel.

The author did not have a background in writing. He studied Accounting at the University of Illinois (Champaign). Then Siegel turned his attention to corporate and securities law.

Because he had abandoned his writing endeavors after leaving high school, Siegel approached his first novel cautiously. He spent ten weeks in a creative writing class.

His tutors (Michael Nava and Katherine Forrest) taught Siegel everything he needed to know about structure and plotting. The lessons he learned shaped ‘Special Circumstances,’ his debut novel.

Additionally, the author met other aspiring writers in the class, fellow students who continue to read and critique his work today. Siegel is not afraid to return the favor.

The author encourages struggling writers in the initial stages of their careers to start by writing a book. Publishers and agents are too busy to entertain aspiring writers without completed manuscripts.

Aspiring writers should only seek out an agent once they have confidence in their manuscript. Although, Siegel is quick to dissuade people from believing they need personal connections with established authors and bookstore owners to get their big break in publishing.

Siegel was lucky. He met his agent through an attorney at his law firm. And once she read his manuscript and concluded that she liked it, Margret McBride spent the next few weeks reaching out to publishing houses.

But Siegel does not want aspiring writers to assume that their publishing journeys will mirror his. They should craft their own path to success.

The author’s writing process starts with a general idea. Then, he turns his attention to the narrator’s voice. Eventually, Siegel considers the transformation his protagonists will undergo as they overcome various challenges.

He will list all the significant characters, briefly describing each one before finally making an outline of the story. Siegel doesn’t sit down to write until he knows the beginning and the end, not to mention the major plot twists.

The author wrote ‘Special Circumstances’ during his regular commute on a ferry. At the time, he wanted to prove that he could write a novel. He had no idea that ‘Special Circumstances’ would draw him into publishing.

Best Sheldon Siegel Books

The author doesn’t spend all his time teaching. He has garnered a solid reputation as a gifted speaker and teacher. Siegel’s best books include:

Special Circumstances: Mike Daley had too much on his plate. The ex-priest and ex-public defender was once a partner at a prestigious law firm. But now, he was starting from scratch on the wrong side of town, trying desperately to get his practice off the ground.

The last thing he wanted was to dip his toes into a case involving a double murder. But his best friend was in trouble. Daley had to intervene. However, keeping the man out of prison meant pitting his wits against the very law firm that fired him.

Fortunately, Daley is not afraid of a challenge. His stubborn streak won’t let him quit. However, now that he’s digging, dirty secrets are starting to emerge.

Incriminating Evidence: Gates and Daley are not friends. Gates got Daley fired from a prestigious law firm. But now the shoe is on the other foot. Gates woke up next to the remains of a male prostitute, and the SFPD could not wait to crucify him.

The prosecutors won’t stop until they secure the death penalty. Gates’ only hope is Daley.

The struggling attorney was surprised when he got the call. Daley doesn’t know if he believes Gates’ story. But that doesn’t matter. He will defend his client no matter the cost.

When Does The Next Sheldon Siegel book come out?

Sheldon Siegel doesn't seem to have an upcoming book. Their newest book is Last Dance and was released on March, 29th 2024. It is the newest book in the Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Mystery Series.

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