Hungry Dogs with James Patterson Brad Meltzer Was Rejected 24 Times Before His First Break
Feb 18, 2026
Brad Meltzer, bestselling novelist and comic-book writer, reflects on 24 rejections and how resilience shaped his career. He talks about comics sparking a lifelong love of reading. He describes rigorous research for thrillers, creating owner-controlled comics, and the conceit behind his new novel The Viper. He also shares personal stories about honoring veterans and reading to President George H. W. Bush.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Comics Spark Lifelong Reading Habits
- Comic books were pivotal in turning both Brad Meltzer and James Patterson into lifelong readers and writers.
- Meltzer credits comics for getting him reading as a kid and later returning to write for DC and start his own creator-owned company.
Rejected 24 Times Before A Break
- Brad Meltzer received 24 rejection letters for his very first novel before finding success with his next book, 10th Justice.
- Two of the final rejections were positive; Rob Weisbach eventually bought 10th Justice because Meltzer had a finished book ready when Weisbach launched his imprint.
Started Ghost Machine To Own Characters
- Meltzer co-founded Ghost Machine to own his comic characters after learning Superman's creators were paid $135 and lost rights.
- Their first creator-owned title, First Ghost, features ghosts that haunt the White House.
