What Goes Around: Michael Wendroff on Thrillers, Craft, and Reinvention

Global consultant turned debut author shares how he wrote a gripping thriller and landed Bloomsbury.

Michael Wendroff’s journey from global marketing consultant to published novelist is as gripping as the storylines he now creates. His debut thriller, What Goes Around (Bloomsbury), takes readers into a world of mysterious crimes, dangerous groups, and an unforgettable twist rooted in his own family’s words.

In this episode of The Author’s Voice with KAJ, Wendroff opens up about why he chose thrillers, the discipline behind plotting a page-turner, and the surprising parallels between business strategy and writing success. For aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and curious readers alike, his story offers lessons in craft, persistence, and creative reinvention.

Big Takeaways from Michael’s Journey

• From Business to Books: Wendroff always wanted to write but only pursued it seriously during the pandemic, turning downtime into a creative breakthrough.

• The Power of Planning: He identifies as a “plotter,” carefully outlining twists, red herrings, and subplots before writing—proving structure fuels creativity.

• Research that Resonates: Real conversations with FBI agents, detectives, and police informed authentic details and character depth.

• Feedback Matters: Early beta readers and family critiques helped refine the manuscript before it reached his agent and publisher.

• The Publishing Path: A strong literary agent was key to landing Bloomsbury and selling rights internationally, from audio to translations.

• Beyond Writing: For Wendroff, being an author is 50% craft and 50% marketing—today’s writers must embrace both.

Words That Stay With You

“To an author, these characters are real. You live with them for so long, they become part of you.”— Michael Wendroff

Watch the full conversation with Michael Wendroff on YouTube: