Sergio de la Pava: From Public Defender to Successful Novelist

In 2008, Sergio de la Pava, a public defender in New York City and Rutgers alum, made headlines in the literary world with his self-published debut novel, A Naked Singularity. Despite being rejected by 88 agents, the novel went on to win the prestigious PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for debut fiction. Fast forward to November, de la Pava, now 53, released his fourth novel, Every Arc Bends Its Radian, a captivating detective story set in Cali, Colombia.

Behind the Scenes with Sergio de la Pava

Balancing a demanding full-time job as a public defender with novel writing is no easy feat for de la Pava. When asked about his approach, he shared, “The legal work is more urgent, so it always comes first. My life as a writer has no deadlines, but the legal profession loves deadlines, and that brings an urgency.” Juggling two contrasting worlds, he finds solace in the structure it brings to his creative pursuits.

Overcoming Rejection and Finding Success

Reflecting on his journey from rejection to acclaim, de la Pava’s resilience shines through. “The rejections definitely created a certain anger in me at the time, but I’m very fortunate now. My books are not the most commercial stuff in the world, and somehow, I get published,” he shared. His advice to aspiring writers is simple yet profound – focus on making art that resonates with you rather than chasing commercial success.

Influences and Inspiration

When it comes to his literary influences, de la Pava draws inspiration from the works of Nathanael West and Virginia Woolf. However, he emphasizes the importance of forging his own path in the literary landscape. “When I sit down to write, I’m not looking to replicate something that’s been done before, because there’s limited interest in that,” he explained.

The Rutgers Connection

As a proud Rutgers alum, de la Pava has a deep-rooted connection to the university. “Rutgers is a big deal in my house. I graduated from Rutgers, and so did both of my sons. And one of my sons graduated from Rutgers Law School—we have three lawyers in my family,” he shared. This strong familial tie to Rutgers underscores the impact the university has had on his life and career.

In a world where perseverance and passion are the cornerstones of success, Sergio de la Pava’s story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring writers and professionals alike. His journey from rejection to recognition is a testament to the power of resilience and dedication in the pursuit of one’s creative vision.