A story to inspire

[scullars]

Came across this story and thought it inspiring for those of us who've had the publishing door shut in our faces so often. Here is the link to the story at Yahoo:

<a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=680&e=11&u=/usatoday/20050104/en_usatoday/memorytriumphsoverpublisherapathy" target="_new">'Memory' triumphs over publisher apathy</a>

[drgnlvrljh]

Thanks, scullars! It's nice to hear the "underdog" come out on top once in awhile :)

[scullars]

I like how humble he is about the whole thing. And maybe he's right; sometimes success coming so much later makes it sweeter and keeps things in perspective. However, I'm hoping not to have to wait `til my 50's. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif" />

[arkady]

He sent it to ten whole agents and publishers? Either this article isn't telling the whole story, or he gave up very easily in 1988.

I'm also a bit put off by the fact that here was a perfectly salable novel that no one deigned worthy of notice until Stephen King said a few good words about it. I wonder how many other commercially-viable books are languishing out there in Newauthorland, destined to go forever unread because no mega-popular author mentioned them in newspaper columns.

The publishing industry keeps assuring us that it knows best, and that if a newcomer's work has any worth at all, it will be published. But reading a story like this one makes me more inclined to accept King's assessment that publishers have no interest in "novels that are neither 'dopey best sellers' nor 'dull serious fiction.'"

I wish Ron McLarty the best of luck, and I hope he enjoys his success. But since few of us will have the opportunity to record audiobooks of our unpublished manuscripts -- much less get Stephen King to listen to them -- I'm not too inclined to see this story as "inspiration."

[Greenwolf103]

I'm also a bit put off by the fact that here was a perfectly salable novel that no one deigned worthy of notice until Stephen King said a few good words about it.

Same here.

[aka eraser]

It's a nice story. I'm happy for him.

Unlike scullars though, I'd be perfectly happy to find success in my 50s.

I'm 53. ;)

[drgnlvrljh]

aka eraser, if you find success at 53, you will be a wonderful inspiration to me, as well. I'm 43 ;)

[Jamesaritchie]

I'd say this story has more to say about the power of Stephen King than anything else. There's either something missing here, of this guy didn't give himself any kind of chance to be published.

This novel may be great, or it may be crap. Whichever it is, I'd give credit to King, rather than to the writer or the novel.

[Nateskate]

Thanks for sharing this. I love hearing when someone that is overlooked, is finally discovered, especially in such a quirky way.

I must say this. Even though I haven't submitted anything, I do believe that talented people are overlooked. And as much as people say that a great book will find its way, I say much of it depends on how much fight an author has in them.

The submission process probably discourages many who would perhaps have found their match in time.

[scullars]

Eraser, not saying anything against the age 50, just the 10-year wait. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/grin.gif" />

I guess I'm inspired to see circumstances line up to give a writer a break (which doesn't happen often, I'll admit). I also agree that TPTB in the publishing field have a jaundiced eye and cannot see the forest for all the pulp that fills their desks (or maybe it's the $ signs in front of their eyes). Quality is no longer key, but rather marketability, as my agent has told me. To be told you write above the fray is no longer a compliment when it keeps you from being seen as marketable.

[ChunkyC]

The submission process probably discourages many who would perhaps have found their match in time
How true. I keep going (I will be 50 in October of this year) with the hopes that I will get published someday, but certainly feel like throwing in the towel sometimes.

[mr mistook]

hehe. I've got you all beat. I'm only 35. :) Told myself all my life that I'd write a novel when I was 40, so I consider myself ahead of the game right now.