I don’t use my Kindle too often. I really like it, but just
prefer a book in my hands. When I travel, however, it’s wonderful. I have a
whole library at my fingertips without the weight and bulk. So recently, when
traveling, I ran across a book I had downloaded some time ago called My Temporary Life by Martin Crosbie. It
was probably a free download so my expectation was not high.
I was immediately engrossed in the novel. As I was reading,
I did a little research about it and ran across this: https://vimeo.com/48898277
In the
video, Martin Crosbie talks about his road to publication. What was most
surprising was his inability to find an agent, editor or publisher for this
book after submitting around 130 times! I keep hearing this same story, over
and over again. It seems agents and publishers, if they cannot categorize you
in a specific genre, are reluctant to take a chance. Sure there are exceptions,
but this is most often the case. Unless you are very lucky and/or persistent
and/or a celebrity, you might as well save your time. It’s very disheartening,
to say the least. Instead of giving up, Martin Crosbie finally chose to
self-publish and became very successful. Okay, I’m off the soapbox.
I loved this book. It’s true it starts as a coming-of-age
story and develops into something else, a mystery, a love story, a thriller.
But he didn’t lose me. Instead I was pulled forward and in couldn’t-put-it-down
mode. It was clear, well-written and fast-paced with well-defined, rich
characters. I liked it so much I bought it in book form as well. Highly
recommend.
Kudos, Mr. Crosbie, for not giving up.
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