40 Years Hard Labor

There’s no denying that since the trip took place in 1971, and this is 2014, the manuscript was a 40-year labor of love, give or take a few years.  I started this with my original diary and assorted recollections. The earliest manuscripts sprang from there.  I first started sending the book to publishers in the late 1970’s, perhaps six or seven years out, and the rejections poured in.  I almost caught on with Penguin Viking in 1983 . . . it was read by three different editors. But in the end, “I regret to tell you, Mr. Lobb . . . blah, blah, blah.”  Somehow, I felt compelled to push the envelope forward. After I finished every new draft I’d always think, “This is the one—now it’s finished.” But after another round of rejections I’d tuck the manuscript away for a few years, to let it season.  When I’d pull it out for inspection with fresh eyes, I’d think, “Now I know why this bundle of trash got rejected, you hack—there is so much more work to be done.”  And I’d go at it some more.  There's something to say for persistance when you don't have the talent. My “official position” is that I’m glad it took so long to get published, because the quality wouldn’t be nearly as high.  Pulp writers like myself use time as our ally.