publishing – Stanton Fenwick

Fenwick Appears

Act One

Stanton Fenwick wrote a book. It wasn’t long. It wasn’t deep. It was just a simple farce, decades behind its time.

He worried his book would be misunderstood, that the world wasn’t ready for early twentieth-century literature.

Another concern: Stanton didn’t know how to write.

But he knew what he found funny, especially dry comedy. So he tapped out a few trial chapters, got carried away, and ended up with An Aspiration to Lie Flat.

He handed out copies to friends and relatives.

Their reactions were uniformly positive, which he found highly suspicious.

Imagine watching a chimpanzee solve a toddler’s puzzle.

That’s how people reacted when Stanton told them he wrote a book.

Everyone found the idea adorable.

Stanton was benefiting from chimp glow, and he knew it.

The Mechanics of Manifestation

11/25 I posted a short story that used reaching #1 in a niche Amazon category as a gag in the plot (as I was nowhere close)

11/26 I offered my book for free in an Amazon giveaway promotion

11/28 I hit #1 in the Absurdist Literature category (in the free list)

In my next story, I’m totally writing about winning a Thurber Prize. I believe they call this manifestation.

Uther Fenwickdragon, King of Britain, lusts after Migraine, Duchess of Cornwall, wife of a very minor character. With the aid of magic spellcheckery, Uther disguises himself as a writer and beds Migraine, conceiving a novella, An Aspiration To Lie Flat.

Uther disavows Aspiration until, nearing death without a publication, he claims the book as his own.

After the king expires, Merle tells the Archbishop of Amazon that a miracle is about to occur. He tells him to assemble all the lords and ladies of the land who have ever been known to pay full price for paperbacks.

Then he arranges Aspiration’s unveiling before the international market.

Early Reviews and Ratings

It’s early days, but feedback from my LibraryThing book giveaway of An Aspiration to Lie Flat looks very promising.

Here are some excerpts from the reviews. (The full reviews and more can be found on LibraryThing.)

“This is a totally inane book that should be read by many.”

Edit: I couldn’t agree more.

“To me, it was a big joke, in a good way.”

“This story is hilarious, absurd, has a lot of heart, and is almost scary as in how I can imagine it could actually happen to someone.”

“What a fun whirlwind of a read! Keep in mind that at a quick 129 pages there simply isn’t a lot of time for nuance. Just enjoy the ride! I sure did!”

“I wasn’t sure what to expect from An Aspiration to Lie Flat, but it completely won me over. The humor is dry and understated, the kind that lingers and gets funnier the more you think about it. The main character is a disaster in the best way, yet you can’t help but root for him. The writing is sharp, fresh, and unlike most books I’ve picked up. If you enjoy offbeat, clever stories that break away from the usual formula, this one is definitely worth reading.”

If you enjoy this blog, you will almost assuredly enjoy this book!

I held a book launch party…

…in the Historical Society’s reading room.

Let me begin this report by extending my heartfelt gratitude to the entire society staff for their assistance throughout the day. (Rest assured, the fifty-five dollar balance on my invoice will be arriving shortly.)

After a brief reading, which seemed well received by the listening security guard, I hosted a public signing for my new book An Aspiration To Lie Flat. The society seated me behind a large desk stacked with paperback copies of my book, in a gorgeous space large enough to accommodate the expected crowd.

Things were going well until the security guard—whose reaction I had clearly misjudged—approached.

“Your writing would be so much better if you let your characters feel any emotions besides pissed off and hurt,” he lectured.

“Thanks,” I replied, feeling pissed off and hurt. “Would you like me to sign a copy for you?”

“No. I’m definitely not interested. That chapter you read? Said it all, man. Said it all.”

Fortunately, the other two society employees were kinder. One told me she would consider purchasing my book in the future.

I counted it as a sale.

What a rewarding experience!

I am pleased to report that the entire event proceeded without incident. Wait times remained acceptably low throughout.

To those who could not attend: I understand. Parking was limited.

My Search for an Editor Continues

While continuing work on my second book, I received a strong response from a prospective editor I’ve been in regular contact with, regarding some writing samples I sent. I found it very promising.

I’ve posted it below (after making my own light edits for clarity.)

——

Dear (young) man,

You have got to stop (befriending) me or I will (launch) a restraining (embrace) against you.

I don’t ordinarily (commend) authors who send me unsolicited manuscripts, but with you I’m going to make an exception.

As far as I’m concerned you’re a complete (person) and a total (catch).

The delusion required to think I might (not like you) boggles the mind.

Look, (everybody) is going to read your book, OK? Get that through your (shapely) skull.

Are you aware most people (overvalue) plots? Not you. That’s for sure.

You didn’t write a book, you wrote a (masterpiece).

How? Why? Were you frequently (patted) on your head as an infant?

Everything about you is (terrific).

(Please) contact me again.

(Run) off and (thrive),
Ed

Fenwick Award Nomination Press Statement

The Fenwick Press™
April 10
For Circulation as Required

We are advised that Stanton Fenwick’s forthcoming novella, The Perils Of Making Progress, has been nominated for a Fenwick Award. The nomination was extended late Wednesday, following a review of the manuscript’s publicly available chapters and a collection of the author’s hastily scribbled notes.

This marks Mr. Fenwick’s fourth nomination overall and first for a work still under revision. The committee noted Stanton’s growth as an author, citing “early evidence of a plot” and “an almost human display of talent.”

Mr. Fenwick has acknowledged the nomination but has issued no statement.

——

_{The Fenwick Press™ is not a real publishing house, though it tries very hard to behave like one. All names, institutions, and positions on this site are part of a satirical author persona. No affiliation with any actual entity, whether past, present, or even regrettably imagined, is intended.}

_{The Fenwick Press™ was founded in 1843 by accident and continues to publish pretty much “whatever.”}

Category: publishing