Mary’s answer to “What was the most difficult part about getting your first book published? And if you had it over, w…” > Likes and Comments
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Very excited for this reissue! I found it surprisingly difficult to get hold of a copy of the current issue (Amazon had me on hold for three weeks before admitting they just didn't have any and cancelling my order). I'm curious to see what the new edition will look like.
Huh. That shouldn't be happening. I'll check with my agent and see what's going on.
Until a few months ago, I had read everything you'd ever written -- except for The Sparrow. When I first went on AOL back in 1997 the AOL book club members kept talking about the book and since Sci-Fi wasn't my "thing" I didn't pay much attention. But after reading your latest (and wanting more of you) I decided to get the library's copy of the book. What came to me was the most rumpled, dog-eared, disreputable looking paperback I've seen in ages - suggesting of course that it had been read by thousands! I was hooked after the first page, and the rest of the world passed me by while I was glued to the book. I loved every word of it, and I was dumb to wait so long. I trust your anniversary edition will be thoroughly and broadly advertised so a new generation of readers will take to it as I did. Thanks for your gift of words!
Laura, the publisher checked and Amazon should have plenty of stock. Maybe you clicked on the hardcover by accident? That's out if print, but the paperback is available!
Bobby, it's hard to know how much promotion will be invested in the 20th anniversary reissue. I don't have any input to decisions like that. All I can do is write something that stays in print for 20 years and hope the publisher is pleased!
Any movement on the film or has Mr. Pitt checked out of the conversation? Would be sad if he has.
OH, he's been out of the loop for years. And then in went to AMC and got past two hurdles to make it into a series but they decided not to develop any new scripted series that year. Believe me, you're glad. Hollywood always changes everything that readers loved about the story. EVERYthing.
Thanks Mary, I'll give it another go :)
Laura, you can also get signed copies of the books from an independent store near me. Order on line and Susanne brings them over to me to sign: http://www.macsbacks.com/mary-doria-r...
Hi there, just wanted to say that we just discussed this book at a country-club book club that I facilitate...an interesting group of highly educated people that's hard to pick books for, and the discussion was very engaging. I'd read the book when it came out and it was still very vivid to me; a real pleasure to re-read it. Incidentally, I live in the town where Doc Holliday is buried, but had to be out of town when you were visiting for the one book/one town presentation. I was able to sit in on a great book-club discussion of Dreamers of the Day a few years ago, at Water Street Books in Exeter, NH (that's a special place, with a great group, kind of an awesome focus group for a writer); they have read ALL your books!
One of my favorite books of all time. And having met you years ago at a book event I can say you are one of my favorite people.
Just finished the book and I have not been so excited about a writer in a LONG time ((writing is SO smart, funny and entertaining - rare combination). I read A LOT (chronic migraines, so I spend a lot of time in bed with nothing to do but read) and I absolutely loved this book. Can't wait to read more.
Hi Mary, would you believe I actually own TWO copies of The Sparrow - that's how much I absolutely love that book! I've enjoyed everything you've written since The Sparrow, but that one still remains my favorite. I love those characters so much. In all of your stories, thank you for your beautiful characters and taking the time to write such thoroughly researched, intelligent novels. Wishing you continued success in all that you do!
I can't believe The Sparrow got turned down by anyone. It was immediately good and even as an ex-believer and atheist, I found the religious aspects of the characters very compelling (quite the feat). When I at one point became quite angry with Emilio, I realised just how real a character he had become to me, and the others not much less so. I'm in the middle of Children of God now and wishing it was never going to end.
I love all of your books but The Sparrow and Children of God blew me away! My husband tells everyone about your book also :) Will you ever return to science fiction genre (although I'm not sure it fits in just any one genre :)
I recently read your book about the disaster at Calumet and loved meeting you virtually for our discussion (MI Bridge reading club). When I learned you'd written sci fi, I immediately reserved The Sparrow. Just finished it and look forward to reading the second book in the series. I have been a fan of sci fi all my reading life...and The Sparrow is up there with my favorites...ie Childhood's End, The Book of Strange New Things, 1984, etc! BRAVO! Terrific book.
So glad you didn't give up. I read The Sparrow soon after it was first published, and it was the first time I'd ever felt "hit by a truck" when it was over. I was awed by your storytelling. I reread it last year (the 20th anniversary edition) and was even more impressed by your skill at writing a science fiction story that felt so utterly human. Now into The Children of God and still awed.
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Laurie
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Jun 28, 2015 11:08AM
Very excited for this reissue! I found it surprisingly difficult to get hold of a copy of the current issue (Amazon had me on hold for three weeks before admitting they just didn't have any and cancelling my order). I'm curious to see what the new edition will look like.
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Huh. That shouldn't be happening. I'll check with my agent and see what's going on.
Until a few months ago, I had read everything you'd ever written -- except for The Sparrow. When I first went on AOL back in 1997 the AOL book club members kept talking about the book and since Sci-Fi wasn't my "thing" I didn't pay much attention. But after reading your latest (and wanting more of you) I decided to get the library's copy of the book. What came to me was the most rumpled, dog-eared, disreputable looking paperback I've seen in ages - suggesting of course that it had been read by thousands! I was hooked after the first page, and the rest of the world passed me by while I was glued to the book. I loved every word of it, and I was dumb to wait so long. I trust your anniversary edition will be thoroughly and broadly advertised so a new generation of readers will take to it as I did. Thanks for your gift of words!
Laura, the publisher checked and Amazon should have plenty of stock. Maybe you clicked on the hardcover by accident? That's out if print, but the paperback is available!
Bobby, it's hard to know how much promotion will be invested in the 20th anniversary reissue. I don't have any input to decisions like that. All I can do is write something that stays in print for 20 years and hope the publisher is pleased!
Any movement on the film or has Mr. Pitt checked out of the conversation? Would be sad if he has.
OH, he's been out of the loop for years. And then in went to AMC and got past two hurdles to make it into a series but they decided not to develop any new scripted series that year. Believe me, you're glad. Hollywood always changes everything that readers loved about the story. EVERYthing.
Thanks Mary, I'll give it another go :)
Laura, you can also get signed copies of the books from an independent store near me. Order on line and Susanne brings them over to me to sign: http://www.macsbacks.com/mary-doria-r...
Hi there, just wanted to say that we just discussed this book at a country-club book club that I facilitate...an interesting group of highly educated people that's hard to pick books for, and the discussion was very engaging. I'd read the book when it came out and it was still very vivid to me; a real pleasure to re-read it. Incidentally, I live in the town where Doc Holliday is buried, but had to be out of town when you were visiting for the one book/one town presentation. I was able to sit in on a great book-club discussion of Dreamers of the Day a few years ago, at Water Street Books in Exeter, NH (that's a special place, with a great group, kind of an awesome focus group for a writer); they have read ALL your books!
One of my favorite books of all time. And having met you years ago at a book event I can say you are one of my favorite people.
Just finished the book and I have not been so excited about a writer in a LONG time ((writing is SO smart, funny and entertaining - rare combination). I read A LOT (chronic migraines, so I spend a lot of time in bed with nothing to do but read) and I absolutely loved this book. Can't wait to read more.
Hi Mary, would you believe I actually own TWO copies of The Sparrow - that's how much I absolutely love that book! I've enjoyed everything you've written since The Sparrow, but that one still remains my favorite. I love those characters so much. In all of your stories, thank you for your beautiful characters and taking the time to write such thoroughly researched, intelligent novels. Wishing you continued success in all that you do!
I can't believe The Sparrow got turned down by anyone. It was immediately good and even as an ex-believer and atheist, I found the religious aspects of the characters very compelling (quite the feat). When I at one point became quite angry with Emilio, I realised just how real a character he had become to me, and the others not much less so. I'm in the middle of Children of God now and wishing it was never going to end.
I love all of your books but The Sparrow and Children of God blew me away! My husband tells everyone about your book also :) Will you ever return to science fiction genre (although I'm not sure it fits in just any one genre :)
I recently read your book about the disaster at Calumet and loved meeting you virtually for our discussion (MI Bridge reading club). When I learned you'd written sci fi, I immediately reserved The Sparrow. Just finished it and look forward to reading the second book in the series. I have been a fan of sci fi all my reading life...and The Sparrow is up there with my favorites...ie Childhood's End, The Book of Strange New Things, 1984, etc! BRAVO! Terrific book.
I'm astonished that The Sparrow was turned down so many times. I like (good quality) SF, and The Sparrow struck me straight away as original and different. I have heard of people submitting published masterpieces under false names and having them turned down, though, so nothing should surprise us any more.
So glad you didn't give up. I read The Sparrow soon after it was first published, and it was the first time I'd ever felt "hit by a truck" when it was over. I was awed by your storytelling. I reread it last year (the 20th anniversary edition) and was even more impressed by your skill at writing a science fiction story that felt so utterly human. Now into The Children of God and still awed.
