“Writing a novel is pathetic and boring. Anyone sensible hates it. It’s all you can do to not play Snood all afternoon.” (100)
How I Became A Famous Novelist (2009) by Steve Hely is a fun satire about the publishing industry and the kinds of books that receive the most acclaim. The main character, Pete Tarslaw, is in his early twenties, out of college and without motivation or direction. In fact, he reminded me a lot of Rob Fleming in High Fidelity. Still hung up on his ex-girlfriend, he makes something of a living by writing essays for college and graduate school applications. “If I could have stayed in college forever, everything would’ve been fine.” (15) He hits his nadir when he is laid off and invited to the wedding of his ex-girlfriend. Determined to show up at the wedding as a success, and with nothing else to do, he undertakes writing a novel with all of the determination of those hungry for undeserved fame and fortune.
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