Another very enjoyable piece, Rick! As you know, I wrote for an even lower rung sex novel publisher than Midwood, and I used to wonder what went on at Midwood. Wondered if I could make the grade at Midwood, and studied a few sample books I'd picked up. Sorry now I didn't try due to a lack of self-confidence, because I think I could have contributed too if there was any room in that small Midwood group for yet another hungry scribe. David Hanna sounds like a colorful character to have known, with his Hollywood background. After reading your piece, I googled Hanna and even found a Wikipedia entry. I'd love to find his Ava Gardner book, or his Hollywood Confidential. And if I had worked at Midwood, the friendship between you and I would probably have started sooner, no doubt, an additional benefit! In any case, your piece illuminates a vivid slice of writerly history for those who weren't on the scene at all.
Ha ha even then the world was so stratified. I haven't read his "Ava" book but it's probably pretty interesting. I'm not sure if too many people got to know her the way he did! I've got "Hollywood Confidential," it's amusing but a bit like a wax museum...
What a story, RJ, I think it IS a movie! Love those covers. I am sure I spent time reading those paperbacks in the book dept aisles while my parents were shopping...
Ha ha ha, poor Hemingway.
I remember the cover art well in my youth.
Could indeed be a film.
Nice piece!
Another very enjoyable piece, Rick! As you know, I wrote for an even lower rung sex novel publisher than Midwood, and I used to wonder what went on at Midwood. Wondered if I could make the grade at Midwood, and studied a few sample books I'd picked up. Sorry now I didn't try due to a lack of self-confidence, because I think I could have contributed too if there was any room in that small Midwood group for yet another hungry scribe. David Hanna sounds like a colorful character to have known, with his Hollywood background. After reading your piece, I googled Hanna and even found a Wikipedia entry. I'd love to find his Ava Gardner book, or his Hollywood Confidential. And if I had worked at Midwood, the friendship between you and I would probably have started sooner, no doubt, an additional benefit! In any case, your piece illuminates a vivid slice of writerly history for those who weren't on the scene at all.
Ha ha even then the world was so stratified. I haven't read his "Ava" book but it's probably pretty interesting. I'm not sure if too many people got to know her the way he did! I've got "Hollywood Confidential," it's amusing but a bit like a wax museum...
What a story, RJ, I think it IS a movie! Love those covers. I am sure I spent time reading those paperbacks in the book dept aisles while my parents were shopping...
This a movie.