A Writer's Tale

Introduction

This self-styled “autobiographical chronology” is intended to give readers some of the basics about my life and some very detailed information about my career. Wanting it to be more than just an exercise in vanity, I have provided the sort of information that will give everyone a vivid, in-depth portrait of this writer’s struggles, disasters, and successes.

Though it is my story, it is the same in many ways as nearly every writer’s story.

General readers may find it to be a unique behind-the-scenes look at what really happens in the life of an author in our times.

It might be seen by my fellow professional writers as a travelogue of pretty much the same journey they’re taking themselves. Though none of us follows exactly the same route, we’re mostly roaming similar territory, running into similar adventures and mishaps.

Aspiring writers are certain to find it instructive, sometimes terrifying, and possibly I hope inspiring. Because it is the story of an average guy who wanted to be a writer, overcame plenty of obstacles, and managed to succeed beyond the wildest hopes of the kid who first sat down and tried to write a story.

This is not intended to be the complete story of my life.

It is a sketch, not a portrait. Plenty is missing. I only included information that I figured might be instructive or entertaining.

I based the earlier years of this chronology on my memories and on assorted documents.

Starting in 1979, however, the information is based on calendars kept by myself, Ann and Kelly.

The ladies have been keeping track of our individual and family activities on the kitchen calendars. From those calendars, I was able to find information on book signings, our trips, our social engagements, etc.

On my office calendars, I have been keeping track of my career. They provided very detailed information about how many pages I wrote each day on what story. And when I mailed a manuscript. And when it was accepted or rejected. I pretty much noted everything about my career that seemed significant.

Unfortunately, Ann and I have failed to locate my office calendars for two years, 1980 and 1985. We were able to fill in the gaps to some extent, but some interesting material is missing. Maybe those two calendars will turn up some day. If so, and if there are future editions of this work…Who knows?

In the meantime, here is more than you ever really wanted to know about Richard Carl Laymon.