1980 My literary era

Founded in 1925, The New Yorker is an important comprehensive magazine in the American journalism and cultural circles. Its content is mainly non-fiction, including reports and comments on politics, international affairs, popular culture and art, technology, and business.

It also publishes some literary works, mainly short stories and poems, as well as humorous sketches and cartoons.

Richard Yates, who wrote novels all his life but could not support himself with royalties, had his works rejected numerous times by The New Yorker magazine. It was not until the ninth anniversary of his death that his works were accepted by The New Yorker. Published, and in the name of commemoration.

Most of the articles published by The New Yorker are humorous and capable. Richard Yates's realistic and cold style is incompatible with this publication.

After more than half a century of development, The New Yorker has become a well-known publication in the United States. It is highly respected by the American cultural circles and has many fans in Western countries around the world.

David Morris conducted an interview with Lin Weimin for more than two hours, which was compiled into a 15,000-word interview article a week later and published in the latest issue of The New Yorker.

"On a working day in May, when the clock reached 9:30 in the morning, Lin Weimin, a writer from China, opened the door of his temporary apartment in Manhattan, New York. He was a young and excessive young man.

He doesn't like to be interviewed, especially interviews by Western reporters. According to him, it is the different ways of thinking between the two parties that hinder communication. Of course, the most important thing is that he doesn't like what he says to become useless nonsense.

In his opinion, it is far less peaceful to hold a pen in the hands of others than to hold it in one's own hands.

For many American readers, Lin Weimin's name is not unfamiliar. In the past few years, American readers and viewers have increasingly heard and seen his name in various media, literary works, and drama works.

But readers don’t know much about this writer from far away China. This visit will give you a comprehensive introduction to this talented Chinese writer.

…”

As a veteran journalist with twenty years of experience, David Morris's writing skills are unquestionable, and the interview process on that day was also very pleasant. Reading the entire article shows readers a positive image of Lin Weimin.

Arthur Miller put down the newspaper and looked at Lin Weimin with a smile, "Lin, you really should accept more interviews!"

"Come on, dealing with these reporters is a pain in the ass."

"David Morris is not an easy reporter to deal with. He was generous with his praise for you in his article, which fully demonstrates your talent in this area."

Lin Weimin ignored Arthur Miller's ridicule and said: "You can decide the casting yourself. This play is being performed in the United States. I can't follow it from beginning to end. There is no need to intervene in everything."

Seeing his sincere attitude, Arthur Miller did not mention the casting matter again, and instead asked about Lin Weimin's schedule.

"I talked on the phone with China two days ago, and I won't be able to go back in a short time. I will stay in the United States temporarily during this period. I plan to take Huimin out for a while when I have time. I can stay in New York long enough. That’s it.”

Arthur Miller nodded and said, "That's fine. You don't need to worry about "Farewell My Concubine" for the time being. You can go out and play without any worries."

While the two were talking, Arthur Miller's home phone rang. After he answered the phone, Lin Weimin said goodbye.

Back at Dakota Apartment, Tao Huimin told Lin Weimin that someone called in the morning.

"It's Mr. Roger Strauss who I met at Anne's house last week. He wants to buy you a cup of coffee. What business can he have with you?"

Tao Huimin's language has improved a lot in the past month or so, but she could only understand Roger Strauss's words that day. If she understood everything, she would probably understand that Roger Strauss called him to ask for help. Lin Weimin means.

"It should be about the novel..." Lin Weimin explained a few sentences to Tao Huimin.

Turn left at 79th Street and keep walking until you reach the Hudson River at the end.

There is a cafe by the river called the Boatyard.

The wind blowing from the Hudson River is cool and soft, with a salty smell. The quiet docks are filled with yachts, symbolizing the affluence of New York City.

Roger Strauss was sitting in the open-air area of ​​the cafe by the river, wearing a pair of sunglasses and a cup of coffee on the table beside him, leisurely and comfortable.

But all this was broken by the arrival of Lin Weimin, "Mr. Strauss, you are really a person who enjoys life."

Roger Strauss heard the sound, stood up and said hello to Lin Weimin, then the two sat down, and Lin Weimin also ordered a cup of coffee.

"I've read the article in The New Yorker, Lin. It seems that the reporter was deeply impressed by your charisma." Roger Strauss joked.

"It's just good conversation, and David Morris is a very good interviewer."

After a few pleasantries, the topic stopped at a certain point.

After a short pause, Roger Strauss said: "Lin, I think you should know why I invited you to drink coffee today."

"You can probably guess it."

Roger Strauss looked at him and said today's purpose, "We at FSG Publishing House hope to get the publishing rights to your works."

Lin Weimin said calmly: "Mr. Strauss, my cooperation with Random House is quite pleasant, and there is no reason to change publishers."

“It’s not a change of publisher, it’s just an additional publishing house to cooperate with.”

Roger Strauss had obviously already made a plan. Lin Weimin looked at him in surprise when he heard what he said.

Roger Strauss was very satisfied with Lin Weimin's reaction, "Lin, I will never overestimate the influence of FSG in the author's heart. I came to you today just to find a suitable start for the cooperation between the two parties."

Roger Strauss's advance and retreat fully demonstrated the quality of an outstanding businessman. These few words even made Lin Weimin unable to find a reason to refuse.

You have a publishing house that you work with, right? But surely you wouldn’t mind having one more family, right?

"But... Mr. Strauss, all my works published in the United States have signed exclusive agreements with Random House." Lin Weimin said.

"But it's not all your works, right? Besides, you are still so young, future works..."

Roger Strauss paused here, and his meaning was self-evident.

Lin Weimin pondered for a moment and then said: "It is true that some of my works have not been published in the United States, but you should be able to think of the reasons why Random House did not choose these novels in the first place. Do you think these works will be popular in the United States?"

"Lin, the biggest difference between our FSG publishing house and Random House is that we are willing to accompany writers to grow together. You don't think that a publishing house that mainly focuses on literary works will have many best-selling works, right?" Roger Sturt Rouse smiled easily.

Roger Strauss's attitude was very pleasant. Lin Weimin asked: "You said so, I really can't think of a reason to refuse."

"Then your subsequent works..."

This is a question that Roger Strauss mentioned just now, but Lin Weimin did not answer.

Roger Strauss wanted to publish the novels that had been screened out by Random House. Without the restrictions of a publishing contract, Lin Weimin was naturally willing to earn more royalties, but if he wanted to get the publishing rights for his subsequent works, he would have to just A few nice words from Roger Strauss were not enough.

"Mr. Strauss, with all due respect, I can't find a reason to hand you the publishing rights of subsequent works." Lin Weimin said bluntly.

Roger Strauss was not surprised, and he was honest and fair: "Lin, if you are willing to become an American citizen, I am sure that you will win the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award within five years. Collecting three major mainstream literary awards."

"Mr. Strauss, I have to admit that your offer is very tempting..."

Lin Weimin's words made Roger Strauss's face flash with joy, "However, it is impossible for me to become an American citizen. Writers who leave the motherland are like rootless duckweeds."

Before Roger Strauss had time to be happy, Lin Weimin poured cold water on him. He suppressed his inner disappointment and continued: "That's right. You have already won the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Goncourt Literary Prize, etc. The Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award are nothing new to you."

He looked at Lin Weimin again, his eyes burning, "So, where is the Nobel Prize for Literature?"

Lin Weimin laughed, "Can you promise that I will win the Nobel Prize for Literature?"

Roger Strauss's eyes flickered, and he finally said: "Five years, within five years I guarantee that you can be nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature, but winning the prize requires a certain amount of luck, and I can't guarantee you that."

Lin Weimin's face was calm and he said in an indifferent tone: "Since Mr. Strauss you have read the report in The New Yorker, you should know my attitude towards the Nobel Prize for Literature."

Roger Strauss couldn't help but frown when he heard this. He didn't lie. He had indeed read the New Yorker report, but he never believed that what Lin Weimin said above was true. However, It’s just a trick to deceive the media and readers.

He has run a publishing house for more than 40 years, trained countless writers, and put many writers on the podium of major literary awards in the world, including the Nobel Prize for Literature. He has never refused to accept an award. Award-winning writer.

"Lin, it's better to win a prize than not to win, right? What's more, this is the Nobel Prize for Literature. What writer would refuse it?"

Lin Weimin nodded and said: "You are right. Maybe when the Nobel Prize for Literature is actually awarded to me one day, it will be difficult for me to refuse. The problem now is that you can't guarantee it, right?"

Roger Strauss was speechless. After all, the price was still not reached!

He looked at Lin Weimin with complicated eyes, unable to guess what the young writer was thinking.

Call him arrogant. He can refuse subsequent cooperation because he cannot promise the Nobel Prize. You could call him snobbish, but he refused without mercy any chance of being nominated for a Nobel Prize.

"Lin, if you nominate more, you will definitely win the award." Roger Strauss tried to persuade Lin Weimin relentlessly.

Lin Weimin laughed and said: "Mr. Strauss, winning an award is winning, and it has nothing to do with being nominated. Let's talk about the publishing issues of those novels!"

Lin Weimin's attitude completely disappointed Roger Strauss. It seems that there is no way to convince this young man today.

He took a deep look at Lin Weimin. Over the years, he had come into contact with countless difficult writers, and he would never be discouraged just because he was rejected by Lin Weimin once.

Experience tells him that as long as there is a glimmer of opportunity, things are likely to succeed.

He has read all Lin Weimin's works published in the United States, including his drama works.

Roger Strauss had never seen a writer like Lin Weimin who could both win awards and sell well.

Such a writer, Roger Strauss, is extremely rare even in the history of American literature.

FSG Publishing House has no shortage of writers who can win awards, but it lacks writers whose works can sell well.

Roger Strauss' eyes were determined.

This Lin is a treasure, he wants to make a decision!

Get excited!