First Novel: A 35-Year Literary Odyssey

After a 35-year odyssey which included writing 44 plays, nine novels, and assorted poems, last September 2004 Ron McLarty finally got published at age 56. Top publishers in the industry all placed bids for The Memory of Running, his third novel. Viking, a division of Penguin Group Inc. (USA), won the auction with a two-book deal for just over $2 million. Warner Bros. has optioned the book for a film.

A writer at heart, over the years McLartysupported himself doing voice-overs, audio books, and advertisements. He was also an actor appearing on Broadway in Moonchildren (1972), Our Country’s Good (1991), and in the television series, Spencer For Hire, Cop Rock, and Sex and the City.

The Memory of Running hits the stores this month and is a fictional story about a 42-year old alcoholic’s quest for redemption on a bicycle trip across America. The publishing world belatedly discovered his book through a series of interesting events. A thoughtful audio book producer, a small town librarian, and novelists Danielle Steele and Stephen King had indirect influence on the book’s publication going as far back as 1988.

Looking back at the long road to publishing, McLarty says that writing has always nourished him.

 Two million dollars can buy a lot of nourishment. It just goes to show you what you can do by being tenacious, persevering and staying the game.