Cheever’s editor hated his novel and Cheever was like, “How will I pay back my advance!” And the editor said, “Well...we did...take out insurance on your life as part of your contract.” 😱😱😱
Also, apparently, Cheever was out drinking with some other homosexuals including William Maxwell and fell off a building and almost landed on an iron spike, and for the rest of his life, he thought Maxwell pushed him. But Maxwell was like, “it wasn’t me! I only thought about it!”
Cheever wanted to publish a story collection but the above editor was like “Love it. We’ll do it. When you have a novel.” Cheever got a British publisher to split production costs. His editor still said no. He bailed for an Encyclopedia publisher. The book was The Enormous Radio.
👀
Cheever got raves across the board, but then someone compared him unfavorably to Salinger’s NINE STORIES, and he spiraled. Which, relatable.
Cheever’s longtime simmering resentment of Salinger...yes.
OH YOUTH AND BEAUTY 🗣🗣🗣
THE FIVE-FORTY-EIGHT 🗣🗣🗣
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