Alvin Lim - The Dreamer

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I was in MPH 1Utama yesterday for a gathering with the panel judges of Junior Manga Challenge. Of course, we didn’t plan to have the “gathering” there, it was the place for us to meet up and go somewhere else.

As I was busy talking to my script writer friend about the chapter 1 draft of a story I’m currently writing (kinda long sentence -.-), I noticed that there was this 40ish guy coming closer and closer to us. Well, I’m not a paranoid person so I didn’t go shouting around that I’ve been followed. And well, it’s a bookstore anyway. =_=

So we continued our discussion outside the bookstore and this 40ish guy approached us.

“Sorry to disturb, but I overheard your conversation just now regarding writing and story telling, are you guys authors or publishers?”

My friend said “I’m a scriptwriter”

And he started to talk with eyes glowing with HOPE. I won’t tell the details of the conversation here, but it’s obvious that he’s desperate. He’s an author who couldn’t find a publisher to publish his books. He thought we know some publishers or maybe we’re from the same industry, and we can “help” him out. To be honest, if I’m really in that industry, I wouldn’t mind helping him to review his book. But I’m not. Neither is my friend - she’s a part-timer.

My friend started telling him that maybe he can approach the local editors or publishers. He disagreed and said they are nonsense, only write bullshit stuff and nothing good. The editors did not do their good job even after he paid them so much…bla bla bla. Conclusion - he’s good, and the rest of the world is not good enough for him.

And he wants to publish in UK and US, not Malaysia.

I didn’t argue with him since he got very excited and wasn’t in a state to accept other people’s opinions. So I just kept my mouth shut. To be honest, one should not think too highly of oneself. It’s good to be confident about your talents…….. but nobody can learn how to fly without learning how to walk first.

It’s not WRONG to defend his opinions, but it’s not RIGHT to be that egoistic especially when you’re desperate. I believe if he can just lower his expectations, seek those local publishers n editors out…have good relationship with them, and sooner or later, he will pull it off if he is really that good. Rather than thinking to earn millions, maybe he should earn hundreds first…and build up his “portfolio”.

And most importantly, stay humble and be open to other people’s suggestions and advice.

Oh and by the way, he later turned to me and asked me whether I’m a writer. I said “Oh, no, I’m in the IT industry. A consultant AND a programmer. Writing is just my hobby.”

He replied “Sure? Have you written anything before? Maybe you can send to me and I can help you review!”

I calmly replied “Oh, thanks but you know, projects coming in and out, kinda hectic schedule. I have ideas, but yet to start writing.”

And he just replied “Oh….”

And my friend next to me started to regret her decision to introduce herself as a scriptwriter. Hohohoh.