Every Midget Has an Uncle Sam Costume: Writing for a Living [Hardcover]

The author or coauthor of more than 80 books in a variety of genres, Bain is still not a household name. In this engaging look at his writing career, Bain introduces readers to the fast-paced life of a ghostwriter-a career that requires taking credit for not taking credit. Part chameleon, part businessman, Bain prides himself on his professionalism, his work ethic and his ability to keep his ego in check. Whether writing comedies, westerns, historical romance, crime novels, biographies, investigative journalism or novelizations of the popular Murder, She Wrote TV series, his attitude never changes. "Whatever I'm writing at the moment is the most important thing I'll ever write, and maybe the last." Ghostwriting was a side job until he hit pay dirt with Coffee, Tea, or Me? in 1967, a book that told the tales of two airline stewardesses and spawned three sequels. Bain's storytelling skills shine when he focuses on the people who have enriched his life and flavored his writing: e.g., the post-fame, alcoholic Veronica Lake and Candy Jones, who was his subject for The Control of Candy Jones, the controversial account of her 12 years as the subject of CIA mind-control experiments. Bain educates as he entertains by revealing his own writing habits and the machinations of the editor-publisher-agent relationships behind his writing projects. Readers will marvel at the diversity of subjects he's written on and his ability to convert nearly every opportunity into success.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

For anyone wishing to travel with a raconteur, a true renaissance man, this volume is your ticket for the journey. Murder mysteries, comedies, investigative journalism, westerns, biographies, Mafia novels: Donald Bain has written them all in a remarkable career spanning more than 80 titles as author or ghostwriter. In this book, which is both an autobiography and a key to becoming a selling writer, Bain races the reader along on the road he has traveled-from the sands of Saudi Arabia to the quicksand of Hollywood moviemaking; from Coffee, Tea or Me?, and the best-selling comedy series it spawned, to acclaimed biographies of actress Veronica Lake, and top model and CIA mind control experimentation subject Candy Jones; from the wildly successful mystery novels based on the popular TV show "Murder, She Wrote," to the most bizarre gang wars in our nation's history during Prohibition madness; as well as books on caviar, airline safety and stock car racing. Bain leads the reader into the publishing trenches, and introduces the fascinating, often strange people with whom he's dealt, relates experiences, funny and sad, from his long career, and celebrates having survived in a profession not noted for longevity. It will be an entertaining and informative addition to any creative writing syllabus.

"Don Bain is the only jazz musician I know who's also written 80 books. There's 'good vibes' on every page."-Jazz Great Lionel Hampton "Don Bain is the consummate professional, having written more than 80 books over a long and impressive career. He's an inspiration for anyone seeking success as a writer."-Bill Adler, Bill Adler Books "Don Bain really does write for a living, and he tells how in the book, a brisk, bright, anecdotal and name-dropping account of ghostwriting, press-agentry, broadcasting, making music, and staying one jump ahead of the wacky, wonderful characters who people Bain's world."-James Brady, Parade Magazine and author of Warning of War "As a devotee of Long John Nebel, Bain's biography of the legendary talk king was must reading for me. So this wonderful memoir by a man who has had a brilliant career making others look good. Thank you, Donald for finally giving up the ghost."-Alan Colmes, Fox News Channel "When there's a Writer's Hall of Fame, Donald Bain will have a golden plaque in his honor. With affection and a great sense of humor, his book has much to teach aspiring writers about the real world of commercial publishing."-Paul Fargis, President and Publisher, The Stonesong Press "I've known Don Bain for two decades, but it wasn't until I read this book that I realized I've spent my life trying to be him. Should be required reading for any life-hungry, wandering soul who thinks he or she wants to make a living as a writer."-Mike Levine, Legendary DEA Agent and Best-selling author of Deep Cover

Don Bain is a widely known and recognized media guest and will promote the book on radio and television and during lectures on how to be a writer. He currently resides in New York State.