Benedict Wells had to endure four years of rejections. He spent four years trying to become a writer and moved from Munich to Berlin after leaving school. He worked during the day and wrote his works at night. For four years, he sent out synopses and novel excerpts to publishers - without success. He already considered himself a "failure" and was on the verge of giving up - until one day he got the redemptive phone call...
At the age of six, Benedict Wells went to boarding school and spent his entire school career there. After graduating from high school in 2003, he moved to Berlin. There he decided against studying and devoted himself to writing. He earned his living with various part-time jobs. Over the next four years, Benedict wrote to countless publishers and sent them his exposés. He was always waiting and hoping that someone would finally want his story.
There was only one publisher that Benedict never applied to: Diogenes, the publisher with whom many authors he himself admires are under contract. Benedict had once read that the publisher only takes on a new author every three years. Only every 9,000th manuscript - that's how many arrive in that time - would be accepted. Too hopeless to even bother applying to the publisher.
The personal low point
In 2007, Benedict felt the low point of his life: his friends were slowly finishing their studies and he had achieved nothing. He was about to leave Berlin and move to Edinburgh. "The social pressure on me to finally lead a 'normal' life was almost unbearable. I was determined to leave Germany, move abroad, wait tables if necessary and write until it worked out," Benedict said in a Spiegel interview.
Benedict was just waiting for a message from Thomas Hölzl. He had met the agent at a party a few months ago and he had promised to look at the novel "Beck's Last Summer". Benedict had poured all his feelings into this story. It reflected the despair, fear and hope of the last four years.
The long-awaited phone call
The phone rings. Thomas Hölzl likes the novel and wants to look for a publisher. But during the conversation, he too - Diogenes - confirms that it's pretty hopeless! Only a week later, the agent calls again and announces incredible news: Diogenes actually wants to do Benedict's book. Benedict would be called right away. The novel "Beck's Last Summer" is a complete success. The book is about Robert Beck, a failed musician with a secure job as a teacher - which bores him - and a chaotic love life. Until he meets an incredible musical talent in his class: Rauli Kantas from Lithuania. As the enigmatic boy's manager, he wants to give it another go...
A successful author today
When the novel was published, Benedict was 23 years old - the youngest author under contract. The novel was made into a movie in 2015. His fourth novel was published just one year later The end of loneliness. According to Benedict himself, he spent a total of seven years writing the novel.It is about three siblings who lose their parents early in an accident. A year and a half later, the novel made it onto theSpiegel bestseller listand is translated into 38 languages.For the novel The end of lonelinessBenedict receives theLiterature Prize of the European Union.
An exciting life story that shows that Benedict has made his dream of writing come true with a lot of talent and perseverance. Are you interested in more exciting life stories and careers? Then join us: From November 24 to 26, 2021, our Inspiration Days will take place. Let yourself be inspired by our renowned Speakers. We are looking forward to Benedict Wells being our guest again at the Inspiration Days.
Who? Benedict Wells, writer
When? Thursday, 25.11.2021 at 3:00 pm
teech Inspiration Days - Live and online!
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