Ep 44: Interview with Rob Schwartz (The Wisdom of Morrie)

Few people (in my age bracket, anyway) aren't familiar with the perennial bestseller, Tuesdays with Morrie. Published in 2002, the book highlights the lessons passed down from Morrie Schwartz (a college professor) to his student, Mitch Albom.

Morrie passed away before the book was released (before a word of it was written, in fact). And years after his death, Rob discovered a manuscript in the drawer of his father's desk.

That manuscript would become The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively and Joyfully, released April 18, 2023 (Blackstone Publishing). 

On this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Rob and I talked about his discovery of the manuscript, and the decision for him to edit it and seek a publisher who would help continue to spread Morrie's timeless insights. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• How Rob discovered the manuscript (and the surprising condition it was in)
• How "easy" it was to find an agent and then publisher for the book given the success of Tuesdays with Morrie (this will surprise you)
• What Rob most appreciates about his publisher (it's not one of the Big 5!)
• Why “waiting” so many years between discovery and publication might have hurt (and, more importantly, might have helped!) 

ABOUT ROB SCHWARTZ

Rob Schwartz is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview and Melody Maker, among many others.

He was a script editor at NHK World TV in Japan for fourteen years and has been an Asia Correspondent for Billboard magazine since 2008. In 2005 he founded the electro-rock crossover label Dynastic Records in Japan.

Rob produces feature films, including Putty Hill (2010) and Bernard and Huey (2017); actively invests in tech-based startups; and is currently a partner in the virtual concert-creation platform Moshpit (www.Moshpit.Live). Rob is one of the producers of Onetopia, a benefit festival for mental health slated for May, 2024 (onetopia.com)

CONNECT WITH ROB

Website: WisdomOfMorrie.com

Upcoming Benefit Music Festival: Onetopia.com

Rob’s Instagram: @rob_schwa

Purchase The Wisdom of Morrie

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