I would like to tell everyone about "ESTIPAC", an unpublishedmanuscript by M. Moreno Robins.
I had a very unsatisfactory mission. Most of the painful episodeswere very much related to the fact that I am rebellious andindependent. Some problems came directly from not understanding theMexican culture. And some can be attributed to my physical condition.There were other painful episodes that make me look back and wonder ifit was all worth it .& .& . and I end up shaking my head and resolvingnot to think about it anymore.
The first novel I published was called "Waiting for the Flash." Itwas an attempt to relive my mission and maybe resolve some things andcome to feel more comfortable with it. In a way it did help me to putthe whole thing to rest, but it was still painful if I ever ran into asituation that brought it up again.
My oldest boy was born about nine years ago, and I gave a copy of"Waiting .& .& ." to the pediatrician as a gift to thank himfor his efforts. On our next visit he gave me a manuscript he hadwritten called, "Estipac." It ends up Dr. Robins had been both amissionary in Mexico when my father was a missionary there and amission president shortly after I left my mission there. His story,"Estipac," is the story of opening a village to the missionaries.Intertwined are history lessons and lessons about Mexican culture thathelped me understand that confusing period in my life. I was verygrateful that he let me read the manuscript, so to express mygratitude I type-set and handbound a copy. As soon as he saw it heordered thirty more.
I want to mention this manuscript because it was very valuable to me.It helped me feel more comfortable with my mission. I also want toshow what is my vision for an alternative press for Mormon literature.This manuscript would not stand a chance at a traditional press. Thepotential audience is too narrow, and the quality of the writing isnot good enough. But still, it is a valuable piece of work. Itdeserves to be made into a perminant record.
I envision this alternative press as a small run press whereindividual authors could pay to have a limited number of books printedand bound. And then the author could have a number of copies to sellor give as gifts. Perhaps two extra copies could be made for an AMLlibrary.
Paris Anderson Copyright © 2002 Paris Anderson < parisander@freeport.com >