Eight publishers turn down Newman

Robert Newman has revealed why he would rather be a novelist than a comedian.

However, his latest book was rejected by eight publishers and two agents, making him despair for his ambition.

He said: "Since I was a kid,this is the one ambition that I 've ever had. This is the meaning of my life.

"I do hope I can make a living out of writing books because this is the best job ...just sitting on your arse all day, smoking a fag, drinking some coffee and then making stuff up. Just sort of daydreaming."

His comments come in a new BBC2 show Scribbling, which follows his three-and-a-half year struggle to complete his third novel, The Fountain At The Centre Of The World.

But video diaries and interviews show that a writer's life is not always a happy one

"It 's a race to get the book finished before I run out of money," he says at one point - but he does finally complete the project, which only breeds more anxiety.

"It 's very, very weird sending it off to people," he says. "It just felt like sending my dirty pants. It felt nuts. You don 't know how it will be received."

The book is rejected by two agents and a publisher.

"I can just see it dribbling into the sand really," he despaired. "I wonder at what point I should start to get bitter for the rest of my life. I was 34 when I started this book, I am 38 now, just doing the final edits."

He find an editor who agrees to help him complete the tome, but still the title is rejected by another seven publishers.

Scribbling will be aired on BBC2 on March 10.

Robert Newman is currently on tour with his show From Caliban To The Taliban.

Published: 22 Feb 2003