28. 1924:
Rapid City, Man.    December 7, 1924

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Dear Mr. Phelps,

Another year has gone by; and I am still at the same point. That is, I have not been able to secure a publisher for any of my books. And yet I have meanwhile written two more. I have tried very hard to write that would offer a chance with the general public; but it seems I am unable to do so.

However, I have a new, short novel (about 80,000 words) which I am half-thinking of entering for a novel competition. It deals, like all my fiction, with the little, insignificant things: children who do not want to go to school, girls who want to be better dressed than they are, etc.

The only person who, so far, knows the book, says that these trivialities have, in it, been invested with the dignity of tragedy. I should like, before I do anything about publishing, to have somebody read it who is not as closely related to myself as is that particular person. I, naturally, in that connection, thought of you once more.

Now, if this is a chore for you; or if for any reason whatever it is unwelcome, please don't hesitate saying so. If you wish to, however, let me know and I shall send you an Ms. Since I am going to try the U.S.A., I shall have to use the same Ms. which I could send you for that competition (no doubt you know about it: Associated Readers). But there is still lots of time for entering.

Hoping that you and Mrs. Phelps are both well, I remain,

Sincerely Yours,
F.P. Grove