When Utah‑born writer Eli McCann finished his first novel, Stitched, he faced a familiar publishing warning: the industry was “sexist” and “ageist,” and his story about older women quilters would be an uphill battle. Undeterred, McCann kept his vision, refusing to rewrite the book to feature younger protagonists, romance plots, or a coastal setting.
Sticking to the original vision
McCann’s characters are drawn from his mother’s quilting circle, Common Threads, a tight‑knit group of older women in Ogden who have been quilting together for decades. He says the novel is a love letter to his mother and her friends, celebrating the strong relationships and humor that arise in a community that feels like family.
After a year of submissions, a Utah publisher, Torrey House Press, finally embraced the manuscript. McCann then turned to TikTok, posting a video explaining why he wrote the book. The clip went viral, prompting a flood of emails from Hollywood producers eager to read the manuscript and discuss potential screen adaptations.
From bestseller to Hollywood buzz
Released on September 8, Stitched entered the New York Times paperback trade‑fiction bestseller list at No. 5, alongside titles such as “Theo of Golden” and “Dungeon Crawler Carl.” The book’s success reflects a growing appetite for stories that highlight ordinary, faith‑centered families and the value of intergenerational bonds.
McCann, who also writes a humor column for The Salt Lake Tribune, says he hopes readers come away with a deeper appreciation for cultivating strong relationships. “More than comedy, it’s about the importance of showing up for one another,” he told The Salt Lake Tribune.
Local impact and broader relevance
The novel’s rise underscores the power of local stories to resonate nationally. By portraying older women as vibrant, complex individuals, McCann challenges industry stereotypes and affirms the worth of Utah’s cultural contributors. His success offers encouragement to other regional writers who may feel pressured to conform to mainstream publishing trends.
As talks with directors, actors, and producers continue, McCann remains focused on honoring the women who inspired his work. “They’ve been quilting and working on projects together for decades, and they all know each other incredibly well,” he said. “I want readers to feel better about the world and invest in the relationships that matter.”
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
