In 1969, the year before Bukowski’s fiftieth birthday, he caught the attention of Black Sparrow Press publisher John Martin, who offered him a monthly payment to quit his day job and dedicate himself to writing.

Doesn’t mean he didn’t work hard. He did. But yes. He did get lucky. In 1986 he wrote a letter to John Martin, acknowledging that he got lucky. Thanked John for giving him that start. My story is straight. :)