I was going to put a title on this piece that read Sexual Discussion NSFW, Pictures Included but chickened out. The title would have been a draw but then the content would not have lived up to the expectation. Y’all would boo and hiss and call me names and I just can’t have that. So why would I even think of a title like that? Good question and I’m glad you asked. It is simple really.I always wonder if the headline really works to draw in a reader. I suppose if I really was talking sexual stuff that was not safe for work and had a bunch of really steamy pictures I would get a few readers that I normally would not get and, therefore, the headline would work.
But let’s just say every day. Does my headline “Wednesday Story Day AKA Hump Day” cause someone (not you certainly cause you are right here reading) to actually read what is written? I wonder. I know if you read this blog because of the headline would you just note that in the comments section. This is not scientific, but what the heck. Can’t hurt. Yes, there is a story here and it is prompted by a sexual discussion. The picture part needs to be in your head and I will add that this story is SFW. It is titled Drug Store. I hope you like it.
Drug Store by John W. Howell ©2014
“Yes young man can I help you?”
“Yes sir. I have looked all through your store and am having trouble finding a Frisbee.”
“Oh son. That’s because we keep that kind of thing behind the counter.”
“You do. That’s funny cause you can walk right into a Wall Mart and get them.”
“Please. I really doubt that.”
“It’s true. Believe me.”
“Okay, I’ll take your word for it but in this store we keep all those items behind the counter. What brand are you interested in and are you eighteen?”
“Brand? I already told you. Frisbee. It’s used in the game.”
“Even at your age I did not consider the use of a Frisbee as a game.”
“They had Frisbee’s when you were young.”
“Well, they were not as colorful as they are today, but they got the job done.”
“Job done? I’m still talking about a game.”
“Young man you may think the act of procreation is a game, but I can assure you it is very serious. How old are you?”
“I’m seventeen why?”
“I’m not allowed to sell you a prophylactic unless you are eighteen. Of course, if you have your parent come in I can certainly help you.”
I think the title of a blog post is like a book’s cover. It’s what people will see first and draw them in to read the material. It’s more for grabbing new readers than working with those that are already following the blog.
Good twist in the story. I had no idea where you were going with it until the end. Was thinking cigarettes or some kind of drug for a while.
LikeLike
If I can keep Charles guessing, I am happy.
LikeLike
Yup. I’m always alert and . . . Ooooh. Ceiling fan!
LikeLike
LOL
LikeLike
To be honest, if I see the word ‘story’ in a blog title I tend to skip them for time reasons. I really should look at the word count before doing that, that way I don’t miss stories like this. Thanks John, made me laugh! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Bradley. Good comment. I think I might put the word count in the title.
LikeLike
Enjoyed the video!
LikeLike
I’m glad. Thanks.
LikeLike
That’s a little slower than the banjo pickin’ that I’m used to. Loved the story. Just curious though. Do you really have to be eighteen to buy prophylactics? If so, that’s about dumb.
LikeLike
Again a little fiction. If you can imagine the days when they were kept behind the counter, then no surprise on the age thing.
On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 9:27 AM, Fiction Favorites wrote:
>
LikeLike
I fall into and out of the loop so much I just didn’t know, really.
LikeLike
I’m not sure either. Maybe we should look it up. 🙂
LikeLike
The video was awesome!
LikeLike
kind of old school wasn’t it
LikeLike
Yea, it was cool though.
LikeLike
Gives a casual game of beach Frisbee a whole new meaning!
LikeLike
It does doesn’t it.
LikeLike
We had a guest from England several years ago. He was dying to buy a Jiffy Lube t-shirt. Over here, it’s an oil-change place. In the UK, Jiffy is a condom.
LikeLike
That would be like Americans buying a Spotted Dick T-shirt in the UK. Very funny.
LikeLike
Safe sex is to be applauded
LikeLike
Your story twists always get me, John. Wish I had had time to read this yesterday. My day might have at least started off better 😉 As far as blog titles, I like “Wednesday Story Day.” I like knowing that you are going to tell a story and that it’s Wednesday (even though today is Thursday). Bradley is right, though: some readers might skip the post, assuming the story is too long for them. Instead of a word count, though, you could call it something like “Wednesday Short Short Story Day.” I’m bad at titles of anything, but I hope this helps 😉
Happy Thursday or, as one of my colleagues calls this day of the week, Friday Eve 😉
LikeLike
Thanks Marie. I like the suggestion.
LikeLike