Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell

 

a crazy author

Wednesday story day again. As you may recall Charlotte was at a point of frustration with the idea that Bob would think a well-known author would steal his material. Charlotte asks Bob to excuse her while she makes a phone call. Bob goes out in the hall. Here is where we join Charlotte on the phone.

“Hello, Melissa?”

“Yes, Charlotte. How are you?”

“I have Bob here and I’m trying to help him with his manuscript as I promised.”

“How is it going?”

“Well, the reason I called was to ask if are you aware Bob thinks Hemingway stole his story?”

“Oh yes. He told me that a couple of times. It’s that fish story. Right?”

“Um yes, he mentioned the fish story which Hemingway titled “The Old Man and the Sea.”

“Yeah, I think Bob called it “The Dumb Old Dude and the Shark.”

“Melissa. You know Bob is delusional don’t you?”

“If you mean he’s a writer then yes I know.”

“No I mean I think he needs help.”

“That’s why I asked you to help him become a famous author.”

“Melissa I think he has more problems to overcome before he becomes a famous author.”

“Like what Charlotte?”

“Like he doesn’t want his manuscript typed. He thinks it is a piece of art.”

“I have to agree with him. Have you seen his handwriting? It takes your breath away.”

“Melissa. You need to concentrate. I promised to help Bob, but I think he is too far gone.”

“Oh, Charlotte. Come on now. You are the best. You can do it. I have faith in you. Just like that time you were out overnight with that Davis boy and your parents called me and I lied to protect you. I think this little favor is right up there with saving your butt. Goodbye, Charlotte. Nice talking.”

“Hello, Melissa. Hello. Damn, she’s gone.”

“May I come back. It sounded like you were finished with your call.”

“Sure Bob come back in. Oh my gosh.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Everything. Let’s start reading the first chapter.”

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

19 thoughts on “Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day”

  1. I can’t imagine how poor Charlotte is going to last very long. 🙂
    Bob is reminding me of years i spent editing documents for groups of medical doctors who were also government executives. (Imagine that frightening combination in one person if you can then multiply it into a group of them…) Now throw in one or two MD/Fed-Excs who were also “IT” guys…
    Fun in the editing lane! But i miss it — sort of a comedy. That was better than what i have in DC — HP Lovecraft horror. 😈
    Great episode, John. Happy Wednesday. Off to the office.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Well, authors are crazy to some extent. Hand Bob a bottle of Jack Daniels (can be filled with Diet Coke) and hope for the best? I sense Melissa isn’t on Charlotte’s holiday card list any more.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. That must have been some all-nighter with the Davis boy for Charlotte to feel she’s in debt to Melissa. And Melissa sounds just as delusional as Bob! Charlotte is in a real pickle 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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