So on a recent flight as I had proceeded to sprawl out in finagled exit row seat luxury, a strange woman of above average looking intelligence saddled into the middle seat next to me and opened up the latest John Grisham novel “The Pelican Boxers” or “The Firm Butt” or “The Wayward Client” or whatever cause after a while all his stories seem to run together and it becomes difficult to distinguish one great tale from the next but then maybe that’s just me cause I just happened to be reading Billy Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Furry” at that very moment and his novels seem to have a very similar characteristic.
Anyway, Liz, which I mistakenly took as short for “Lizard” much to her apparent chagrin, finished the book and laid it thoughtfully in her lap. I personally thought it was an honest mistake.
“So did you like it?”
“Well, actually no, because the bad guys win in the end?” she twanged with and unmistakable English or possibly Australian accent.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“I do believe you just did?”
“Ah, right, well, how many novels do you typically read in a year?”
“52.”
“Wow, so what types?”
“Unthinking pap, like this novel, or sometimes non-fiction … but mostly fiction. I love a good story.”
“And why? What do you get out of these stories?”
“I learn, I stretch, I grow, I see the world in a different light.”
“Ah, so I am writing a story and attempting to craft just such an experience.”
She muffled some laughter.
“So basically anything I say now might end up in your fiction?”
“Hmmmm, good question. Yes I suppose it might.”
“So what’s this story of yours about?”
“Well, the never ending quest for meaning in an absurd world.”
“Brilliant, when can I read it.”
“As soon as I finish writing it and assuming I’m lucky enough to get it published.”
“So you will write me up fondly if you do include me?”
“Of course, I will describe you as an exotic beauty with rare intelligence and the wisdom of a female Solomon.”
“Good!”
Are you playing the part in a story? What is it?
16 Responses
Poor William Faulkner~such irreverence you show to this man.
Poor Liz……..had to sit with you. lol
Nice blog jd….Fermina
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 9:06 am
ah but billy is a most talented writer … i only spoof that which i love
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 9:22 am
I’d like to think that I am playing a part in the story I might write; the great American love story. I know, that will make some chuckle and others vomit, but that’s how I see my life. I liked this . . . made me remember why I quit reading Grisham a few years ago, but he is good to listen to on CD on a long trip.
Laughs to you.
Daniel
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 10:03 am
AH thank you daniel … yes should love to read THAT story.
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 10:23 am
Nice changes to the site. I like how you have to fully open the blog to be able to comment.. it solves the ‘where to comment’ dilemma of late. The colors and little touches with the icons are really nice too.
I think the only story I am playing a part in is the one my kids will tell to their shrinks;)
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
ah just before they go crazy no doubt
and thanks fer stopping by
Maggie was a huge help!!!!!
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I thought the pelican wore briefs…
My life is absurd, all you need to do is hang out with me.
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
ah yes
as is mine ….
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 5:26 pm
JD,
Are you playing the part in a story? What is it?
I hope, I understand your question…
If I were to play a character in a story I would love to be a rebel bounty hunter. I would have my guns and knives to hunt down my wanted criminals. Sounds silly…
If not that I really would just actually like to write my own self-help book for people going through lawsuits with workers compensation. What to expect and what will really happen to you!~ hahahahah!
This is really nice JD!
Good Luck!
XXOO
Cheryl
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
thank you
bounty hunter, eh
you’d cut me some slack, right?
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 5:52 pm
JD~
If I were really a Bounty Hunter and you broke the law…
I think….once I got you in the handcuffs, I would give you a truth serum and ask you many questions about all your stories you have told over the years. I would make sure I have the evidence on tape to take back to all the other my spacers so we could harrass you even more than what we do…. I would then let you go in some unknown country you have not been involved with and set you free! You would be on your own to ravish the unknown land. muhahahahaha.
See I would make a very evil evil character in a book even though I am a sweet sweet person.
LOL!
Have a super Day JD!
Cheryl
Posted on April 2nd, 2008 at 7:03 am
yes i can so see you being the shaded bounty hunter …. not quite good … not quite evil.
just make sure that land has soccer …
Posted on April 2nd, 2008 at 7:06 am
I sway between heroine and supporting actress.
Can you write me into your book, JD?
Good layout! Much improved, and nice to see you chose warm colors instead of cool.
Posted on April 2nd, 2008 at 9:31 am
ah yes, you can be heroine …. kind of Crouching Tiger, Dangling Dragon style … and yes although the style will yet evolve still
Posted on April 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
So, Mr. JD, did she ever finish reading? Flights are long, aren’t they. And was the Sound and the Fury good? I have not read it. You have done well with Blunt Wit, yes Sir, you have!
Posted on April 8th, 2008 at 9:41 am
My life is a non-fiction book about penguins.
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