Once…perhaps twice…there was an author who wrote the most interesting story in the World.
And he couldn’t show it to anyone.
Partly because, in the short time that he did, everyone who read it felt compelled. Some shared it. The author didn’t know. He’d read it first, his defenses were low, and now that was all he did…read, and sometimes sip water. He might seek out food once in a while.
This was, unfortunately, not an act of egotism. It was simply that compelling a story. The good news is that the people who read it found it SO compelling that they kept reading it, instead of going out of their way to spread it.
The BAD news was that almost all of them had at least ONE friend, ONE relative, or one or two people who really liked the story.
The might even look up more by the author, if they decided to do something other than read the story.
Which they totally might. And certainly COULD do. Anytime they wanted. Honest.
…you know, sending a story to one or two of our best friends, in today’s modern, beautifully connected, minimal-privacy Universe, is not a bad way for the story to begin making its way to everyone.
For quite some time, no-one in authority believed a story about basic fantasy and science fiction (as opposed to the usual made-up bits about economics and voting) would be that compelling.
So quite a lot of people in authority read it.
They’re resting comfortable, being cared for, and re-reading it. Just don’t try to take away their copy. Really don’t.
It was a great story. Fun, funny, interesting, made some sharp and unique points. I’d share, but for obvious reasons, no.
Besides, I doubt you’ll avoid it. It’s slow. But it’s coming. Someday, someone will send it to you. You’ll read it. That’s all you’ll ever do. You won’t even thank the original author, although you also wont’ kill him with a butter knife, which would not be wholly inappropriate.
In short: writers beware.
Words continue to be more dangerous that we realize, or are taught to believe.
Trust me, I know.
And now, I’ve got a story to read.
and then I’ve got that same story to read.
And then I’ll read it again…. but I’m sure someone will send it to you soon. Pro tip: send it to your boss, and she may be too busy to fire you.
Writing. It’s never boring, except when it is. It isn’t here, but I can’t–well, won’t–prove it.
Consider yourself lucky.
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Find me, paid or free as you choose, at patreon.com/thatjeffmach
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