Ask Abbey
Imagine, if you will, you find this letter in an advice column that you happen to be scanning. Then it will make sense.
Dear Ask Abby,
I’m a writer who is working on several projects at once to no avail. My boss came up to me the other day and wanted me to add another short story to my pile of work. I wasn’t given much of an option to say no, so I’m stuck having to come up with another idea for a short story.
I’m tired of writing in cryptic ways about our political situation in the United States and I’m tired of meditating on life’s lessons in order to come up with a fantastical statement on human nature. I can’t seem to come up with an idea that will stick in my head and interest. I’ve read just about every book for writers with prompts and advice and I’ve spent most of my time sitting in cafés and restaurants in order to pick up pieces of odd conversation or any ideas. My notebooks are filled with observations and I’m loosing sleep with the possibilities. But, I still cannot find anything to write a story about.
I wish my boss would actually do some work instead of sticking it on his lackeys. I’m tired of having to come up with another idea so he can use it for his own. I’m not the only one having this problem and if I had less to lose from being fired, I would completely stand up to him. I think I’m the only one in my office who has the guts to do so. Perhaps I should write a story about the small and mighty going up against the establishment. And I might if I wasn’t positive it wouldn’t be mistakenly considered a statement on American society and politics.
Which is another thing I hate. I’m sick of the media taking over the position for a fiction writer. They always get more space than I do for marketing and sales. How many newspapers do you read versus how many books? For heaven’s sakes you are in a newspaper! And television is really taking over. I don’t even know if it’s worth my time to be perfecting my craft. I was lucky enough to get a job with this useless B.A. in English and Masters in Creative Writing. Now I’ve got a boss I’d rather kill!
Which brings me to my problem. I need ideas fast. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Nonplussed Novelist
