“I have been thinking all morning, and my fingers won’t move. All the thoughts in the universe are flowing through my mind simultaneously, but I can’t get half a word on paper.” Robert tells his literary agent.

“You’re using paper?” His agent responds.

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There is silence. Robert is so sick of stupid people, but he has to try to remember to be nice. It’s hard for him. As he’s gotten older, there is a lot less patience, and unniceness can emerge.

“I was being figurative, or it’s an analogy, or something.” He responds.

There are things he likes about having an agent and the help of a publishing firm. It’s a sense of validation and mutual interest. It has actually been his biggest motivator. That business relationship, where there are responsibilities, and expectations. It’s worth dealing with the foibles of others. He’s aware that he certainly has issues as well.

“What’s happening, something holding you up?” The agent asks.

“I’m trying to figure out if I should do something new, or rework old stuff.” Robert replies.

“Didn’t you say you had some essays you wanted to get to; reread and maybe tighten them up?” The guy says.

“Yes, those are there. I figured I’d get to those between other books. You know, as a quick follow-up in case something goes well. I can capitalize on the success of the previous thing. Like that.”

“Go through those. Get that ready.” The agent says. “You have to get something done now. While you’re tightening all that up, stuff will start to click on this book. But once you start those, don’t stop till they’re complete. That’s my input. That will get you going, and you’ll have something I can report to the underwriters. Win, win.”

“They care about essays and philosophizing and all that?” Robert asks.

“They get it. They get vehicles and techniques and all that.” Is the response.

“Maybe you’re right, maybe it’s what I need. Maybe having that unfinished is bothering me, too.” Says Robert.

“Go get on it. I’ll call next Monday. Good luck, have fun.” He hangs up.

351 Words.

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