The Writer's Life 8/2 - Stories

How encouraging that so many Americans across the nation stood up for free speech by flocking to Chick-fil-A restaurants yesterday. Former Arkansas governor, current talk show host, Mike Huckabee suggested a national appreciation day. Kudos, although I suspect people would have have patronized the franchise spontaneously. I know I would have were there one in Brooklyn. The owner stands by his convictions, so steadfast in his beliefs as to keep the restaurants closed on Sundays, forgoing millions, if not billions in revenue. And it's been so much fun to see how apoplectic some leftists have become in their comments and tweets. They are merciless in their intolerance. Many would forgive violent criminals before they would those with religious conviction. By the way, as per usual in demonstrations by the right - no violence, no arrests, despite the crowds. Here's a pic of one venue:

I've written nine novels, six still unpublished, and more than 50 short stories, only a few unpublished. I wasn't sure I had any fiction left in me. I had an idea floating around in my mind for a couple of weeks and finally got around to putting it to paper this morning. I always do the first few drafts in long hand, maybe because it feels more like writing than sitting at a computer does. The tentative title is Paradise Lost. It's about the first argument between a couple, 62 and 55, dating six months. It's been about two years since my previous story, Oblivious, which made it into print immediately.

Viktor the Ukrainian stopped by the floating book shop today. "You know, my friend," he said, "I have job. One day I go this doctor, next day I go this one, Wednesday this one. This is my job." "What about today?" I asked. "Day off," he replied, chuckling. I laughed out loud.

And I had a visit from Ol' Smokey, who tears the filters from his cigarettes. He talked of brewing his own anisette. His financial adviser said he has only seven months of funds left on the annuity he inherited. Fortunately, he has Social Security disability. He needs it. His mind is just too warped for him to hold down a job. He let go this gem this afternoon: "I don't steal cars no more. What's the point? They're all made of tin these days."

I thank the kind folks who bought books today.

Visit Vic’s sites:
Vic’s Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic’s Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic’s Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic’s 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6 Vic’s
1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic’s Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f