Philistine

(Why do you love the stories you love? Their premises are strong. But how do you create a strong premise? Click here to find out on this week's Jared's Inkwell. -JMG)


Story Sent in by Sheila:

There was a small independent bookstore that I loved to visit and James offered to take me there as part of our first date. As we browsed, we chatted about various books and authors we liked. Then he asked me who wrote The Help. I said the name of an author that I immediately realized was incorrect.

Before I could correct myself, James clapped his hands right in my face, made a buzzer sound, and yelled, "Wrong!"

It so startled me that I shouted and jumped back. The bookstore clerk even looked up and said, "Shh!"

James turned to her and said, "But she got it wrong! Why are you pissed at me?"

The clerk didn't reply, and James advanced on her. "Hello? I asked you a question! You answer!"

The clerk said, "How about I call the cops if you don't get the hell out?"

James shouted, "I'd like to see you try!"

The clerk picked up a phone and dialed.

"Put down the phone!" James yelled.

The clerk said into the phone, "Hi, I'd like to report a disturbance at Poseidon Books..."

James knocked over a display and ran out. I have no idea if the cops ever caught up with him or not. I apologized to the clerk who told me I had nothing to be sorry about and then I went right home.