THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE WRITER

The other day a young woman asked me what I did for a living.  What an interesting question.  If I had to live off the money I make from writing, I'd be living in a garden shed.  On the other hand, it is through writing that I live.  So, in a very real sense, when I answer that question by saying, "I write for a living" I am telling a far deeper truth.

Then  I asked her if she was a reader.  "Oh, yes," she replied.

"And what sort of books do you like?"

"I love James Patterson.  His books are great."

"Are they?" I asked.

"Just great.  So entertaining.  I don't have to think about anything when...