by J. R. Kruze and S. H. Marpel
(Get the whole story here, why not have your own complete copy? https://calm.li/WalkawayBlues)
IV
“Yes, they are all three based on fear, particularly the fear of losing one’s own identity. Some call this death, but there are other ways these days to completely change a person’s identity over time. Political parties often can get a person to do and say things they wouldn’t normally think of on their own. Mob psychology is a study just on those types of actions. You can see all three of those basic points there, as well as Cialdini’s six points leading up to that extreme behavior.” John returned to his coffee, but noticed this second cup was now running low. He frowned at the decision he was going to have to make.
“And I see that many of these are present now, in just your question of having a third cup. Are you asking yourself if it will keep you up tonight — or perhaps allow your inspiration to come more quickly? Will it throw you off your schedule — lose security? Or will that new story get you more income and approval from your editor or the buying public? John, this stuff is fascinating!” I was smiling now. Here was some tools I could use to sort out these problems.
John decided. He called over the waitress and asked for a large sweet tea to go. She asked him if he’d like a sweet bun to take the edge off that coffee and he agreed.
I raised an eyebrow at this — he saw it and smiled. “Yes, she used a sales tactic on me. And it will get her a bigger tip as a result. Even though I know I should get some extra walking in tonight, if only pacing my office while I work out a plot outline. You’re catching on quick to all this.”
“Yes I do think that this has some ‘workability’ to it.” But when I considered the amount of data I had to test now, I frowned again. “It just seems like ‘where do I start’ has raised its head.”
“Levenson used releasing, which is another way of just letting go. Like taking a deep breath and then letting it out. Often you’ll feel the body relax when you do. Something that doesn’t work is just like that — just let it go. Take one idea at a time and test it. If it doesn’t work, let it go. Just walk away from it.” The waitress brought his tea and the sweet bun in a small bag. John smiled at this, and leaned on the counter to pull out his wallet and pay the check. Of course, he told the waitress to keep the change.
When I turned to pay mine, I see he already had, leaving his mint for me as well. “So I’m supposed to do something for you now? Or should I just thank you and walk away?” I was smiling at him now.
John smiled in return. “Your smile is all the payment I could ever want. But if you do want to do something…” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a thin paperback. “Here, one of my recent stories. If you want, read it and go online to leave a review if you like it. Or not. Your choice.”
I accepted the book and looked it over. A western detective story. How quaint. “Or I could simply leave it here on the counter and walk away?”
“Sure. I would take that as a compliment as well.” He smiled. “Now to make this offer completely irresistible, I’ll autograph it for you.” He pulled out a pen, took the book from me and scribbled in the flyleaf, then handed it back. All smiles again. “Or — leave it and walk away.”
At that, he picked up his cup and bun, nodded to me and stood to leave. “Mary, it’s been quite an experience. You’ve given me another inspiration for a story that I have to get to my office before I forget the details of it. You’re a treasure. I do hope we can meet again some time.” He glanced outside. “Oh — there’s my bus. Thanks again.”
And he was out the door before I could say another word.
- — — -
But when I opened to the fly leaf and read what he wrote, it was obvious that we’d meet again. And now I had another reason to look forward to a follow-up conversation.
Because he wrote his phone number in there as well.
Part 4of 4 — Hope You Enjoyed This… Part 1 | Part 2| Part 3
(Get the whole story here, why not have your own complete copy? https://calm.li/WalkawayBlues)
Find more books (clean romance, cozy mystery) by J. R. Kruze
Find more books (cozy mystery, clean romance) by S. H. Marpel
And stay tuned for other serial fiction on Medium by these authors…