What do you say when people ask you what you're writing at the moment? For example, you've just been asked that very same question and have responded by saying, 'Oh, I'm a writer! Thank you very much for asking!' with a look of genuine surprise and satisfaction, and they've then said, 'That is interesting. So, what are you writing at the moment?'
I've recently taken to saying, 'Well, I'm between chapters at the moment.' which seems to nullify them long enough for me to excuse myself and find another drink, or someone else less demanding to talk to, like my wife for instance.
This could be a rhetorical question, so forgive me if it is. Now that I've written it I'm really not sure.
I avoid owning up to being a writer because of that question. I tend to blush but I don't really know why. The worst question, mainly from my old dears is, 'Why don't you send off your book and get it published?' as if I am failing in my duty to become an overnight millionaire author. There is so much in an answer to that question, most sounding like excuses and they don't want to hear that kind of weakness. The only short answer I can think of is 'I have tried.' And they go silent, as I have obviously failed to become rich and famous. Perhaps I should take up knitting.
On a good day, sentences.
Words