The Passionate Pitch

Literary conference. Man grabs agent by the sleeve. 'My book — it's about loneliness, the human condition, three generations of women in postwar France!'

Agent: 'Sounds compelling. Send me the first three chapters.'

Man: 'There are no chapters yet. But the FEELING is all here.' Taps chest.

Agent: 'So... you haven't written it.'

Man: 'Writing is a formality. The SOUL is ready.'

Agent: 'Sir, this is the fourth year you've pitched me the same soul.'

Man: 'Fifth. And the women are now in postwar Spain.'

Agent: 'What changed?'

Man: 'Flights to Paris got expensive.'