"Dot on the Horizon"

Short Fiction, by C.J. Heck

“A Dot on the Horizon”
A short story by C.J. Heck

“Do you really believe your life is nearly perfect?”

Children’s Author, Sadie Alexander, was silent, thinking about the interviewer’s question. Then like a bolt of lightning, the affirmation came.

"Absolutely, Jacob"

She'd known Jacob Perry for years, ever since he interviewed her when her first book was published twelve years ago. In those days, he was a lowly staff writer for the Local Happenings section of the newspaper.

Jacob had a unique way of touching his readers’ hearts though. He could write about dogs and cats currently at the animal shelter wanting love and a forever home, and a line would form at the shelter before the doors even opened the next business day.

With equal panache, JP could describe the newest float for the 4th of July parade in such stunning detail, people could hardly wait to show up for the day’s festivities.

Along with her first interview, JP had written a nice blurb about her book, too. During the intervening years, he had been promoted at the newspaper. Now his well-written articles were routinely making it to the Society Page. Once in a blue moon, one would even show up on the Front Page.

When Sadie’s second book was released six years ago, he did another amazing job with a second Author interview and book blurb. Now, she would test him once more with her third book and …

"… be more perfect, Sadie?"

Sadie was so lost in thought, she missed JP's last question. She mentally slapped herself and smiled, trying to think of a tactful way to get him to repeat the question.

"Hmmm … let me think about that, Jacob. Give me a few minutes, then ask again, will you?"

Jacob followed with a few generic questions most people usually want to know about a new book and its Author, which she answered candidly.

—>Yes, she adored writing for children.
—>Yes, inspiration came from her daughters, grandchildren, or siblings.
—>Yes, she was already planning books four, five, and six.
—>No, they didn’t have titles yet.

There were a few surprise questions, but she was prepared, so her answers flowed like marbles on a wooden floor.

Then, JP asked the lost question again, "Sadie, very few people can say their life is close to perfect, yet you say yours is nearly so. What would make yours be more perfect?"

Thankful for another chance at the question, and grateful she didn't have to admit she hadn't heard him the first time, Sadie answered.

"I finally know what I want to be when I grow up, JP. All my life, I've struggled with it. I've worked a host of different jobs, learned new skills, and, well, it's like trying on hats in a department store. None of them ever seemed to fit me right. Then one day I started to write and everything changed."

"What do you mean, changed? Could you be more specific, Sadie?" Jacob looked puzzled.

"Writing was the hat that fit, JP. I remember sitting at my computer, feeling the words flow, joyfully plotting and planning each page. It was coming from somewhere inside where it clamored to be let out. That’s when I knew, I was meant to write.

But it isn't that simple either, Jacob. When I'm inspired, when I'm in that writing “zone" as I call it, time has no meaning and I get lost. I sit down and write, glance at the clock and hours have passed. Hours, JP, like they were only seconds …" Sadie's words trailed off and disappeared.

Jacob smiled. "I can't begin to understand --I've never known that ‘zone’ you spoke of. So I'm going to ask you again for others who are also wondering. What would make your life more perfect?"

“JP, a writer is a writer is a writer. There are millions of us, some are good, some not so good. Then there are a few who are so far out in front you can't even see them --they’re only a dot on the horizon.

Jacob, what would make my life perfect is to someday be one of those dots.

Okay, let's say you invented a new toilet paper. Your TP is soft and gentle, it more than gets the job done, and anyone who's ever tried it loves it. Heck, they RAVE about it!

Word of mouth brings most of your customers, but the two biggest toilet paper manufacturers are still leading the market hands down, (pardon the pun), because they’re known.”

Jacob laughed, "So, you're saying there's a lot of competition, Sadie?"

"Hell yeah, there's a lot of competition. You could be the best writer the world has ever read, but unless people know about you, AND your work, you're the same as the unknown TP ---a nice new choice, but used and flushed away like a bargain brand."

JP shifted in his chair. Sadie hoped she wasn't making him uncomfortable. Then her suspicions were put to rest. He looked her in the eye. "Sadie, you're one of the best children's authors I've ever read.

My kids love your books. My nieces and nephews love your books. I read your books to my kids at bedtime, so I'll have an excuse to read them again. That’s one of the marks of a good children’s book. It doesn’t bore the poor parents if they have to read it more than once!"

"Thanks, JP. That’s nice to hear. I’ve been aware children like my books, but if my name isn't ‘out there’ for parents and other grownups, there’s no way to make a lot of book sales."

“Sadie, this would probably be a good time to tell you about my recent promotion. I’m done writing about the 4th of July fireworks and parade, or the newest boarders at the animal shelter.

My Editor surprised me yesterday —-I’m now a columnist with my own byline. My book column will now be nationally syndicated! Your book and Author interview will be in newspapers all across the country by the weekend.

Granted, newspapers are only one wedge of the book marketing pie, but Sadie, it’s a hell of a good start. I’m proud to play a role in getting you and your books into the hands of buyers.”

Sadie congratulated JP on his latest promotion and wrapped his good news and kind words around her like a hug. Then holding her chin high, she left the building, while thoughts of a distant dot on the horizon and how to reach it filled her mind ...

Poet/Writer/Author of 5 books.
Quora Top Writer 2018.
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