Studying for an MBA has steeped me in numbers, which at first are slippery and awkward. Gradually as the weeks go by they develop rhythms and tones. Formula’s coalesce naturally, while not being an Albert Einstein, I can tip-toe up to the edge and gaze down into a world where numbers communicate more succinctly, more precisely than words ever could. All of this helps me understand the main character in my forth novel, which is still unraveling toward it’s end. Maybe this is a bit excessive, an extreme length to go to understand someone not even living. Only it’s not just that is it? No, for a linguaphile, for an author addict, it is never just the character. No, it is also about them and how they can shape the clay of letters. And so, a linguaphile floats, immersed in numbers. I can tell you they can’t be misunderstood like words, not by someone who “reads” them, no, only misused. So which is better? Is the reason we love stories rather than calculus texts because we enjoy being deceived? Are we still thrilled by the cottony yellow blanket, eyes appearing above, peek-a-boo so many years later?

I think the answer is yes. Do you?

I have also been studying the peek-a-boo itself. It’s all in the feel and touch of the blanket. One you know so well, you can feel it on your fingers just by looking at it. The tension of the taunt blanket stretched in mid-air by what? Magic? Hiding what? It’s just there if you could reach it, but you can’t. It might crumple down any minute. In the dark behind it might be your neighbor’s pit bull, red-tongued, slavering, breath like rotting meat on your face. It might be your mother, smelling like flour, eyes crinkling, puffing with laughter.  Puffing against the blanket, blowing it in and out slightly. In the still air, the blanket moves, panting.

Cascading down the blanket reveals Steven King, the master blanket maker. If you want to know how to make a blanket, something sweet and baby-yellow, read Steven King. I have now finished Wizard and Glass.

For fun, if you like crime, watch the new Sherlock Holmes on PBS.

Besides making a fabulous story (product), if you are an author, you’ll want to know how to build your products and career. Try reading The Intelligent Entrepreneur by Bill Murphy. It’s a bit heavy on Harvard Business School, but has some good pointers.

Above all, this week give thanks for readers and publishers of alternate realities (fiction, electronic or print). Happy Holiday!

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