Summary

Henry James, a writer, is approached by his former agent Randy Burleson with a job offer to write for Dark Sides Of The Truth Magazine, which is under new management and looking for quality writers, after Henry's contract with his publishing group is terminated.

Abstract

Henry James, introduced as both the narrator and a writer, begins his narrative by sharing the recent termination of his publishing contract, which left him feeling dismal about his future. After struggling to write a query letter, he receives a call from Randy Burleson, his former agent known for unscrupulous practices. Randy offers Henry a writing position at Dark Sides Of The Truth Magazine, now under new management that aims to shift from sensationalist to quality content. Despite initial skepticism and a troubled history with Randy, Henry considers the offer, reflecting on the challenges of freelancing and the potential stability a staff position could offer. The abstract ends with Henry contemplating the value of his work and artistic integrity against the practical need for steady employment.

Opinions

Henry expresses skepticism about Randy Burleson's intentions due to their past dealings.
Randy is perceived by Henry as someone who prioritizes money over quality, as indicated by his previous attempt to exploit Henry financially.
Dark Sides Of The Truth Magazine is recognized by Henry as a publication that previously dealt in uncorroborated and sensationalist stories, though he acknowledges it is undergoing positive changes under new management.
Henry has a strong sense of self-worth as a novelist and initially feels that writing for Dark Sides would be beneath him.
Despite his reservations, Henry shows a pragmatic side by considering the stability and potential benefits of a steady job with the magazine, especially in light of his recent publishing troubles.
The new Chief Editor of Dark Sides has a favorable opinion of Henry's writing, specifically mentioning his stories "Bob Chaplain and Old #82," "Blood

The Tooth Fairy — Part I

My name is Henry James and I’m a writer.

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Conclusion

So far, May has been a hell of a month. Of course, my contract with the publishing group being terminated didn’t help things much.

After that bullshit, I had a pretty dismal outlook on life in general.

I mean, who wouldn’t right?

Then I met Mike “Crusher” Johnson in an Austin bar.

After listening to what he went through I guess despite having to find another publisher for my manuscripts, my life has been pretty damn good.

But it isn’t that damn good this morning.

It’s been years since I’ve written a query and a synopsis for submission so after writing and deleting ten different attempts I was beginning to get seriously pissed off.

I told myself I needed to back away from it for a bit. Maybe I needed to get out of my one bedroom apartment in Round Rock and take a long walk in a nearby park to clear my head.

It’s worked before.

But it didn’t this time.

That’s actually a good thing folks, trust me.

I’d almost made my third pass on a mile long walking circuit when my cell phone rang. I thought maybe it was Sheila calling to tell me the publishing group had changed their minds. I mean come on, it’s happened before right?

Right.

“This is Henry.”

“Henry you old son of a bitch, how are things?”

The man’s voice sounded familiar, but I couldn’t immediately connect it with a name.

“Just fine,” I replied and then hesitated.

“Damn James, it’s hasn’t been so long you’ve forgotten your agent has it?”

Oh yeah, Randy Burleson, the guy who wanted to represent my first three books then tried to gaslight my ass. According to this Bozo, my work was never going to be good enough for prime time. Of course, he knew a free lance editor who’d get me there…for around ten thousand bucks.

“No I haven’t forgotten you Randy. And you’re not my agent.”

“I’m guessing you probably need one right about now James. Word on the street is the publishing group kicked you to the curb.”

Damn.

It’s a small circle of people in the Austin publishing business. Everybody knows or at least has heard gossip or rumors about everybody else. But damn, two days? My contract with the publishing group hadn’t even grown cold in the grave.

“What the hell do you want Randy? And don’t say you want to represent me. I didn’t fall for your bullshit back then, and I’m not about to now.”

“I’m hurt James.”

“You should be Burleson.”

“If it helps, I got out of the agent business years ago.”

“Ah, just before they served a boat load of arrest warrants on your ass?”

“Funny dude, real funny. Okay look Henry, have you ever heard of Dark Sides Of The Truth Magazine?”

“Yeah, everybody knows that rag. The so called writing staff does nothing but sit on their asses and invent uncorroborated, sensationalist bullshit.”

“Well they got bought out and they’ve got new management. They’re making some serious changes. I was talking to the new editor the other day and I’ve got to tell you I’m impressed.

“The only thing that impresses you is money.”

“Look, let’s get something straight right now James. I didn’t call you to scam your ass. I called you to offer you a job, a steady job writing for Dark Sides.”

I didn’t know whether to be insulted or exalted. I was leaning toward the insulted side.

“I’ll pass.”

“Look, new management has cleaned house over there. The new Chief Editor is looking for some decent writers who pretty much do what you’ve been doing for the last two years. Hell, exactly what you’ve been doing for the last two years. He’s read some of your stories Henry and he likes what he saw.”

“Yeah, like which ones?”

“What is this a freaking test?”

“I really don’t like somebody blowing smoke up my ass Burleson.”

“Hang on a minute.”

I listened to faint rustling sounds and then he was back on the line.

“Bob Chaplain and Old #82, Blood Relatives — he thought that one was feature material — then Princess Comes Home. He didn’t much care for that one.

“Why the hell not?”

“He’s a cat lover dude. But the one he said was over the top was that last piece you somehow managed to get published. The one on the Foley’s. Damn, I forget the name.”

“Road Kill?”

“Yeah, that’s it. What’d they pay you? A buck fifty maybe two bills right? I believe that’s the going market rate for unsolicited.”

“I believe that’s none of your freaking business.”

“Anyway, that’s when he called in his staff and asked us to reach out to you and get you on board.”

“You’re on the editing staff?”

“Yeah, is that a problem?”

“It might be.”

“Look just talk to the man James. Give him thirty minutes of your freaking time and hear what he has to say.”

I thought back to my days of freelancing. The days when most of my clients thought my fucking time was only worth two cents a word.

I hated to admit it but Burleson was right. I wasn’t going to make any serious money getting one out of five articles published for chump change.

Problem is, I just couldn’t see my ass sitting in an office making shit up, dealing with deadlines and subscription statistics.

“Let me think about it. Text me the address and his name.”

“Consider it done Henry. I look forward to working with you again.”

“You weren’t working with me in the first place Burleson.”

I broke the connection with my thumb then slid the phone into a back pocket of my jeans.

As I walked back to my apartment I kept trying to justify reasons for turning down Randy Burleson’s pitch. I was a novelist for God’s sake. How could I even think about writing for a rag like Dark Sides?

I was better than that.

I sat down in front of my laptop and started a new query letter, then deleted it after writing one paragraph and tried again. This time I made it through the opening line, then deleted it as well.

For a moment I closed my eyes and rubbed them with a thumb and index finger then I sighed and walked over to the kitchen counter.

I stared at my cell phone then picked it up and thumb opened my text messages. The phone number to the Chief Editor was highlighted in blue. I pushed the highlight then brought the phone to my ear.

“Rick McDonnell speaking.”

READ THE TOOTH FAIRY — PART II

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