Back in Manehattan, Bookworm had a meeting with his publisher, Deal Maker, about his new book. Deal Maker was an earth pony, with dark brown fur, a white mane and tale, and his cutie mark was a contract. He was almost always smoking a cigar, and wearing a red tie.
“So this is your new story, kid,” asked Deal Maker, arching an eyebrow at his client.
“Yes, it is Mr. Maker,” said Bookworm.
“I told you a million times, kid, just call me Deal Maker or DM for short,” said the publisher. Anyway, I noticed this aint a Daring Do story.”
“Um, yeah,” began Bookworm. “I got inspiration for something else and decided to try something more original.”
“Even using your given name,” noticed Deal Maker, taking a puff of his cigar. “I will say, using your initials is a nice touch.”
“Oh thank you,” said Bookworm. “A special…um friend, gave me that idea.”
“Well it aint the usual thing we do with you,” said Deal Maker. “But what the hay, sometimes it’s good to change it up!”
“So we’re going to publish it,” asked Bookworm in surprise.
“Sure thing, kiddo,” said Deal Maker enthusiastically. “Romantic crud like this is always in style! Now don’t get me wrong, I aint sayin it’s a bad read, just sayin romance stuff aint exactly my cup of tea if you catch my drift.”
“Oh, yes, I totally understand Mr.,” Bookworm began to say, before Deal Maker gave him a sharp look. “Um, I mean Deal Maker. But you know, inspiration hit me…”
“I totally understand, kid,” said Deal Maker. “I think this book is gonna be a major hit! Who knows, maybe some big wig movie colt will think to make it into some sort of moving picture!”
“Sounds cool,” said Bookworm with little enthusiasm.
“What’s the matter with you, kid,” asked Deal Maker. “You look like you been dragged through the streets by a herd of manticores.”
“Just been having some troubles,” said Bookworm.
“Girl troubles,” asked Deal Maker, raising an eyebrow.
“Hit the nail on the head, DM,” said.
“Broads,” commented Deal Maker. “They’re a whole mess of troubles for sure! Did you know I’ve been married three times?”
“I had no idea,” said a stunned Bookworm.
“Damn skippy I have,” said Deal Maker. “Suppose it’s true about third time being the charm, as number three has been my longest by far. Also the one that produced some foals for me.”
“Oh, that’s good,” said Bookworm. “Is that why you’re other marriages didn’t work? Not being able to have kids?”
“Nah,” said Deal Maker. “It was various reason with the others. Either they were gold diggers or they weren’t nearly as kind hearted as they appeared. But number three is a real winner! Sweetest thing you ever did see! So what’s your special filly like?”
“Oh, she’s wonderful,” said Bookworm. “She’s feisty, full of life, loyal to a fault.”
“And I bet she aint to bad on the eyes either,” said Deal Maker with a sly grin.
“She’s absolutely beautiful,” said Bookworm. “And I have the best time with her.”
“So what’s the problem,” asked Deal Maker.
“She won’t be honest with her real feelings,” said Bookworm.
“Ah, she’s one of those,” commented Bookworm. “She doesn’t think it’s quote unquote ‘cool’ to be expressing your feelings. Am I right?”
“You’re really good at this,” said Bookworm.
“You been in this business as long as I have, kid, you gotta be able to pick up on things,” said Deal Maker. “I’ve met all kinds of ponies in my travels, good and bad. Do you think you’ll ever see this special filly again?”
“I don’t know,” said Bookworm morosely. “I just don’t know. I hope I do.”
“Time heals all wounds, kid,” said Deal Maker. “Now lets start getting this book here to print! We’ll get a press conference set up, have a special premiere party, all that good stuff.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” said Bookworm. “Thanks, DM. You’re a good agent…and a good friend to have.”
“Don’t get all mushy with me, kid,” said Deal Maker. “But you aint too bad yourself. You’re definitely one of my better clients. I wouldn’t give all them the opportunity I’m giving you today. I’ve never had a problem with you getting stuff in on time. Must be that studious nature of yours.”
“Suppose so,” said Bookworm.
“I’ll say it again, kid, this book is gonna be huge,” said Deal Maker with a confident smile.
I know this is a short chapter, but I just didn't see the need for this to be super long or anything.
Nothing wrong with that. I liked it, I was wondering how Bookworm was anyway.
Well done. Sort and sweet. Love the character of Deal Maker reminds me of RK Maroon from who Framed Roger Rabbit a little bit. And as always, have some moustaches.
1808115 I was actually thinking more J Jonah Jameson when I came up with the character. But RK Maroon works too as Who Framed Roger Rabbit is one of my all time favorite movies. And overall I was just going for your typical fast talker.
It is progress made towards the story, and that is the important thing. Now, get your hoof UP Rainbow's flank and get here to Manehatten so she can finally tell Bookworm how she feels!
1808125J.J.J? If this were him, he'd be having the best day of his life. Mr. Jameson is rarely(if ever) that kind. Best hope that mangy, web-slinger doesn't ruin his good mood.
I like DM. He sounds like a nice guy once ya get to know him.
1808125Your typical fast talker? So Flim, minus the swarmy, con-colt attitude. Huh....
Why did I imagine DM being Winston Churchill from the Doctor Who episode "Victory for the Daleks"?
1808393 Jemeson was an inspiration, but not the overall personality. When I thought of Deal Maker smoking a cigar I definitely though of Jameson. And when I think of Jameson, I think immediately of the one from the Spiderman trilogy played by the great JK Simmons! To me he is best Jameson, and should JJJ be appearing in the new sequel, they damn well better cast JK again. I don't think I have an exact inspiration for the character, just a typical fast talker and ready to make a deal. Most of my OC characters are combos of different people and or characters. Actually if we're gonna go by his initials, it really should be JJJJ, since he's a Jr. Stan Lee loves his alliterative names, mainly because they're really easy to remember. I don't blame him.
Good work as always.
Now, MAKE MORE NOW!!!
love it
Ha! Deal Maker is funny! Ugh, Rainbow Dash why are you so stupid! Poor Bookworm!
Well Rainbow's strategy is going as well as expected. Sorry Bookworm, you have my sympathy.