The Checklist

" ... Mirrors?"
"No."
"Plot twist report?"
"No."
"References?"
"Several."
"Characters unconscious?"
"Once, but not very important ... to the plot."
"Is your antagonist a feared king?"
"He is actually a liberator who cares for his folk."
"'Happy ever after's' and 'once upon a time''s?"
"No."
"Romance?"
(glares)
"Writer's block?"
"Yes."

(tears book)

"YOU! I'll give you 4 points out of 10, for bearing INTOLERABLE clichés. Now out with those clichés of yours! YOU better improve your stories, or I'll NEVER publish your work ever again!" ...! ...

Medals the Pony

Due to the sheer popularity of "pony books" on the Internet and TV, and his younger daughter's wild obsession with those "ponies", "horses", and their "caring girl owners", the author would like to have a go in his attempt to create a "pony book", spiced with chunks of humor ...