Just such a character is the star of Steve Hely's wonderful recent novel "How I Became a Famous Novelist". You absolutely must read this book, Scott. It's the sharpest satire of the writing life I've ever read (and it has a lot of good writing advice hidden in the subtext.)

I really dig this one.

The whole concept really pisses me off. I find that's usually a good place to start.

@Matt: Thanks for the rec. I'll pick it up. And doubtless add it to the stacks of books and at the side of my bed, just waiting to be read! As a writer friend says of books, "It's better to own than read."

Funny, this morning there was an interview on NPR:

http://www.npr.org/2011/04/19/135513824/white-collar-criminals-weave-new-tangled-webs?ft=1&f=3

I'm thinking of a new email sig:

Integrity. It's a good thing.

Hey Scott, if you're not using that paper-based rom-com where the he turns out to be a she, I'll take it.

@Mernitman: It's all yours. When you sell it, just send me a virtual bottle of Veuve Cliquot, that oughta square it!

For what it's worth, John August has the option on Hely's book-- which, as Matt has said, is quite good.

@CRANKY DUCEY: Thanks for that information.

Are you still working on this one? The idea really sparked something in me.

Samantha, I post these ideas for anyone to take and run with. Go for it! BTW I'll be doing another Story Idea Each Day for a Month in April 2012.