Great post, Scott. Like how you cited real life "story talismans" you used when writing.

I only have one talisman, and he's as oinery as they come. His name's Chimpy or Monkey Man, and he's a bean-bag with a bit of an attitude. Chimpy stared in the first and fourth screenplay I wrote. Whenever I play with him I find he likes to dance on my keyboard, punch me in the gut, then kick me in the crotch. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE more action in the crotch area, but not via Chimpy's kicking foot!

Mostly though I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that for for the most part Chimpy does behave. He likes to watch me write stories. Sometimes I (try) to teach him something. And sometimes Chimpy teaches me something, though mostly that comes through me being his own punching dummy.

Chimpy does road trips with me too. Sometimes he rides in my pocket. Sometimes he is forced to sit through the same writing seminars I attend. Though I love my monkey, I fear that he may be sending the ladies the wrong message as pertains to the ladies. Afterall what's a woman to think when she sees a man's monkey poking out of his pants pocket?

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA