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  The other day I was reading a magazine, when I came across a story about an Italian guy who started an urban legend by writing a novel. It’s the typical tale of a young writer who nobody wants to publish, so he self-publishes. His romantic story about a guy who wins the heart of a girl by putting a lock to symbolize their love on the oldest bridge in Rome, and throwing the key into the river, becomes a huge hit with the adolescent crowd. A ritual is born.
Well, I guess it beats getting a chastity belt.
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Okay, and a few broken-hearted souls whose relationship didn't survive the test of time.
So, what does this tell us? For one thing, you should think twice before throwing away the key, or just send a Hallmark card instead. And if you're considering going into business in Rome, a lock cutter shop might be just the thing. That, and you should never underestimate the power of suggestion.
Spain has a great example of how a little suggestion and a clever eye for business can be very lucrative. It is said that if you eat 12 grapes on New Year's Eve, one for each stroke of the clock, you'll have luck the whole next year. I guess if you manage not to choke on them you can consider yourself lucky. Anyway, this tradition was started as a result of a grape surplus and a shrewd farmer. The guy had a brilliant idea while contemplating his mountain of grapes. "If Mohammed won't come to the mountain, forget Mohammed! This mountain is going to every Juan, Jose, and Manuel in Spain." He spread the word that the grapes were lucky. And, sure enough, they were lucky - for the farmers!
Maybe I should give this a try. If I write about some new ritual with the promise of good things happening, will people follow suit? Who knows, I may be launched into a life of fame and fortune.
Well, a girl can dream, can't she?
 Okay, here goes: This is my mailbox. As legend would have it, if you put money inside this mailbox and make a wish, it will come true. Who makes it come true? I don't know. God (doubtful), the postal service (yeah, right), or maybe the Mailbox Fairy? Anyway, give it a try and see what happens...the very least you'll get is a wave from my window.
As I sit here, waiting for the mailbox ritual to take off, I realize that all this is starting to sound somewhat familiar to me...
Now, where did I hear about some guy who started a website for writers, and told people that if they filled it with stories they would be rewarded with fame and fabulous riches?
Hmm, I just can't seem to remember, so I guess I'll just go back to writing free stories for Scrivel. (Editor's Note from F. Lawrence Caslin: Booyah! ) |
Mother Theresa
