The Four Writers
by Matt Perrino
A fire dances on a heap of sticks and illuminates the tired faces of the four men around it. These men are the greatest authors of their time. Individually, they have crafted some of the most beautiful literature ever written. And now, these four men have chosen to come together to create a single story; a masterpiece that will be praised for generations to come. They stroke their beards in thought, rummaging through their imaginations for the perfect idea. Each of them looks exhausted, yet they remain determined.
One of them releases a heavy sigh and removes an unscathed stick from the fire. In his boredom, he draws a line aimlessly in the sand. “Perhaps we should meet tomorrow,” he tells the others. “Nothing is being accomplished tonight.”
The offer sounds tempting. The men yearn for the comfort of their beds and the warm touch of their wives.
“No!” responds another. “We have gathered here for 39 nights already, and so far, we have not come up with a single idea! I refuse to let this night be another failure!”
“Well then, let’s think,” states the second with a frown. “What is it that each us wants in a story? I personally would like to write a fantasy. A story of magic and wonder. I want to bring the readers into a realm of impossibility.”
“But that is just the opposite of what I want!” exclaims the third. “I want to tell a historical piece that reflects the times and struggles of the people! Something real that people can understand and relate to!”
“But that has no emotion!” yells the one holding the stick. “I want to tell a story that moves people! I want them to weep for the character’s struggles! I want them to feel as though their lives have been impacted by both his losses and accomplishments. What do you say, John?”
The fourth author, John, glumly shakes his head. “Alas, the story I want to tell is just as different. I want it to be spiritual. Something that can give hope and inspiration to those who read it. After all, these are very dark times…”
Silence falls upon the four men. For the time being, each of them retreat back into their thoughts.
“Well what if we were to combine all of these ideas into one?” asks the second man.
“And how can we possibly do that?” questions the man with the stick. “They are all so different!”
“Perhaps through the character,” replies the second. “We would need to create one that embraces each idea. A strong character.”
“How about this?” proposes John. “What if the character himself is fictitious but the people and events that he is affiliated with are actually real?”
The third writer strokes his beard and considers John’s words. “If we were to do that, then I could tell history, and Mark can still write his fantasy.” He dwells on the idea a bit longer before he makes up his mind. “I love it!” he declares.
Excitement begins to blossom within each of the four men. “As do I!” proclaims Mark, the second man. “Perhaps we can give this character magical powers! He can heal the blind!”
Their voices bounce with enthusiasm. Slowly but surely, the idea comes together. “Yes!” cries out John. “And with the help of his magical powers, he can give hope and inspiration to the people! He can bring them good news! They can view him as a leader and rally around him!”
The man with the stick stands to his feet. He has just envisioned the final piece of the character’s story. “And then what if this character were to fall? What if he were to lose the support and faith of the people? What if he is a tragic hero worthy of praise? It would be brilliant!”
“Yes!” cry out all the men together. Goose bumps crawl up their arms and legs. The small hairs in the back of their necks stick upright. Somehow, they know that this is the idea that they were meant to write. They suddenly feel as though every second of their lives has been leading up to this one moment.
“This has great potential!” exclaims Mark. “What shall we call this character?”
The four men fall quiet. The only sound that could be heard is the cackling fire between them. They stare at the sand beneath their sandals, deeper in thought than ever before. Then suddenly, John lifts his head. The men all stare at him. They know that he has just come up with something brilliant.
“What have you thought of?” asks the third writer.
“Let’s call him,” began John, “Jesus.”
