- [first lines]
- Marian: Hey, I was writing this thing, and I believe in it. It can be good.
- Jackson: Of course.
- Marian: And I just couldn't get over the hugeness of writing a novel. I mean, the enormity of it. And I didn't feel this way until I got to this hard moment in the book. And now I can't seem to recover it. I keep shutting down when I try to write. It's scary.
- Jackson: That's not a new problem for writers, of course, you know.
- Marian: But it passes, and books are written, and life resumes again. Right?
- Jackson: Only if you write.
- Marian: Sounds so easy.
- Marian: [in a low voice] I'm only 3 chapters in, but I get the sense that one of the characters I'm writing knows he's being written.
- Bob: We don't have any hotdogs.
- Humkin: Do you have any milk?
- Bob: We sell cars here. You need a car?
- Humkin: Yes. One car, full of hotdogs.
- Bob: Okay, that's enough of that. I need you to help me. Do you know what that means?
- Humkin: Yes. Do you need my flashlight?
- Bob: No. I need you to get in the car and go for a ride with me.
- Humkin: I need a hotdog.
- Bob: I will take you to get a hotdog. Just get in the car. I need you to look happy. I need you to wave to the people in the building, and get in the car. We will get you a hotdog.
- Humkin: Okay. I have a compass, so we won't get lost.
- Humkin: This is a fine car, Bob. I'd like to come back later and discuss a meal.
- Bob: Discuss a *deal*.
- Humkin: I'd like to discuss a deal.
- Bob: Very good.
- Humkin: And I'd like to purchase a no-load mutual fund, and a space suit. I would like to rule the Motor Mile with an iron fist. I would like to be your master. I will eat every hotdog in this Motor Mile, and drink melish with all of your Motor Mile wenches.
- [last lines]
- Spokeswoman: I'd like to introduce Marian Walker.
- [applause as she opens "The Neverything", A novel by Marian Walker]