Duke of Two Cities

Chapter 32

This. Panel. Sucked.

Forty minutes had passed since the start of the panel and all the writers had managed was to congratulate themselves for being writers:

“I think what we’re doing— and by what we’re doing, I mean what we in the writing business call ‘the craft’—is by far one of the most important things we can do as people.”

“I agree! We are always looking to push the boundaries and look into ourselves to find deeper meaning of… you know… what it means to be a good person and to be a good human-being. But what is a ‘good human being? There’s a few definitions…”

“Oh absolutely. I completely agree. And in these troubled times, that’s something I think we can all come together and support…”

Worst of all was their tone—the writers spoke as if drugged, their words slow and droning like the hum of a faraway refrigerator. What could have been even a mildly interesting discussion was instead a slow, winding lecture of the worst sort—self-important, self-righteous, drab, dull, and boring.