Today, we are visiting with Owen Fiddler, the main star of Marvin Wilson's current book. Marvin, just sit back and let Owen answer the questions (but please be ready to jump in and put him back in line if necessary...this is a family-friendly blog!!). Okay?
(Joyce) Owen, I'd like you to go back to the age of -let's say 35-and write a letter to your future self.
(Owen - to Marvin) Is this in my contract? Do I have to do this Mickey Mouse (bleep)?
(Marvin - to Owen) Afraid so, buddy boy. Falls under the self-promotion clause. Do like the lady asks. And be nice. And watch the language.
(Owen) Well, OK. Ahm, I'm thirty five - ten years ago, huh? What would I want to say to me now. All right, ah - Dear future Owen Fiddler. In ten years time I'll bet all you've done is screw up your life even more than it's screwed up now. But I know it ain't your fault, cuz you probably haven't gotten any more breaks than I have. Here's hopin' the next ten years will bring you some good luck. But I doubt it.
(Joyce) Owen, when I first met you, I sensed your extreme negativity. I must say I can't understand how a person can remain so negative all the time, would you like to explain your reasoning?
(Owen) Negativity? Says you. I call it realism. Life sucks and then you die. Ain't my fault an average guy can't catch a damn break when he needs one. All I've ever wanted is to be happy and have a good time. But, nooooooo - no way ... my life has to turn out like this.
(Joyce) Owen, you have been known to "blame" all your hard luck on your growing up years. How do you account for the fact that your brother, Paize, who had the same home, turned out so well? Do you think it might be a matter of coping skills?
(Owen's face reddens, his hands clench into fists) That little suck-up, he always got treated better than me. Mom was always praising him for his good grades and his ambition and self-motivation. The little jerk would even do chores around the house without her asking him to! Then he rats on me and gets me in trouble and I wind up running away and ... Agh! Can we change the subject?
(Joyce) How would you describe the feeling of suddenly realizing that there is nobody to blame but yourself? Does it make you consider the need to examine yourself deeper?
(Owen to Marvin) What the (Bleep) is she talking about? (Owen back to Joyce) I'm to blame here? Everything's my fault? That's what you're trying to say? (Owen bolts up and starts fuming around the room) I need to examine ME deeper? Ain't that a crock. Jesus - I need a drink. And a smoke. (Owen pulls out his cigarettes and lights one)
(Marvin) Owen, take it easy. And put that cigarette out. Calm down and have a seat. Joyce was just trying to let the audience know more about why your life story has such relevance. (Marvin to Joyce) He hasn't read the end yet. The out-of-body experience. In fact, I don't think he's read the book at all yet.
(Owen) Nah, I don't read. Too much work. If they make a movie of it, I'll go to that. At least when it hits the dollar show, I'll go then for sure. Out-of-body experience. What kinda crap are you writing, anyway?
(Marvin) The truth. It's all in your own story if you'd just read it. Everything is written in your book of life. Always has been and ever will be. You can see a whole lot by just looking - I think Yogi Berra said that.
(Owen) Now don't go draggin' one of the greatest ball players of all time into this mumbo-jumbo-spiritual-spooky crap. Hey, I'm sorry - time's up. Five o'clock - I'm outa here and headin' to the pub. Ma'am, nice meeting you, Marvin, if you need me you know where to find me. Chow. (walks out of the room)
Marvin sighs, look at Joyce) I'm sorry - I warned you he can be difficult. I would've brought the 46 year old enlightened Owen fiddler, but I thought your audience would get a better idea what kind of character the book is about - BEFORE his awakening experience. Were you done? Did you have anything else you wanted Owen to answer?
(Joyce) Well, yes - just one more. Maybe you can fill in for Owen. From the standpoint of today, after having gone through the events Owen has, if he were to write a letter to himself at age ten-what do you think he would say?
(Marvin) Well, I'm sure Owen of today would want to tell little Owen that his own thoughts, attitudes and actions are weapons that he is capable of destroying his own life with, as well as the lives of those around him. He would tell him that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. That to love and forgive others is to love and forgive yourself. And I know one bit of practical advice he'd give him for sure. "Don't steal that bike, Owen. It's not yours and you know it. Leave it right there leaning up against that tree and walk your butt home."
Joyce, thanks so much for having us on your blog today. It's always a pleasure. Believe it or not, I think Owen had a good, time too. He was actually in a pretty good mood today.
Note to the readers: You can visit and communicate with Owen Fiddler at his myspace, at: www.myspace.com/owen_fiddler - OWEN FIDDLER the book is available at: http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.cambridgebooks.us/ or at your favorite bookstore. The official OWEN FIDDLER booksite is: http://www.owenfiddler.com/ - Marvin Wilson's myspace is at: www.myspace.com/Paize_Fiddler and he LOVES to hear from readers at: marvwilson2010@gmail.com
