The Editor and Del Webster

by Vincent B. Moneymaker

Del Webster was a writer who only wrote when he was paid to do so - until he met The Editor. And then, Del Webster wrote because his life depended upon it.

9 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2016

Reviews

[Pat Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some things are inevitable. Death and taxes complete the usual list, but I submit another: when one sups with the Devil, a long spoon is required. Even then, some sort of short end on the deal that is finally dished up is to be expected.

Demon dinner-guests have sat down with attorneys and politicians, surgeons and money-lenders, and in one notable instance (Robert Sheckley's The Accountant), with a fellow in a green eye-shade. Moneymaker here offers a tale of a different supper with a red-eyed chap wearing a green eye-shade, this time in an editorial role.

At 9 pages, this is a short story with the cleverness and twist appropriate for dealing with a devil. Writers have their reasons to attribute demonic tendencies to editors, and I doubt Moneymaker is different. His tale might well be autobiographical.

The story is well written, and has a satisfying open end that Faust would approve. Several typos brought down the rating a bit, but the writing chops are there. I'll be looking for more from Mr. Moneymaker.

If he lives that long...