I had a dream last week about SK, and I'm just getting around to posting it.

In the dream, I flew to New York to see Stephen King and John Irving give a talk about writing (this was probably brought on by a video clip I watched in which John Irving was discussing his latest novel and mentioned Stephen King, how both of them agree that their jobs as authors is to appall). The venue looked a lot like a high school gym with a stage and blue velvet curtains. The lights were off, and nobody was there. I checked my ticket, and the time and date were correct, so I walked backstage. The area was dimly lit. Stephen King was sitting at a desk similar to a teacher's desk, reading something, with his hair falling over his eyes, so he didn't see me approach. He was engrossed in whatever he was reading, and looked very boyish sitting there, with one hand propping his head up while reading, and the other hand between his knees. He was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt with a dark sport coat. I was trying to decide whether to leave, or clear my throat, when he looked up. He brightened as if we knew each other, and said, "Ah, perfect timing! When do we start?" I think he thought I was somehow involved with the show. I felt bad and said, "I'm sorry, but I'm just here to watch." He seemed disappointed and waved his hand as if to say, "That figures." He went back to his book, so I left.

I walked up a flight of steps to a door, knocked and went in. John Irving was sitting at a desk in a brightly lit office with lots of windows. He was smiling, and said, "Hello! Do you think it would be a problem for me to have tea and oatmeal?" I didn't want to be dismissed again, so I said, "Sure!" He smiled even more, and said, "I have been so impressed by the level of professionalism everyone here has exhibited. Last week I asked for tea and oatmeal and got a very sour expression from the woman in New Jersey, so I'm just delighted to have you here smiling and telling me I can have what I want." I realized there was nothing I could do but pretend I was leaving to get his oatmeal, and tried to think of something I could say to extend my time with him. He was looking at me expectantly, waiting for me to leave or say something, when I woke up.

Wow. That was a mouthful. Maybe I should change the color.