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The Best Writing Teacher: What I Learned
And why we need to help him
INTERVIEWER (INT): Welcome, Murphy’s Law and,
Me: Peter.
INT: Excuse me?
Me: I have a name. It’s Peter.
INT: Alright. Peter, you’ve said that is one of the best screenwriting teachers out there. A true engineer of structure. A ruthless editor of fluff. And a good friend of yours. You have said he is “Generous” and “Terrifying.” His feedback has shaped you into a punchy little satirist. He has changed your life for the better by keeping your articles tight.
But most importantly, you’ve said you respect him because he is a true teacher and takes valuable time out of his day to help you with spelling and how to use tenses.
Is there anything else you could tell us about Jim? Something the public doesn’t know?
Me: He uses words
INT: That’s… nice?
Me: No. You don't understand. He uses them.
INT: Well, we all do. Why are you whispering?
Me: Not like this. He ties them up. Puts them in tiny leather harnesses and makes them… do stuff.
INT: What? I mean… Like what?
Me: ‘Creepy.’ He used it for money. Money.
INT: Jesus!
Me: ‘Published author.’ For sex.
INT: I’m sorry — what?
Me: Yeah. It’s locked in his basement. Gimp mask. For days. Just down there. Being… used.
INT: ‘Published author’?
Me: Yep.
INT: So… she’s just down there? In the basement? Tied up?
Me: He.
INT: …He?
Me: Yep.
INT: No.
Me: Yes.
INT: Not she?
Me: Nope.
INT: Why?
Me: Not tight enough.
INT: … Ah.
Seriously
Jim is a master of words. In a not slavemaster way.
He is a great teacher who needs our help.
As a teacher myself, I can say with my hand on my heart that I have never met a teacher like him.
I can’t tell you how much it means to have someone like Jim take the time to not only read my work, but also take an active interest in my writing education.
He has even offered to help — for free — me create lesson plans for the school I hope to open.
All while going through dialysis 3 times a week.
I don’t know about you, but if I were going through that, the last thing I’d be doing is helping some Irish guy in Turkey.
But Jim is different.
He is noble in his selfless pursuit of helping others, and unfortunately needs a kidney.
It’s funny how life gives you people. Ten years ago, my uncle Jim Murphy died. I loved him. He always took an interest in my life. Then he was gone. Then, as if given another chance, this Jim stepped into my life. What’s in a shared name? I don’t know. I just know that when I speak to friends and family about Jim, I do so in a familiar way.
Please, if you know of anybody or a way. Please help.
Below is ‘s piece about Jim’s situation.
“Jim would, and has, given away his last few dollars to people in greater need. Without ever discussing it with anyone, he just helps people however he can. He’s sent money to people who needed help without them having to ask. He just does it quietly and humbly.”
Donation link
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Disclaimer:
Jim Mercurio does not keep words tied up in his basement.
