[00:00.684]Alvin
[00:00.846]You should have told me about that.
[00:01.572]Thomas
[00:01.707]Alvin never would have understood.
[00:02.677]Alvin
[00:02.830]Yes i would.
[00:03.582]Thomas
[00:03.719]I had too much coming at me.
[00:04.724]Alvin
[00:04.892]You should have said something.
[00:05.690]Thomas
[00:05.836]I couldn't work. I couldn't write. I had to streamline my personal life.
[00:09.369](alvin selects a story and reads.)
[00:09.787]
[00:10.879]Alvin
[00:11.046]Money and prizes.
[00:12.274]A story about thomas.
[00:14.432]Having streamlined his personal life,
[00:17.411]Thomas was able to focus on more important matters.
[00:19.612]
[00:19.943]Thomas
[00:20.097]But as much as i tried to focus, there was always this voice in my head -
[00:23.693]Alvin's patient, supportive and aggravating voice.
[00:28.080]Alvin
[00:28.306]Another award’ You are so talented, tom.
[00:32.580](thomas addresses an award ceremony audience.)
[00:32.843]
[00:33.186]Thomas
[00:33.389]Thank you so much for this. I’m flattered but completely at a loss as to why you’ve chosen me.
[00:38.603]Alvin
[00:38.840]You’re amazing, tom.
[00:41.475]And to prove it
[00:42.210]They’re throwing this big fancy do
[00:45.486]For you.
[00:46.741]
[00:47.407]You’re amazing, tom.
[00:49.439]If i’d known about this
[00:50.467]I’d have been there today.
[00:53.362]Well, anyway.
[00:54.894]
[00:55.386]I’m sure you have no time to call.
[00:57.349]I know that your schedule’s tight.
[00:59.243]You’re probably needed at signings and parties.
[01:01.475]C’mon, i’m your pal, it’s all right.
[01:03.315]
[01:03.543]You’re amazing, tom.
[01:04.833]
[01:05.119]Thomas
[01:05.394]I'm frequently asked, "where do your stories come from’" i don't know.
[01:11.064]All i know is there's got to be thousands of stories in this head of mine just waiting for me to pick
[01:16.152]One and write it down.
[01:18.074]
[01:19.023]Alvin
[01:19.254]You’re amazing, tom.
[01:20.974]You’re everything i always knew you could be.
[01:24.566]Times three.
[01:25.988]
[01:26.933]Thomas
[01:27.088]But it's lonely work. Just me and the blank page.
[01:30.640]
[01:30.976]Alvin
[01:31.125]You’re amazing, tom.
[01:32.847]And to think that you made it here
[01:34.358]All on your own.
[01:36.601]Well, who’d have known’
[01:37.890]
[01:38.672]Your writing has passion and skill
[01:40.724]While others are churning out fluff.
[01:42.563]It’s easy to pander to low expectations,
[01:44.810]But quality stories are tough.
[01:46.258]
[01:46.434]Thomas
[01:46.768]And the indescribable feeling of writing those first few words knowing
[01:51.317]I'm on my way to changing people’s lives.
[01:53.716]
[01:54.157]Alvin
[01:54.307]What you do is important.
[01:56.193]What you do is an art.
[01:57.883]What you’re doing is feeding your readers
[02:00.408]Ideas with heart.
[02:01.534]
[02:02.008]Let’s admit it, you’re making
[02:03.359]The planet a happier place.
[02:05.942]It’s because of the minds you are saving
[02:07.454]That someone is waving
[02:08.535]Another award in your face.
[02:10.461]You’re amazing, tom.
[02:11.877]
[02:12.196]Thomas
[02:12.388]Every one of my stories - the butterfly, the marvelous mystical bookstore,
[02:17.707]The memory robe, even the incredibly popular mrs. Remington's hallowe'en -
[02:21.627]Every one was up here just waiting for me to set it free.
[02:25.146]
[02:25.445]Alvin
[02:25.608]You’re amazing, tom. The result of the choices you made is success.
[02:30.490]
[02:31.830]I guess.
[02:32.988]
[02:33.939]You’re amazing, tom.
[02:36.035]It’s hard when you have to leave
[02:37.141]Some things behind.
[02:40.127]Well never mind.
[02:41.397]
[02:41.951]Some people march in parades.
[02:43.837]While others just watch them go by.
[02:45.383]
[02:45.754]Thomas
[02:45.912]Of course, i can't leave the stage without a few thank-yous.
[02:48.779]Alvin
[02:48.969]So soak up the praise and enjoy the ovation.
[02:51.055]Thomas
[02:51.208]My publisher.
[02:52.275]Alvin
[02:52.474]Though nobody special will share your elation.
[02:55.347]Thomas
[02:55.530]My agent.
[02:56.467]Alvin
[02:56.664]Money and prizes are fine consolation
[02:59.069]And tangibly indicate why...
[03:01.003]Thomas
[03:01.169]And the single most important person in all of this. The one who buys my book.
[03:09.580]
[03:10.876]Alvin
[03:11.040]... You’re amazing, tom.
[03:15.884](thomas confronts alvin.)
[03:16.311]
[03:18.758]Thomas
[03:18.934]It’s elusive, alvin.
[03:20.565]It’s like angels in the snow.
[03:22.663]Turn your back and there they go.