the writers' model

I'm old now, but when I was young you could talk me into anything. I had an open mind. So when I saw the ad saying some "professional writers" needed an "adventurous girl" to "interview for fictional purposes," I was intrigued, especially when the ad went on to say that by simply answering questions, I could "make an important contribution to American Literature." I had always wanted to make an important contribution to something, so I threw on my coat, grabbed my purse, and went straight to the address listed in the paper.

From the story, "The Writers' Model" by Molly Giles
Albino sword swallower at a carnival, Md. 1970.
Copyright © 1972 The Estate of Diane Arbus