Chasing up a writer recently, I got the reply: I thought I'd already sent it to you.
This leapt immediately into my top 10 of writers' reasons for non-delivery, assuming, of course, that they respond. Some just screen their calls.
And the rest of the top 10:
My computer was stolen.
You won't believe this, but my new computer was stolen too, so I'm having to start writing it all again from scratch for a second time.
No, I never got the notes, I've been waiting for you. Yes, we talked about it, but I thought you'd write the notes down for me.
I couldn't find anywhere in Paris to plug my modem in.
Is it due today? I had next Tuesday in my diary.
I was going to call you, but my phone was nicked/I couldn't get reception.
Look, use the draft you've got. Trust me, it's funny.
The 'e' dropped off my typewriter. (One writer I worked with clung to his elderly Remington far into the age of computers).
I've got a bit of a cough.
More contributions welcome.
