The Grand Scheme of Things

After coming out of the third longest bout of writer's block in history, Bill Friday had finally begun work on a new, fantastic novel that would propel him back to the top as one of the Galaxy's most popular writers. He quickly loses control, however, when a test pilot and an actress appear out of nowhere and threaten to ruin, not only the entire plot, but possibly his career as a writer as well. We find ourselves in the comfy confines of outer space, nestled in a quaint solar system on the west side of the galaxy. It's Autumn. There is a newly constructed blue-green planet that is situated in what is considered to be the sweet spot of this particular solar system where Bill Friday's newest and greatest novel is going to unfold. Inspired by his pet Sea Monkeys, Bill decides to abandon the written word and instead create organic characters that would play out the novel for him in real time. They would evolve over millions of years into highly intelligent, gossipy creatures who would have a natural flair for creating drama out of miniscule details. Bill's diehard fans are excited beyond even their own comprehension. The financial backing from one of the largest entertainment conglomerates in the universe is firmly in place. Film and TV rights have been secured. Bill is ready to write, possibly, one of the greatest stories ever told. And this is when a male human being named Buddy Chattanooga appears out of nowhere. Hired by an egotistical, anxiety-ridden movie director to find a popular actress who accidentally got herself thrust out of her own universe, Buddy Chattanooga unknowingly finds himself in the beginning stages of the Earth's evolution. Unsure of where he is and how he will get back home, Buddy relies on his survival skills to stay alive and to track down the missing actress. And, as if he didn't have enough to worry about, Buddy discovers that the actress is possibly the worst, most unlikable person that ever existed. Intrigue, deception and even major indigestion ensues when Buddy endures famine, severe temper tantrums, a hyperactive cocker spaniel and even witnesses the birth of the dinosaurs. What Buddy soon discovers, however, is that the universe he came from and the one he's in now are two completely separate places and the presence of the two humans on the barren planet would have dramatic/comedic/historic consequences for the Earth and Bill's novel for millions of years to come.

About the Author :
Ian Strang is a self-published author and illustrator who has written and illustrated several books including: The Angerman Chronicles, Poop Tacos and The Men's Room Etiquette Book. He has also self-published a book of poetry, A Porch Full Of Future Lung Cancer Patients. He writes a blog called The Lame Report!!! which is a collection of observations and short stories. Ian currently resides in Los Angeles and is working on the sequel to The Grand Scheme Of Things.