Published authors seldom have time off. Even when we're sitting on the beach we're still on the job.

I love observing people, and I'm very good at sneakingly eavesdropping on private conversations.

I also enjoy chatting with everyone I meet. And before the innocent passer-by realizes it, I've turned her into the heroine of my new novel. LOL

Yes, we authors are always busy. Even when it looks I'm just sitting in my sunny garden reading a book, I'm mostly editing, or doing research for my next novel.

Well, you get the picture, an author has the most wonderful job in the world!

From time to time however, I have to leave the sun and my comfortable chair, and go up to my computer.

This morning, I need to know something about fire prevention, and after fruitlessy searching the internet for information, I decide to call the local fire brigade.

Of course, I dial the general information number.

A female voice answer the phone.

I tell her I'm a pubbed author in need of information, but the woman obviously doesn't listen to me.

"Where's the fire?" she asks nervously.

"Fire? No, Ma'am, there's none. I just want..."

"Where's the fire?" she cries out, panic in her voice.

I suddenly notice she has a strange foreign accent.

"There is no fire," I repeat in my most soothing tone, "I just need info for my upcoming novel. That's all."

The woman produces a weird hick-up, then swallows audibly. "Fire!" she shouts.

I press my lips together. Good grief, this is so boring.

What shall I do?

Hang up the phone?

Ask her to let me talk to one of her colleagues perhaps?

There's a loud clicking in my ear, and suddenly a stern dark male voice snaps, "Where's the fire?"

I take a deep steadying breath. "Good morning. I'm a pubbed author and I need some info on..."

"Info!" the man barks. "This is the alarm number, Ma'am! I'll have you fined if you call 911 again."

I hear an indignant snorting, a smashing sound, and then a loud hooting gives away the connection is broken.

I put down the receiver and rub my eyes.

An author's life isn't a bed of blooming roses only. Sometimes, we come across a sharp thorn!

Greetings from The Netherlands,