Short Fiction: A Stand-Up Comedian Walks Into a Bar

"...where he meets an unsuccessful writer…" Read Ellis Shuman's short story about a chance meeting that changed both their lives.

By Ellis Shuman

"Tough crowd tonight."

"You can't win them all," Mac said, slumping into a chair at the side of the club.

"Some of your jokes are quite funny."

"Nah, no one's laughing."

Mac picked up a bottle of water and guzzled half of it before coming up for air. Upon hearing the roar of laughter greeting the next comedian performing on Open Mic night, he…