A contest of sorts, although I haven't decided on the prize. But what should we say to people who say things such as:

"Is that the Great American Novel?" (Said by leering man on the make on Amtrak. Same guy thought the details of his just-settled divorce would be absolute catnip.)

"When are you going to make a run at the Great American Novel?" (One of the ROMEOs -- Retired Old Men Eating Out -- at my local hang-out.)

To the first I said: "It may very well be." To the second: "I already have." But I'm not satisifed with either response to a question that has more than a whiff of snark to it. Do we ask lawyers when they're going to make a run at the Supreme Court? Do we ask local journalists when they're going to go the New York Times or win a Pulitzer? (Actually, one friend's parent once did ask: "Have you ever thought about winning a Pulitzer?") Do we ask . . . but you get my drift.

Anyway, riposte away.