A fiction writer died and was given the option of going to heaven or hell. She decided to check out each place first.

As she descended into the fiery pits, she saw row upon row of writers chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they were repeatedly whipped with thorny lashes."Oh my," she cried. "Let me see heaven now."

A few moments later, as she ascended into heaven and saw rows of writers, chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they, too, were whipped with thorny lashes.

"Wait a minute," cried the novelist. "This is just as bad as hell!"

"Oh no, it's not," replied an unseen voice. "Here, your work gets published."

by Bonnie Calhoun