Throughout the history of storytelling, there have been countless novels and films that present stories so encapsulating that the reader or audience gets absolutely wrapped up inside of them. These “can’t-put-down” novels or “must-see” films usually become so popular that they either make the New York Times Bestseller List or end up walking away with all of the Oscars.

I am an avid moviegoer and an occasional book reader. But I must say that of all of the books I have read and movies I have seen – to me, if there is any story that should be number one on the New York Times Bestseller List or walk away with all of the Oscars – it’s the story of my own life.

Being a writer, I sometimes look at my life as a novel. If my life were a novel, then every year, job, relationship and major event would be a “chapter” of the “story.” If that were the case, then my life – or “The Paul Wein Story” if you will – is without a doubt an edge-of-your-seat, heart-stopping thrill ride full of plot twists, shocking developments, constant character changes, surprise cameo appearances – and even a little romance, mystery and intrigue.

As the “main character” of this “story,” I am excellently “supported” by a brilliant “cast” that makes up my friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances. I also have a beautiful “co-star” that, since making her debut on the “show” in June, has become so popular that she has recently signed a lifetime contract to appear on the “show” until it is “cancelled.”

In addition to the “supporting cast,” the show’s “writing” is so secretive that, as the “star” of the “show,” there are times that I even find myself looking forward to the next “chapter” to see what happens.

My point is that, as the old saying goes, “There are eight million stories in the naked city” – or six billion stories on the whole planet. Everyone has one – I just feel that mine is pretty damn interesting.

Eat your heart out Truman.