This week’s episode is: Was the First Short Story Plagiarized?
So Judy is all fired up to enter the short story competition. Sally likes the story that Judy comes up with, but Judy is unsure. So Sally suggests that Judy show it to an expert – like their English teacher. In fact Sally approaches him first. He agrees to read it and comment on the story. Judy decides if she wins the prize she wants to get a typewriter. Sally and Judy go typewriter shopping^^; When Judy goes to see the professor about her story, he tells one part that is interesting, but then tells her the hard truth that her story is bits and pieces of her favorite books stitched together – in other words, plagiarizing. This upsets Judy a great deal and she wonders if she really can be an author. Some snide comments by Julia galvanize Judy. The next story is somewhat based on Judy’s life. At least no one can claim she plagiarized it. The professor is pleased with this story and Judy submits it. No one ends up winning first place. Judy does take second. The prize is a fountain pen. Oh well!
