[ WP/MP ] Write a story reimagining a character from another piece of fiction as down-and-out/washed up/past their prime .

He'd never really had his prime. His whole life he had been down and out. Except for that awful ten years when he was the first to wake up. He had sold most of his stories to some idiot used car salesman in NY. The guy went on to make a fortune. No one gave him any credence and hardly anyone knew he existed. It was n't until he held up a sign outside the Today Show. He just stared intently at the back of that bitch Kathy Gifford's head. The sign read: `` I AM KILGORE TROUT AND I EXIST'' 
 
 It did n't take too long, but a couple folks on the internet started to take notice. They started to track him down. Everyone thought it was a prank. An homage. `` Who is this guy that thinks he is Kilgore Trout? ``, `` It's a fake! ``, `` He's an imposter.''. He was ripped apart online to a sea of angry nerd virgins. No one would take him seriously but his fame was growing. Maybe not in a good way but people were starting to take notice. No one ever believes the impossible even when they see it. 
 
 A boy that lived in his building got wind of everything and suggested he do an AMA. `` What the fuck is that? Aliens Marrying Aliens? I wonder if one alien species has ever married an alien of another species?'' Kilgore said. And like that, his mind was at work. He grabbed the nearest yellow legal pad and began writing furiously. It was his nature to write. He never stopped. He just stopped getting published. Not that anyone read his work when it was published aside from a few soldiers and other whack jobs. 
 
 The AMA went ok. The boy asked Kilgore the questions and Kilgore responded. The boy then posted what Kilgore said. Just like any celebrity. The AMA took off. Everyone read it. Everyone had an opinion and something to say. It started to get national attention. Kilgore was invited to do interviews after that. Piers Morgan was completely sarcastic. Jon Stewart was funny but respectful. It seemed like Jon wanted to believe. 
 
 There was never any definitive proof as to whether he was the real deal or a spoof. Some thought he was crazed fan with a wealth of fictional knowledge and a fake ID. Some were strong believers. Most were still skeptical. But when the answer did n't come, his spotlight faded. He barely even knew he was in it. He went back to hustling paperboys and scribbling stories on yellow legal pads. And after a while everyone forgot.
