20 JANUARY 2001, Page 59

Q. I work in a popular bookshop. A famous writer

often calls in but does not seem particularly friendly when I try to discuss my own writing with him. I have two unpublished novels. This man has now become so patronising towards me that I am really wondering how I can get my own back.

Name and address withheld A. Order all this writer's books in bulk and have huge stacks of them sitting around in the shop. Nobody except TV cooks sells many books these days, and the sight of the unsold produce will soon wipe the smug smile off his face — particularly if you patronise him in turn by signposting his wares 'Local Author'.