The chapter opens with a conversation between the protagonist and the narrator. The protagonist tells the narrator that he is honored to be nominated for his next novel. He has an idea for a story that he would like to turn into fiction, but he does not know what to do with it. He says that he will talk to his wife first. The narrator tells the protagonist that the literature club is a great way to introduce new members to the world of literature. He adds that he has been playing the part of interim club president as the club has been getting pulled away by other clubs. He asks the protagonist if he is still open to visiting the club, and the protagonist replies that the club is open for visits. He then asks the narrator to name some of his favorite authors, and he suggests that they start the story in the third year of the protagonist's life. He explains that he and his wife have lost their virginity and that he now has to become a novelist in order to reunite with his wife.