The day is half over and I open the door to my writing room. My coffee sloshes over the rim at my sudden halt. The man’s jaw swivels my way, and I swallow. “Um…Who are you?”
“Your muse,” he growls.
“Oh.” I edge into the room and leave the door cracked for a quick escape. “Where’s my other one? You know, the… usual one?”
He stares at me like I’m a bug. “She hired me.”
“You’re a mercenary muse?” I trap a nervous laugh behind my lips. The guy looks cranky. Dried sweat coats his bulging muscles, and bloody grit etches the gold lions adorning his skimpy outfit.
He points a finger at a wooden chair, my humming laptop on the table beside it. “I’m here to make sure you keep your commitments.”
“What commitments?” I sit, my smile as shaky as my hands.
“Summer off, then a new series, full time, starting September first.” He taps his ragged fingernails on the armrest. “Your muse thinks you’re an oil-tongued shirker who’ll attempt to cut yourself a part-time deal. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“Oh, that. Well, I’ll have you know, the prep work is coming along nicely.” I lift my chin, every speck of rickety indignation putting on a solid show, and I turn my laptop so he can see. “In fact, I’ve created a map!”
His lips curl in a sneer. “Don’t get cute. She says you love making maps, so that doesn’t count. What about the rest? The bios?”
“Ninety percent done.” I show him the files – images and profiles for all main characters and most secondaries. “I’m still tweaking, but you know they don’t settle in until the story starts. World building is progressing too. I have sea-cliffs, waterfalls, and cities with layers of arching bridges. And, I’ve got a great magic system.”
Continue reading: Muse for Hire | Myths of the Mirror
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Thanks so much for sharing, Sue. The muses are teaming up! Happy Writing. 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds more like they are ganging up…and I can sympathise 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
They rarely ask for more than I can (and want) to give. It’s all good. 🙂
LikeLike
I know that feeling too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this from Diana. I’m reblogging it myself later this week. ❤
LikeLike
I think we all recognise at least some of it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure. But, thank goodness I don’t have Diana’s trollish muse lol 🙂
LikeLike
I’m sort of fond of trolls, I have to say. At least those not connected with the internet! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh, a different kettle of fish. 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person