I just published The Uncapped Pen, a collection of fifty short stories dealing with writing in some way. Most were previously published – on my website or blog – but the rest are brand new stories. This previously published story was in my “If I need it pile,” but in the end I didn’t need it. So I’m just posting it here as a bonus.
“The Honeymoon’s Over”
“What do you think you’re
doing?”
Joe shrugged. “I’m watching a movie.”
His muse tried to grab
the remote from his hand, but Joe kept it out of her reach. “You should be writing,” she said.
“I’ll write tomorrow.”
With her hands on her
hips, she replied, “I’ve heard that one before.”
Joe sighed. “Hey, I’ve had a long day, I just want to
relax. And I’ve been wanting to see this
movie for months, but you haven’t let me.”
“Well excuse me. Do you think the Great American Novel will
just fall into your lap without you having to work for it?”
“Of course not. But do you think my novel will be finished if
I blow my brains out because I’m so stressed out?”
The two glared at each
other for several moments. Then Joe
said, “I’m watching a movie. Either join
me, or leave.”
Without waiting for her
answer, he started the movie.
After looking at Joe, the
TV, and the door several times, his muse sighed and sat on the couch next to
him. Joe held the bowl of popcorn out to
her. She glanced at it, and without
taking any said, “I hate you.”
Taking the bowl back, Joe
replied, “The feelings mutual. Now shut
up.”
***
This story reminds me a
bit of these two Oglaf comics, The Blank Page and Muse. Warning, they contain profanity, cartoon
nudity, and violence.
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