Way too early in the morning, my muse drops down beside me on my couch and tosses her hat onto the coffee table. The howler monkey that’s been riding her shoulder for a year leaps onto my kitchen counter, curls back its rubbery lips, and flashes a yellow-toothed grin. The muse hands me a latte. “Nice progress on the draft… finally.”
“Thanks.” I’m still leering at the monkey but manage to sip my latte. Yum. “So, why the visit? You know I’m under NaNo pressure.” I somehow forget to mention that yesterday I logged zero words.
She arches an eyebrow but for once shrugs off her annoyance. “I’m running a promotion for a couple of days. Catling’s Bane is free today and Wednesday. Your sales blah blah blah…” I’m not listening. The howler’s opened my refrigerator and taken a bite from a head of lettuce. He’s going for the orange juice.
I bolt up. “Hey! Out of there!” The beast roars at me, a sound capable of bursting eardrums. He grabs a tuna sandwich I made for my husband’s lunch, darts across the cabin’s single room, and climbs halfway up the stairs. Suspended from the banister, he gobbles and spills bits of sandwich on the furniture below. UGH. I sink back onto the couch and glower, afraid any further intervention will make it worse.
“What else,” I ask, wanting to get this over with as quickly as I can.
She smiles at me. My muse never smiles. “Two of your books were semi-finalists in the 2019 Kindle Book Awards.”
“What?” I’ve now forgotten all about the howler and the globs of tuna sprinkling my floor. I’d also forgotten that I submitted books. “Both of them?”
“Sunweilder and Soul Swallowers.” She tips back her latte, stands, and snaps her fingers at the monkey. Not two seconds later, the creature swings from the banister onto her shoulder. My muse heads for the door, her familiar bossy ill-humor sliding onto her face. “Get to work.”
“I plan on it. After I clean up this mess.” As she walks out the door and into the forest, I call after her, “Hey, if I finish my first draft, can we lose the monkey?”
She glances back and slips me an evil smile.
***
I guess the muse’s visit could have gone a lot worse.
Click on the cover if you’re interested in a free kindle of Catling’s Bane:
I loved those two books! I think Sunwielder may be my favorite of all Diana’s books but it’s a difficult decision. Hmm… You make me want a tuna fish sandwich. I haven’t had one in a long time.
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Haha, I can’t remember when was the last time I had fish sandwich.
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Hi, Miriam! Thanks for sharing this post. I’m heading over to Diana’s blog! ❤ xo
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Great, Vashti. She’s doing Nano. She’s excited about being the semi finalist. 💖😇
I have some acute health issue. Will rest for a while. 😊🤗
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I’m so sorry to hear about your health issues, Miriam. Resting is always helpful. I wish you a speedy recovery. ❤ xo
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It may take a long time. But I’m okay. 💖
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I hope you’re feeling much better now. ❤
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I don’t know why it takes so long this time around. Thank you, Vashti. 💖
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Hi Miriam,
My book has been released! I would still love to post about my book on your website. Could you please send me what information you will need?
Bless you!
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Advocating for Families with Special Needs Kids/Adults
http://www.sparklinghope.net
http://www.facebook.com/betsy.ridgway
https://youtube.com/betsyridgway-sparklinghope
http://www.pintrest.com/betsyridgwaysparklinghope/pins/
http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/betsyridgway
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Sure, Betsy. Is it on Amazon? Do you have a link to your book?
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Hi Miriam, hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that your mystery has been solved regarding your allergies! Here is my Amazon link for my book: http://www.amazon.com/author/betsykayridgway
Thanks so much!! Happy New Year!
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I’m in Portland with my daughter’s family and see my granddaughter. I may post your book after the new year. I’m talking a blogging break. Happy New year to you!
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Thanks again for sharing the post, Miriam. It was a lovely surprise this morning. I hope you have a peaceful day with a chance to breathe and smile. ❤
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Haha, thank you, Diana. Just a couple follow up appts. Have a wonderful day. 💖
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Thanks for sharing, Miriam. I’m not surprised Sunwielder is a semi-finalist. I’m enjoying it immensely.
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You’re welcome, Norah. It’s a great read. Thank you for sharing your thought!
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My pleasure, Miriam.
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