Beware the muse with a chip on her shoulder.
Muses are often called uncooperative, grumpy, lazy beings who abandon a writer when they're needed most. Now, one of them has decided to tell their side of the story. Meet Clarissa, a muse who has spent centuries trying to inspire artists who sometimes are too stubborn to listen to her.
What is your muse trying to say to you? Clarissa might just be able to answer that...
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Excerpt
Several others were at the altar doing the same thing; only they were offering larger and more elaborate gifts. I listened for a little while to their prayers, enjoying the sounds of their voices all coming together as one for the same purpose, even if they were asking with different words. Wanting to beat Melody to the punch, I revealed myself to the large crowd. Several people fainted right off. Okay, I hadn’t expected that. Wasn’t this exactly what they were asking for? Sometimes I really don’t understand people. Most, however, just got very quiet and watched me. They were standing so still, they looked like statues.
Akakios was one of the first to bow, a look of complete awe and gratitude on his face. He stayed that way until I asked them all to stand again. “I am Thalia,” I introduced myself, making one of those comedy masks appear in my right hand. (Hey, it’s a name they know; Might as well go with it!) I have heard you and I am here to grant your prayers.” The others began bowing as well, softly muttering prayers of thanks. I motioned to Akakios. “Please come here.” I watched as he stood straighter and walked up to me.
He bowed again as he reached me. “Yes, my muse?”
“You have pleased me. I believe you shall be the first to benefit of my guidance.” I looked around the room at the others. “As to the rest of you, I will see your offerings and decide who else is worthy.”
Just then, Melody popped in. She really has crappy timing sometimes! “I am Calliope and I find you all worthy!” She had a tablet in her hands and a little golden crown on her head. I really wish I could strangle her sometimes.
Now that Melody had stolen my thunder, I had to find a way to get it back and fast! I could already see several of the people bowing before her instead of me. “Do not be fooled by her words, she will only demand far more than I will for her loyalty and assistance. You do not want to fall into her devious trap. Mark my words, once she has your offerings, she will forget all about you and your prayers.” I was fuming but I wasn’t about to show it; especially not around her!
Melody shot me a nasty look and said in an overly sweet voice, “It is she who says she will decide who is worthy, I have put no conditions before you.”
“Yet,” I threw in before she could say anything else. “I know her well. She will not be happy with modest offerings long. When she gets bored, she will leave you uninspired and stranded never to write another word so long as you live. That is, unless you come to me.” I could see a few of them were conflicted, not sure which one of us to believe.
“She deceives! She has fooled you people before many times; it is a game to her! She has caused a woman to be among your most prized writers, all without you knowing it!” I was surprised Melody didn’t mention the fact I wasn’t actually this Thalia they worship as well. Then again, she couldn’t really talk. I mean, Calliope? Really? She can be so delusional. Melody’s not that artistic.
About the Author
JamieBMusings is a music addict, book lover, pet servant & NaNoWriMo survivor. When she's not busy writing posts for CultureShock, she's taking pictures for her new obsession (That Photo Blog) and spending time with her husband and pets. Her first book, The Life and Times of No One in Particular, was released in May 2012.
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Awesome book!:O)
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