Flash-free Friday aka Opinions, Please!

Every Friday, I fully intend to participate in the weekly Flash! Friday contest. (Lately, often, I fail, but that's not the point of this post.) Still, each time I share a story, it's nerve-wracking. What if, this time, you realize that I'm no good as a writer? A little bit of anxiety never fails to make its way in, even though ultimately these flash pieces are intended as a low-stress exercise for what some have called the writing "muscle."

What I'm sharing today is much more nerve-wracking, but that's also why I have decided to share it in the relative safety of my blog (and seek your opinion!). Because much as writers rely on the support of other writers, and frequently conform to the opinions of agents & editors, the most important opinion, the final word, is that of readers. And if I can't muster up the courage to share it here, I will certainly never share it elsewhere.

As I've mentioned, I intend to publish my second novel, Mortal Musings, independently. Below is the (current) back cover copy. I hope you'll take a look and let me know what you think. (And meanwhile, anxiety will consume me...) Thank you in advance!

Muse Alexandra has had it with the arrogant, ungrateful humans she is obligated to inspire. When the internal ranting of her latest charge pushes her past reason, she disregards the rules and forces her own words through his fingers, and is instantly entrapped in mortal form. With no magic, no identity, and no resources, Allie has no alternative but to navigate the mortal realm, depending entirely on her reluctant host while discerning what exactly caused her transformation — and how to reverse it.

Brett doesn’t have a chance to consider the words that mysteriously showed up on his screen; he’s too distracted by the stunning woman who appeared in his office out of nowhere. Before his brain can catch up, Brett’s uninvited guest becomes enmeshed in his everyday life. Her artless innocence gradually lessens his suspicions. Most importantly, the writer’s block that’s been plaguing him dissolves under the fantasies the naively beguiling Alexandra inspires.

All too soon, the forced proximity sparks a confounding awareness neither writer nor muse are able to resist.