In the dark shadows he lurked. It was time.
His natural state was a recluse, satisfied with his own company, content to live in the world of his imagination. He did not need the companionship or support of others.
But now the strange creature was poised to reveal himself and his work, to offer up his fragile, tortured soul to the critics and the naysayers.
He summoned the courage to raise his head above the parapet, to ascend from his dark isolation and to expose himself and his accomplishments to the light.
His finger hovering over the keyboard. One last deep breath and he hit the button. His story was published.
The writer awaited the first response…

This is a response to the #writephoto Prompt – Poised curated over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.
GET ‘A JUSTIFIED STATE’ for just 99p / 99¢.
FINAL CHANCE – ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!
Just follow the links: AMAZON UK AMAZON US
I like this. We took a similar pah, at least in that we both wrote about writing, though at different parts of the process – my strange creature was poised to put the first word on paper, not release the finished work.
LikeLiked by 3 people
There is plenty of anxiety at every stage! Thanks Trent
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love this. But how did you get inside my head? 😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
😉 I have my 2nd novel coming out in a couple of weeks – I am feeling this anxiety!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congrats! Someday I hope to feel that specific anxiety—if I can ever get the damn thing finished 🤣
LikeLiked by 2 people
Keep going, it is all worth it in the end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
THANKS!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writer’s can be strange creatures, can’t they! 🙂 Good job!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you – and yes, we certainly can!
LikeLike
😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant, Iain…and yes, writers are indeed strange creatures 😉
On another note… that second book? Guest and promo post when you are ready?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Sue – yes, over the next couple of weeks I’m getting my head around some guest posts – still 3 weeks until publication, so I will be in touch at the end of the month about that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The door is always open, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent! The plight of many writers and artists very accurately portrayed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The dilemma between not wanting to be exposed and needing to share your work. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel that way when I post some new creation on my Etsy site…just last night in fact!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The new novel has me feeling this way, I think more than the first one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is brilliant Iain, we have all been poised on this particular precipice, so glad we were brave enough to rise above it. 💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be a poorer world if some of the writers decided not to take that leap 🙂
LikeLike
Yes it would indeed 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. Very cleverly done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
This is so true for so many authors. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, I just read Trent’s post just before this one. Both excellent. The next time someone asks me about what it really means to write, I’ll send them here 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Chris 🙂
LikeLike