My Not So Amused Muse

Hello Writers,

It’s time to get serious about starting that second book.

Yeah, right. I’ve heard that before.

Shut up, Clyde, no one asked you. This is the week. Time to get some serious research underway. We’re going historical.

That’s funny.

No, not hysterical, doofus, historical. Clean out your ears, pal.

And how far are you plannin’ on going back, little missy?

I’m glad you asked, Clyde. We’re going back to the late 1850’s to a tobacco farm in rural North Caroline-y.

I’m asleep already.

Har-de-har-har. You’re a real card, Clyde.

Yeah, ace of spades.

Anyway, I’m trading in the paranormal for the history-angle, but this will be a thriller.

If you say so. What’s so nifty about this particular time period?

I need slavery.

Excuse me? You better watch yourself, paleface.

You ain’t whistlin’ dixie, Clyde. And neither am I. This is a heavy subject and I won’t be treating it lightly. Note to self: do not rip off one of Stephen King’s ‘magical negro’ characters.

Say what?

I’m not making this up, Clyde. It’s on Wikipedia. A ‘magical negro’ is a person of color endowed with a saint-like personality and sometimes, magical powers such as Mother Abigail in The Stand, or John Coffey in The Green Mile, or Dick Hallorann in The Shining. As much as I love these characters, I don’t want to copy them. Their job is to help out the struggling white characters. I think I'll let mine struggle.

Good thing ’cause you, madam, are no Stephen King.

Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve read a thing or two on slavery that weren’t part of my junior high curriculum, Clyde, but the hour growth late. We’ll continue this conversation on Friday.

I’m holding my breath.

You do that, Clyde. It keeps the bs to a minimum.