John W. Howell asked me to write a story about an author in pain writing his latest manuscript with a crazed fan having him at gunpoint. I put a different twist on it and went rather evil and super dark. I mean, I really went to the shadows of my mind for this one. Read beyond the picture if you dare and I apologize in advance. Seriously, this pain must be drawing out my villains instead of my heroes.
“You’re insane!” Dan yells as the gun shakes in his hand. “Just finish writing your book, so I know what happens. That’s all I want, Mr. Raklin.”
The young man stares down the sight at the middle-aged author, who is holding his back and cringing in pain. A laptop glows in front of him, a blinking cursor in the middle of a sentence for the author’s latest manuscript. Mr. Raklin coughs and winces in pain before dragging himself into a nearby recliner.
“I told you that I’m in too much pain,” Mr. Raklin says in a weak voice. His body spasms and he clenches his teeth with all his might. “Do you have any idea what a muscle spasm is? They make it impossible to concentrate, much less write. I’ve been suffering with these for over a year, which is why I announced the delay of my book.”
“I can’t wait!” Dan childishly shouts. “You swore you wouldn’t let more than six months pass between books. You didn’t want to be like the other ones that make us wait for years. Now, keep writing!”
Mr. Raklin grins and leans forward, enjoying the slight pop from his back. “I told you that I can’t go any further. Your only option is to kill me.”
“The series ends if you die,” Dan replies with a nervous chuckle. He can feel his mind begin to unravel, the stress tearing at his sanity. “This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. You were supposed to be scared and push through your pain. That was the plan. I was told that the plan would work.”
“Of course you were told that, kid,” Mr. Raklin states, yawning and stretching. He whimpers at the feel of his protesting muscles. “The truth is that I’m in too much pain to focus, so you have to make good on your threat.”
Dan’s face twitches and he aims the gun at the author he adores. The memories of reading his books fill his eyes with tears when he realizes that he will never read another. He takes a deep breath while Mr. Raklin closes his eyes and prepares for death. The gunshot rings out and stays in the air for several seconds.
“Well, fuck,” Mr. Raklin swears as he reaches for his phone. He takes a final look at Dan’s body and the mess that he has to hire someone to clean up. “I’m too old and in too much pain for this shit.”
He dials the phone with touch of a single button and the other person picks up after the first ring. “Hello, John? This is Gary Raklin. Can you tell those psychopaths at the publishing company to stop sending these people? I’m trying my best considering the pain, so I don’t need a parade of crazed fans with no balls littering my home with their bodies. I will not calm down! This is the third time this month! Get them to stop this stupid shit, John. Thank you.” Gary turns off the phone and rubs his eyes. “Fucking impatient bastards.”
Legends of Windemere 
Huh ? LOL !
That’s great, but yowsh ! that’s really dark !
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Yeah. Not sure where that came from. I think I’m going to steer clear of challenges like this for a while. Fun, silly poetry.
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Ahahahaha! Oh, sorry. Dark story, right; no laughing out loud. Snicker. Sorry!!!
That was great–loved “the company men/psychopaths” twist 🙂
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A few people have chuckled at it on this side of the computer. Maybe I’m too close to the emotion, so I looked at it differently.
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I hear you; I saw a fabulous old-school horror movie in the makings here. So, “too close to the emotion”: if you are too close to the emotion of the author in this story, who are your company-men? And if you are a company-man, what can you do to change your frustration at the currently slow pace of the author? No need to answer, just some questions for your thought… *hugs*
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It reminded me a little of Misery until I got to the end.
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Great! Although I must really read some extremely dark stuff since I didn’t think this was that dark – it made me laugh!
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A lot of people are laughing about this one. Maybe I’m too sensitive.
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Loved it – It was reminding me of Misery as well, but I like the twist (I love Stephen King, but I’ll avoid the parts where people have bits and bobs lobbed off).
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I couldn’t go graphic in there. Just didn’t have it in me.
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Creepy in a funny sort of way, or was that funny in a creepy sort of way…Either way!
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Thanks. I guess it was kind of funny.
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Haha! *ahem* ….I mean, that was really dark. Did it help you get some writing done? Or were you looking over your shoulder for the rest of the day?
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I’m guessing I’m not as dark as I think on this one. 😉 It was fun to do and I still have some book work to do. Switching to a 1 chapter a week goal might be better for now. I might be battled out here too. This most recent book has a lot more action than the previous ones. All necessary too.
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When I get actioned out but don’t want to stop, I work on character sketches for a while. Just sayin’.
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My stick figure drawing is pretty terrible. I think my writing at night system will help me out.
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Uhm. So. Yep. I am so bloody proud of you. There is a reason why you are my best friend. I really do look insanely innocent standing next to you. And also when I wear heels I’m taller than you. You make me look good.
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Glad to be of service. This short story made me feel dirty. I need to do happier things.
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I’m sorry I lost control of this comment. Honestly. I did. All I could see was Austin Powers suddenly. Do I make you feel dirty baby yeeeahhh. lol
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Now I have this urge to see that movie again. The first one was epic.
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😛 This is so you, Charles! Wait. Yes. I’m chuckling.
Ellespeth
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Thanks. Glad to see my reputation is intact.
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Uh! That was a little creepy.. I am a little befuddled after reading it. I need some time to settle down.
Hmm… okay, I must say- great writing skills. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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You’re welcome. And thank you for being the first person to think this was creepy. Everyone else found it funny, so I thought I totally missed the mark.
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Ahahah Charles I love it! This is a really great example of dark humor!
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I should start feeling proud that I unintentionally pulled off dark humor.
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You should indeed!
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