Inspired

by Lesley Smith

Chaya Jordan is just trying to teach her creative writing circle when a unicorn wanders in ... well not a literal one but it is, as muses go, a pretty good comparison. She's about the start the morning's lesson on flash fiction when a girl with tattoos wanders in and everything changes in an instant.

Penny just wants to have fun on her day off, she has no idea of what she is. Fortunately, as head of the Council of Muses and an Ashterai Elder, Chaya is painfully aware. Muses can inspire anyone be they a writer or a scientist stuck on the plans to build a weapon of mass destruction -- and the untutored do so unconsciously, with no awareness of their ability.

Forced to intervene, Chaya has a short time to start teaching the Penny how to harness her gifts, how to write but also quietly inspire others. The world is not a kind place and, on the periphery, the Van Buren Group are watching. A wild muse is top of their list - and Penny is in their sights.

"Inspired" is a 6500 word short story set in the Ashteraiverse. It also includes the bonus flash fiction piece "The Secret Menu"!

Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

In a former life, Lesley Smith was a freelance journalist, but now writes fiction full time. Her debut novel, The Changing of the Sun, is due out this summer.

Lesley’s hobbies include baking, archery and binge-watching box sets. She lives in a quaint Norfolk market town with an ever-growing number of cats and her guide dog, Unis.

Join the online chatter with #theashteraiverse and find Lesley at:

Twitter: @LesleySmith
Facebook: /tenthmusepublishing
Pinterest and Instagram: LesleySmithUK
www.lesley-smith.co.uk