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Laura Kester Duerrwaechter's avatar

The fake muse

through introduction 

or

conflict resolution

of a soul. 

Depletes

The fake muse

team captain

and team mates

living in one's reflection

always 

for the win. 

Recognition.

Mere confetti

shredded from the collage 

of life.

It doesn't matter. 

Inspiration

testified at the hearing

and the jury is still 

out.

Angela Yuriko Smith's avatar

Yes! 100%... I applaud you. 💖

Rich Keller's avatar

Hi, Angela,

Thank you for this essay. The Powers That Be called me to it when I was going through a hard bout of fear. It was telling me my current position of being late on rent and not paying bills was the way it would be forever.

Your essay allowed me to breathe and come back into the world. I can't feed the panic. All I can do is move forward.

Barry Wallace's avatar

I was there yesterday for your presentation, and as one who's been on all sides of the online presentation world I can assure you no one had anything but sympathy for you and your tech situation, and we were all glad you came back to us. I loved your presentation, and I'm very much intrigued by Space and Time Magazine. I hope to have something to submit for publication in the near future. I have only recently started writing prose, having been a playwright for the last several years. I just finished my first novel, which was why I was interested in your presentation yesterday. I was wondering if you would consider publishing short plays? I have several that would likely fit the criteria of your magazine, but aren't in a short story format. Again, thank you for perservering yesterday and conquering your fear (or at least, telling it to get lost for a while). Imposter syndrome is the real deal, and something I struggle with all of the time. Writing has helped, although I haven't been able to write for myself - I write for others, and am disappointed in myself when don't get the interest or feedback I feel I should have, which feeds that fear of failure. Thanks for your post today, and good luck on the next presentation!

LindaAnn LoSchiavo's avatar

#QUOTE < because the universe has a sense of humor, there was a tech fail. I was booted out in the middle of my own presentation. Nothing like disappearing from a live event ... > Oh, no!

And I also recall watching Angela present live on Substack twice when the screen froze. I refreshed my screen -- but could not get back in! 🧟‍♀️ Tech trolls live among us!