Debts, Dreams, and Dedication

Welcome to The Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is to write a story where the main character is a creative writing teacher. 

This week’s contribution comes from Chiara De Giorgi. After writing several episodes featuring paranormal romance writer Elsa Mon, this story represents the beginning of the beginning…

Chiara is an Italian author and currently lives in Berlin, Germany. She writes fiction, with a focus on children’s literature and science fiction.

 

Debts, Dreams, and Dedication

(An Elsa Mon story)

by Chiara De Giorgi

 

created with Canva

Elsa groaned in frustration. She had done the math three times; there was no mistake. She had been so happy when she had been offered an apprenticeship at The Willow Gazette, the town newspaper. But, after six months, it was clear that the measly pay she received was not enough to cover her expenses. She took a disconsolate look around. She did not want to leave that house. Her beloved grandmother had left it to her, it was all hers, and every corner whispered fond memories and promises of a good life. She absolutely had to figure out a way to make some money quickly.

“My novel...” she murmured, brushing a finger over her laptop on the table. Yeah, her novel. Her hobby, her passion... But goodness knew how long it would take her to finish it! And in the meantime?

Sighing, she went to pick up her mail. She had heard the letter carrier pass by and drop something in the slot on the door while she was in the midst of her very disappointing accounting session.

“Ugh! Bills, bills and more—”

She stopped. In between the bills was a letter. The envelope bore the logo of the local library.

“And what is this?” she asked aloud.

She dropped the bills on the carpet and promptly opened the letter from the library.

Dear Ms. Elsa Mon,

Town Hall just destined a share of the town budget to activities promoting culture aimed at the locals. As the only town library, we therefore have the opportunity to organize cultural events for the residents. We are considering a creative writing course, for which we have received numerous requests.

Your name has been mentioned to us…

Elsa groaned. Were they inviting her to enroll in their creative writing course? For one thing, it was redundant, since she had taken a creative writing course in college as part of her journalism major. And besides, she had no money, as she kept being painfully reminded. Nevertheless, she resumed reading.

Your name has been mentioned to us, and we would be happy to have you as our creative writing teacher. In case you are interested, please get in touch with Ms. Underwood.

Sincerely, etc. etc.

Elsa could not believe her eyes. She read the letter several times, then pulled out her phone and called the library.

“Hello? May I speak to Ms. Underwood please?”

***

In the weeks that followed the start of the creative writing course, Elsa’s already feeble organizational skills were put to the test. Sure, her days were full, but her debt to the bank had already begun to decrease, and she was very relieved whenever she thought about it.

Full days didn’t even begin to describe it… She had the assignments for The Willow Gazette to complete, for starters. These were never complicated inquiries—she was just an apprentice after all. But not wishing to remain an apprentice forever, Elsa always worked hard, doing extensive research on whatever topic she was asked to write about in her articles. She was very serious about the creative writing course, too. She wanted it to be successful so her contract would be renewed; therefore, she always prepared her classes meticulously, tailoring them for her students. And finally, of course, there was her novel to finish. Finish, yes… If she made up her mind about the beginning, perhaps. She had changed genre and setting at least four times so far!

She opened her laptop and the novel file. Last night she had once again deleted everything, ready to start over. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” she whispered…

***

Over the next few weeks, Elsa would experience some bizarre incidents, all sharing one common element: Mr. Khamose, a charming man from Egypt who was enrolled in her writing class. She was sure that a passionate romance would ensue, but she was not ready for what Khamose brought into her life…

 

*****

The Spot Writers:

Val Muller: http://www.valmuller.com/blog/

Catherine A. MacKenzie: https://writingwicket.wordpress.com/wicker-chitter/

Phil Yeats: https://alankemisterauthor.wordpress.com/

Chiara De Giorgi: https://chiaradegiorgi.blogspot.com/