The Muse

By Shawn James

Upon learning that she's the inspiration for the character D'lilah in the novel Seduction Actress Sandi Williamson travels to New York City to meet with writer Shawn James and learn what inspired him to create a character based on her. Coming face-to face with the muse for his work, the start of a new love story begins between the sheets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shawn James
• Release date: Nov 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301129737

Shawn James

Shawn James is the author of over seventy Books. A graduate of Monroe College he's been writing fiction and nonfiction for twenty years.

Book preview

The Muse

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2012 Shawn James

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Front cover art designed by and Copyright © 2012 Shawn James

This is a work of fiction. All events, locations, institutions, themes, persons, characters and plot are completely fictional. Any resemblance to places or persons, living or deceased, are purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

I study the cover of Seduction as my flight makes its way from Los Angeles to New York. My manager says the heroine is inspired by me. After reading the entire book from cover to cover, I can honestly say I see a lot of myself in her.

Since I’m in town for a few days to read for this part, I’ll try to arrange a meeting with the writer, Shawn James. I’m eager to find out how he captured my voice in writing the character of D’lilah. Normally, I’d let my manager handle contact between me and any new contact. But this isn’t business. I’d like to get to know him and learn more about his approach to creating characters.

When I heard he’d been inspired by me to write a story with a character based on me I admit I was kind of flattered. I’ve had lots of fans. The best most can write is just a good letter about my acting, but I’ve never had one to actually take the time to write an entire novel based on my work.

After reading the story I was pretty surprised. Since it was self-published, I was expecting junk when I bought it. But it was actually quite good, better written than some of the screenplays I get sent. I’m surprised he hasn’t been snapped up by one of the big New York publishers yet. Maybe I’ll talk to him about the direction of his career too when we have lunch.

I flip through the first few pages of the paperback of the front matter. I find his address on the third page and reach for my cell phone. I’ll send him a quick e-mail to get things rolling.

Before I can key in the e-mail address the PA system on the plane comes on.

Attention everyone, this is your captain speaking. We’ll be touching down in New York in a few minutes. Please flip up all tray tables, fasten your seat belts and turn off all electronic devices.

I peer out the window and see the tall skyscrapers of New York City in the distance. Guess I’ll have to wait until I get to the hotel to get in touch with him.

Chapter 2

Six self-published books. A dozen eBooks. Three blogs a week. Self-promotion on Twitter and Facebook.

And still no big break.

I keep hoping wishing and praying it’ll pay off with more than single digit sales one day. That I’ll finally make enough money one