Napkin Story: ‘The Writer’s Curse’ by Christopher White

The next in our blog series of Napkin Halloween-themed stories is Christopher White’s ‘The Writer’s Curse’. . .

The Writer’s Curse

Damned Hallowe’en mused the writer. He was stuck in a rundown café staring into his mug of tea as if searching for some sign of a soul lurking within the beverage. His notebook lay to his right, perfectly unblemished – not the slightest idea had been scrawled upon the paper. Sam Wheeler was attempting to hit the Bestsellers, but his efforts had yet to prove rewarding. As a group of lazily costumed teenagers shambled by the large, dirty window, he cynically pondered the customary festivities.

In his day, small children dressed up and went foraging for chocolate and sweets. Now though, it seemed to be more about youngsters door-knocking in a ruthless search for money. With this escalation came the same upgrade to the infamous trick element; from harmless hijinks to vicious vandalism. The occasion itself didn’t make sense anyway.

A holiday renowned for goblins and ghouls on the evening of everything hallowed? In the Christian calendar, it was All Saints’ Feast. All Souls’ Feast however, only a day later – now there was potential. All Souls surely included the most evil and twisted of spirits? Wheeler still had nothing jotted down. Perhaps I’m cursed.

His reverie was interrupted by the dull taste of wood caught on his tongue – he’d unknowingly chewed through the pencil’s top, as if consuming the instrument of his art would help. A loud noise jerked his attention, drawn to the large scuffed window. People were racing past, contorting their necks to check behind them. Then the screaming and shouting began, Wheeler’s vision obscured by the dirty pane. Ignoring instinct, he ran outside facing the creature approaching. Typical – this would have made a great story were the last thoughts Sam Wheeler ever had as the colossal jaws enveloped around him.

Bio

Christopher White, author of
Christopher White, author of ‘The Writer’s Curse’

Chris, having just recently graduated with a degree in English and Media, has just started in the world of full-time work. Despite this, he has always relished reading and writing and enjoys pursuing his own creative impulses in his spare time.

Self-confessed Trekkie, Whovian and overall fan of anything imaginative.  Hopefully, a blog will be on the way.  Feel free to get in touch: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteMalteser

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