Pure Writerly Moments 2 (Short Stories, Essays, Book Reviews, and More)

Review of - They're Making it Up as They go Along

The troll looks me dead in the eyes. "We're coming for you and your little book. We'll eat its soul and then we'll eat you." 

The 21st century has many myths, many "fake newesess", but clearly internet trolls are...well...actually, trolls. There is no better word that suits them. The troll looks me dead in the eyes. "Dead by dawn your book will be...its literary heart a tasty treat...and when it is done, my feet you will see, as a step on your head..."

But I can't hear what the troll is saying...its eyes are so beautiful. This, this is what I had been fearing for so long? Internet trolls who are trolls? How could I fear a creature so beautiful. I walk up to the troll as it trolls me. I fear not for my literary creation. I fear not for the future of beauty in the world...for I have found it.

Literature was always there, not to be a beauty in itself, but rather to bring out the beauty that is trolls.

I take the troll in my arms and put my unworthy finger to its lips. "Shhh...shhh...there, there...". I silent it with my gentle touch. I stroke its hair. I don't want to change it. I don't want to tempter the harsh flame of its violent words...I just want it to be...be in my arms...cradled...loved...

I put my mouth to its as it tries to spew its words into my mouth: tasteless, crap, unworthy, trite, unremarkable. I take all these words inside me and hold the troll tighter to my breast.

Our mouths become one!


[300 words censored]

The troll lays in bed, a cigarette in its mouth, while I look up to the ceiling.

"Wow!" I say. "I mean...just, wow!"

I look over to the troll.

"Meh, pretty forgettable if you ask me. One and half stars."

My heart beats with rapture.

I, Daniel Clausen, had learned to settle down and love the troll.