Gemotions

Maya practically vibrated with anticipation. The annual literary convention was finally here, and she was practically giddy. She loved meeting new authors, discussing their work, and absorbing every detail about the creative process. Especially Jasper Thorne, whose work was her life's blood. He was scheduled for a Q&A session. She'd prepared a list of questions, meticulously crafted to show off her knowledge of his books.

She had always dreamt of being a writer, and was working on her own novel. She had just finished a draft and was extremely proud of it. She pulled up the novel on her laptop, re-reading the beginning.

The Q&A was electrifying. Thorne was brilliant, articulate, everything she'd hoped. Then, during the open discussion, a young woman from the audience asked about the inspiration for a specific scene in *Crimson Tides*. As Thorne spoke, Maya froze.

The scene he described was almost identical to one she had written. The same dialogue, the same imagery, the same dramatic effect. The blood drained from her face. Her notes fluttered uselessly to the floor as a creeping sense of disbelief washed over her.