Interesting, I thought that this was going to go another way completely but I was pleasantly surprised. I think it is a perfect entry into the challenge. Everything comes across as well expressed and it is certainly a feeling I can appreciate.

Ouch, but I know the feeling I loved the bit int eh middle, the description of the creative process in cosmic terms. Lovely elocution of the familiar feeling of not having anything original to bring to the table.

Like Robert Quick, this story sideswiped me. By the title and first couple of sentences I thought I knew where this was going.

Humph, I know the feeling. Nearly all of my stories are inspired by my friend, or just variations or continuations on previous stories… I need new inspiration.

Oh, but a great story all in all. Very eloquent indeed :)

The change in tone between the 3rd and 4th paragraphs is really jarring. Up through the 3rd, I had a smirk on my face, thinking “Weird, it’s like he’s narrating my thoughts”. Going into the 4th paragraph with that mindset really hit me in the face. Very effective.

I didn’t know where you were going with this at first, but by the time I finished I realized all the clues were there. Nice bit of a tribute piece (and a good entry as well), but don’t sell yourself short. Who knows what else you might come up with it you give yourself a chance. :o)