A lot of interviewers (a) don't know how to interview and (b) don't really read the resume or application. Either could work to your advantage. If they don't know what they are doing, they may skip over the very questions you dread. If they don't pay attention to the details of the resume or application, they may miss the gap altogether. Many interviewers only give a brief glance at where you worked last and possibly your description of what you did there. Of course, if they do think to ask you, the suggestions above are really very good. You could say you helped a friend with an ill-fated enterprise. Whatever you plan to say, be sure you already have an answer for the next logical question. "Oh? What sort of enterprise? Was it local?" or "Really? Do you write fiction or non-fiction?" I'll bet iff you say, "Poetry" the questions will stop right then and there. You get the idea.