The muse is a common topic of conversation among writers, but difficult to find a concrete definition for this important force that makes the words sing on a page like a perfect symphony written by unseen angels.
The Greek Mythologies say that Zeus had nine daughters who were called The Muse. One of those daughters, Clio the “Proclaimer,” is the muse of history and is often seen sitting with a scroll and accompanied by a chest of books. She has been credited with introducing the Phoenician alphabet into Greece. There were other Muse Sisters who inspired folks to dance until death and sing until throats collapsed.
Whether we believe in spirits, the writing muse is real and important to those of us writing manuscripts, though I don’t think we want to write until our fingers fall off! Nevertheless, we’d like to write with inspirational flow all the time. But the muse is fickle.
The muse for me and for other writers is the inspiration with which I can sit down and write my paper with continuity and discharge that makes our hearts tell us, “Great job!” Like any other kind of inspiration, the muse is based on a type of spirituality. It’s sometimes fleeting, and needs encouragement, care, and nourishment. How can the muse be fed so that it will be our companion? This type of inspiration must be invited in different ways.
You can put in favorite music that causes your feelings to percolate. Your work space must be uncluttered from all things un-writing related, like bills, toys, anything that could interrupt your train of thought. Flowers, plants, favorite pictures on the wall, your space decorated in a pleasing manner, quietness, and a thoughtful attitude can all help the muse to feel invited. Turn off the ringer on your phone.
You should always take care of yourself. Take a break from a couple hours of writing to stretch, get a drink, and go for a short walk. If you are feeling good physically, it goes a long way toward your general feeling of well being so the inspiration won’t have to fight for room.
Plan your time to write around other family activities and other things like housework and playing taxi so that you have a determined time slot to spend at your computer uninterrupted.
Take some time to sit and look at your surroundings. Take in the smells, let your self become taken away by the music you have playing, take a few cleansing breaths, and remove all other clutter from your mind. Meditate on your story, the characters, and where they will go in their world. Allow yourself to be taken away into your story’s fantasy world as if angels are beside you, cheering you on.
Daydream about the day when you get a letter in the mail from your agent telling you a major publisher is interested in your book. How will you feel? What will you do to celebrate? Dreams are what make our realities.
The Muse, as a type of spiritual entity, needs nourishment and surroundings that are inviting to its presence. By being sensitive and conscious of your space, physical well-being, and feelings, escaping from all other worldly concerns, the Muse will become your friend who will sit beside you as a partner in all of your writing endeavors.
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