...not happening

This week I learned a couple of things about my muse.



First, I discovered that she possesses a serious oppositional-defiant streak. AND I found out that she’s in cahoots with the boys in the basement, something I never expected of her.

This was one of those weeks when I had too much to do. I had to prepare something fabulous to take to a cookout. I had to send out a piece to my critique group and finish up a talk for a retreat next week, etc., etc. So I asked for a day off. One day! And do you know what she told me?

“…not happening.”

And then, to prove her point, she marched me into the kitchen, sat me down, and proceeded to spell out the first 5,000 words of a story I’ve wanted to tell for over ten years.

Somehow this doesn’t seem fair. I mean, she can take off for weeks at a time. She can disappear just when I need her most and leave me to struggle on my own…but she won’t give me a single day off when I really need it. When I have other things on my mind, she’s back…serving up inspiration like manna in the desert. What’s a writer to do?

Not only that, but the boys got in on the act this week, too. They sent up some pretty decent dialogue…so I know they’re in on this, too. I’ll have to remember to send down some nachos and wings with the next six-pack. (Are you paying attention Anthony Stemke?)



 My muse’s motto is, “Sit. Stay. Write.” Come hell or high water. We don’t always see eye to eye on this issue, but I know she has my best interests in mind because she was looking pretty smug about herself when my critique group greeted this week’s work with unequivocal praise.

What is your muse’s motto?

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“Biting my truant pen, beating myself for spite:

"Fool!" said my muse to me, "Look in thy heart, and write."

--Sir Philip Sidney--

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In my next post, I may share a story about a special gift I received thirty-seven years ago.

jan