If we all scheduled our writing around our Muse’s availability, we’d never get anything done. And if you’re anything like me, you just felt the guilt stick whack you over the knuckles.
Let’s be honest. Waiting for the Muse to turn up is just classic procrastination. Ouch.
It’s wildly romantic though, isn’t it? To believe in a Muse. Though there are times when we just can’t explain it any other way. Those days when the ideas and words flow – just heaven. I know you’ll have pieces you’ve re-read some time later and thought Did I really write that? (In a good way!)
So, on the off-chance that this allusive Muse does actually exist, how do we make the most of it?
Remember, it’s a Partnership
Don’t place all the responsibility on your Muse, it’s a two-way street. And if you want to talk about being stood up – I’m sure we’ve all done our fair share – it’s not just them not showing for us.
As with any relationship, there’ll be good days and bad. There’ll be times when they’ll play hide and seek; where you’ll catch a glimpse, only for them to disappear around the corner. Or they’ll be raring to go, but you just want to grab 10 more minutes of sleep, or stay in the steaming hot shower a bit longer. Or worse, you forget to bring your notebook on the bus/train commute. Doh!
Get the Most Out of Your Date
When everything aligns, i.e. you’ve turned up, your Muse has arrived, you’ve got the place to yourself with no interruptions – don’t waste it.
Whatever it is you need to prolong the session do it.
- Atmosphere/Environment – Whether this means soft background music; the coffee percolator sending a delicious aroma through the house; a nice desk lamp or candles.
- Nourishment – Have the food ready – snacks, caffeine (whatever your poison). Or self-care routine, a moment of meditation, spritzing your favourite perfume/deodorant (yeh, it’s a thing!). Whatever makes you feel in the zone and ready to go.
- Off the Grid – Mute the phone, log-off Facebook/Twitter/Snap-chat or whatever your procrastinating tool of choice is.
- Pre-Plan – You know you two will meet up at some point. The law of averages says so. On the days leading up when it’s just you, use it to make notes, scene sequences, develop character ideas. Prepping is just as important. Just like planning an awesome meal – you have to peel the vegies and marinade the meat before getting stuck into the actual cooking.
Prove You’re In
What does any relationship need before a commitment is made? Proof that you’re in for the long haul.
In the beginning it will be electric. There’ll be positive energy, optimism, and unlimited motivation. Your Muse will be just as excited and focused as you with the new project. Consider this your ‘honeymoon period’.
However, it doesn’t take much to throw things out of kilter. Unplanned events or circumstances outside your control and require your full attention, can eat in to your established writing routine. Or your work days are so intense, you come home brain-fried, and the last thing you want to do is turn on the computer. (This is so me – I feel your pain!)
Therefore, what are some work-arounds to demonstrate that this is something you want –
- If after work is too hard, grab time in the morning before work, or during your lunch-break. It doesn’t have to be every day.
- If you’re lucky enough to have a Mon-Fri job, you have weekends, right? Even if you have social plans or other obligations, schedule in time before heading out.
- Work plus family commitments can make time allocation pretty tight. Especially if you’re a primary carer.
- When the kids are doing their homework/study. Sneak in time for your project too. Plus, this is a good example for them regarding commitment to goals.
- If it’s their sport/dance practice night, take your notebook with you to jot down ideas to expand on later. You know they’ll hit when you’re nowhere near your computer!
- If your kids are little, they’ll nap at some point (you’d hope, ha ha!). So, unless you’re in dire need of a kip as well, use this time.
- Sacrifice some of your TV time. Yes, we need to relax in our chosen way, and even convince ourselves it’s to garner ideas. (Which sometimes it can give) But not hours of bingeing. One episode of an average series is about an hour of writing.
Your Muse is More Than an Ethereal Being
Ok, so we’ve been talking about our Muse like it’s some ghostly presence that wafts in and out of our lives. When in fact, it’s everywhere, all the time, waiting for us to tap in.
So, what is ‘Muse’ really? Inspiration. Swap it out – and it’s all around us.
It’s our response to –
- That conversation we had yesterday (or overheard while waiting for our coffee)
- That documentary we watched
- That piece of art or artifact we saw at a show or museum
- Our child’s innocent and open evaluation of the world
- That beautiful song that never fails to stir emotion
It’s so many things.
And yes, it can show up in the most unlikely of places, or at the most inconvenient moment. But most of the time, it’s just sitting there, waiting for us to notice.
Disguised as our normal everyday life.
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