I’m now the proud blogger at two very different types of sites. I will continue to post at this blog site daily (or as close to daily as I can manage). And I will establish a rhythm for the second blog in time.
With the advent of my new illustrated version of Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats, I’ve also established a blog for those who enjoy, adore and, perhaps, spend their days with one or more cats. Hop on over to the new blog site and see what you think. Remember, this is just the beginning. I plan to learn how to post photographs at the blog and will share some of those that are in the book as well as new ones I come across and even photos of your cats, if you wish to send me some. The most recent blog post includes one short story from the book. Actually, it’s one of the many vignettes that accompany the 36 true stories. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.
Why promote a cat blog at a writing/publishing blog? Because I can. It’s my blog and I can post anything I want to, just as you can and should post entries at your blog site of your choosing. And I am promoting the Catscapades blog and book here because many writers live with one or more cats. Isn’t that right? I’d like to hear from those of you who write with cats lounging nearby on your desk, in your out bin, on your lap, or in a basket you have provided for him away from your keyboard and paperwork. Tell us about your cat, why you have one (or more), how you acquired them, how you named them, how they help you in your writing life or??
Your Muse
I was at the casino on our nearby Indian reservation recently and I noticed that a lot of gamblers have good luck charms or rituals they perform while playing the slot machines. I know that many writers rely on their “muse” to help them create. What, exactly, is a muse? According to my old Webster’s, the word comes from one of the nine Greek goddesses who presided over the arts. We use the term to indicate the inspiration that motivates us to create.
What is your inspiration—not your motivation (that might be money, seeking credibility in your field, etc.) But what inspires you to create—what helps you to create? What do you consider your muse?
Is it something or someone that you value in your life? Is it your value system? Or does she come from within?
Where is your muse? Where do you find her—in your meditation or quiet times, in nature, in that furry critter who lives in your home and heart?
How do you feed your muse? Do you graciously invite her in or do you block her entrance? Do you give her opportunities to find you and inspire you by actually sitting down to write?
Over the years, people have asked me how I overcome writer’s block. I always told them that I do not experience writer’s block. But I realize that’s not true. I am sometimes faced with it, I just don’t allow it to interfere with my writing. I’ve always had a sort of automatic method of overcoming writer’s block and now I believe it is with the help of my muse. Yes, when faced with a blank page or I’m stuck between sentences, I call on my muse. I’ve been doing this for a long time, I just recently figured out what I was doing. Here’s how it works:
When I’m faced with what some call writer’s block, I stop trying. Now that sounds peculiar, doesn’t it? But that is what I do. I get out of the way and open myself up to the creativity inside. Inevitably, I start writing. I can recall times when I was sitting at my computer typing 90 miles an hour (well, maybe 60 words per minutes) and I felt as though I had absolutely no control over what was being typed. During these times, I am aware that my mind is not generating the text. It is something within me that is creating the material which is appearing before me on the screen. There are times when I realize this and just sit there laughing at the process that is being administered through me without benefit of my own brainpower—or seemingly so. After years of experiencing this, I have decided that this is my muse. My muse lives within me. It is a part of my subconscious. She may be triggered by outside influences like one of my cats or a friend, I guess, but she only comes to help me when I allow it. And I allow it by moving out of the way and giving her space.
Is this a similar scenario for any of you? I would love to hear your story related to your muse. You can leave your comment right here—just click on the “comment” link.