10 of 29

Write now Article Tools

Creative people must first befriend their muse. Otherwise, they struggle much longer than needed on their work.

Many artisans paint this muse separate from the writer. I swear this is true. For several months, I woke to the words, "Marry me!" The words didn't make sense. I was married! And to a fine fellow. Then I came across the book, Marry Your Muse, by Jan Phillips, and the answers fell into place.

Before I realized the separate identity of my muse, at times I would get thrown around like a rag doll, trying this with my fiction, then that. Finally in frustration, I'd give up. Yet a part of me didn't want to give up. That was my muse-my creativity, my writing partner, whatever you choose to call it-trying desperately to get my attention.

Sometimes I'd get what I termed "diarrhea of the brain," where the words flowed. Other times I had to coax the words. And as with constipation, the words felt as though they would never come. But I knew they were there!

Because I've been a freelance writer, I knew to keep the paper and pen close and to write every day. I knew about keeping an ideas file and good records of submissions and rejections. I knew how to market. I graduated from college with a journalism degree and worked for newspapers prior to my children's births. Through the physical construction of my fine fellow of a husband, I have a room of my own.

But something was amiss within.

Early one morning I pledged my troth to my creative identity. As with any partnership, I wanted to know its name. It sounded like an odd, even foolish, request until she whispered joyfully, "Annie! My name's Annie." My creative self should be female, though I'd never considered a muse's sexuality.

Our honeymoon went fine. Then we delved into the serious stuff.

Annie endowed me with super confidence. She stressed my right to work at my craft. How was any writer to learn her craft without continual, diligent practice? I needn't feel guilty about taking time to write, even though I don't provide a steady pay check through my writing.

Virginia Woolf understood. "Women have always been poor . . . That's why I have laid so much stress on (outside) money and a room of one's own."

Our outward technological world doesn't take our inner creative technology serious enough yet to pay well for it. Oh, yes, the bestsellers will always be rewarded financially. Of all the things computers can replace,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: The voice within?
We want to hear your view. Write now!