Wrestling with my Muse
My relationship with my muse is interesting to say the least. I remember the images of old of the wise spirit that speaks gently into the writer’s ear to offer ideas and snippets of prose. For a long time, I thought my muse did exactly that. Now, I know better.
My muse and I are engaged in a battle of wits and overcome by bouts of emotion and downright antipathy. She speaks to me at night or in my dreams and lays out a chapter or at least some guidelines for where my story should go next. When I hit the keyboard, I am refreshed and confident of the words I will write today. As I conclude my writing session, I feel great about my accomplishment, and am eager for the following day.
The next night, my muse is either totally quiet, or slightly clucking her tongue in disappointment at what I have done. I wake up in zombie-land, with no clear idea how to proceed, or whether I just chuck the whole thing into the recycle bin. While I have never deleted a work-in-process, I have left old fragments of stories on my hard drive, gradually fading from my mind.
Perhaps months later, I may reopen one and say, “That wasn’t so bad. I bet I could fix this up in no time.” I almost never do that. The next plot pops into my head and off I go on a totally different tangent.
Still, I worry about those unspoken words from the characters that may never see the completion of their tale, or have the opportunity for others to meet them. Every year, I promise to open some of those stories and try to “fix them up.”
In a way, it is very sad. As I write, that character is real. Weeks or months later, it seems as though that character will never see the fruition of their life’s work. A character born of the ether, condemned back into oblivion. I remind myself that the story did not work, or had spun out of control to the extent that I did not know what to write next. Eventually, the writer moves on, knowing that the next opus can become a great success.
I suppose that is every author’s dream. Giving life to characters who can change the world, make happy lives, or conquer unknown galaxies.
In the end, it is the stories we publish that can live on beyond ourselves. The rest are the failed aspirations of a writer and his oftentimes quarrelsome muse.
Beautifully described, Karl. I certainly empathize, as I’m sure every writer can. Sometimes, our muses may simply be taking a breather. I hope that’s the case with mine right now. Blessings!
Patty, I know I will finish the next book. Perhaps my brain just hasn’t figured out how to tie all the threads together yet.
My muse is at a relaxation spa with Patty’s. Lol! I have several stories I hope to one day revisit. Great post today, Karl!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
I know what you mean, Karl. Some days I look over what I’ve done and say, “Who wrote this garbage? Other times I look it over and say, “This isn’t half bad.” You’ll notice I rarely say, “This is really good.” I think we’re our own worst critics sometimes, and that could interfere with our respective muses getting to our heads! Hope you have a great weekend!
Hi, Karl,
Wow, that is rough. I don’t usually write with a muse. I never thought about it, although I know many writers that write with a muse. It sounds like you’re in a dry period, and I hope that it will be over soon.
All the best.
Shalom Aleichem
Pat, I hope for the same. I used to be able book after book, almost without stopping. My current work is more than a little dark, and that may have spooked my muse, and me!
Interestingly, Karl, my muse is also a bit sporadic! I enjoy your posts, as always.
Yes, our muses can be our best friend, and suddenly, they forget who we are. I keep pushing though.
Yes, indeed! I’m still reading Karl Prescott and the Riddle of Satan’s cube. Quite interesting!
Forgot to mention, I borrowed your idea for my own graphic for the a day in my life posts, but just today figured out that I forgot to do something or send an email email correctly so I am out of the competition. So I changed it a little just for my own uses, since I want to continue trying to write daily. I did mention you in my blog post and put a link back to one of your recent posts. 🙂
Pamela, I’m using the graphic provided by the club. So, I’m sure there’s no problem using it.
Oops, my mistake. It was someone else..
Karl, I have never, that I remember, dreamed a story or part of one that I followed up by writing. Any time I wake and think, “this would be a great story” by the time I have grabbed a pencil it is gone like smoke. I’m glad you are able to corral some of these inspirations onto paper, and it shows in the originality of your writing. Fun post!
Karl, your mind seems to be in overdrive all the time. You create characters that either work or are discarded. Is this a day in your life as a writer? Its probably typical of most fiction writers too. I do know that if you don’t put it down it can go away. This is true in non-fiction writing as well. Thanks for sharing.
Karl, your mind seems to be working overtime as a fiction writer. I am non fiction and I have to write it down or lose it forever. Thank you for sharing a day in your life.
My pleasure to share my tortured mind. When I get an idea, the characters come to be, demanding their moment in the sun.
The muse! In my estimation, Karl, there isn’t a more perfect example of a love-hate relationship. I’m quite sure everyone here can relate to this – Lord knows I can! You are a fabulous writer, I always enjoy reading your posts. : )
Best wishes
Donna M Atwood
D M Atwood
https://www.dmatwood.com
Donna, my muse and I definitely have a love-hate relationship. However, when the must is helping, my words flow so easily onto the page. Thanks for your confidence in me.
A muse. I never thought of having one. It’s usually my brain and me warring with each other. If I have slept enough, and my mind is clear, I can write. But if I’ve had a bad night’s sleep and feel groggy, no writing that day, maybe a bit of poetry if I’m not too tired. I’ve never left a work uncompleted. I’ve been only writing for ten years, so I have time yet. The only work not completed is the second book of my recent series that has been waiting for the past year. My outline is detailed, my research on the Penobscot Indians is comprehensive, thirty pages or so are written, but I can’t get myself to return to it. My fear is that I have outlined and researched the story to death that my creativity has been constricted and now, lost.
Susanne, what you’re experiencing with your book is very familiar to me. Perhaps my muse is just me, but often that part of me is very obstinate. Sometimes the words flow so easily, and I can see the desired ending. I just have to let my mind focus elsewhere, and may need to so a LOT of rewriting, but ultimately, the story will be completed.