WHERE'S YOUR MUSE?

As another year draws to a close, and the stressful holidays kick in, we can find plenty of reasons not to write. After all, the entire publishing industry takes a break in December, why not us? 

That may seem like a logical attitude to take, but even while you untangle those lights or stand in that three-mile line, you still have time to reflect … time to gaze out upon the landscape of the past twelve months and analyze the path you’ve chosen. Are you where you want to be as a writer? 

Whatever the answer, the reason you are where you are today can be largely attributed to the relationship you hold with your muse. Are you two on the same page? 

1. The thought of going to your computer each day fills you with ...

     a) wide-eyed wonder. 
     b) blind indifference.
     c) google-eyed nausea. 

2. When you must rewrite a scene, you ...

     a) skip to your desk.  
     b) drag yourself to your desk. 
     c) call your dentist to demand he do your root canal today.

3. When you receive writing magazines, you ...

     a) read them as soon as possible.
     b) read them when you're in the mood. 
     c) roll 'em up and use 'em as fly swatters.

4. When you construct dialogue, you ...

     a) stand up and act out each voice.
     b) write the first thing that comes to mind.
     c) stare at the ceiling and repeat, “Blah, blah, blah ..."

5. When you catch your favorite author on TV, you ...

     a) try to glean words of wisdom.
     b) watch till the next commercial break. 
     c) shout things like, "Easy for you to say, hot shot!" 

A – Your muse is beside you, dancing a jig. The subject you’ve chosen to write about not only interests you, it challenges your skills. Owing to your enthusiasm, this project will greatly enhance your performance, regardless whether it’s published.

B – Your muse is in the closet, knitting a sweater. The subject of your writing doesn’t necessarily interest you, but it pays the bills. What you really want to write is sitting in the ol’ hat box on the top shelf, and your muse is just waiting for you to open the door.

C – Your muse has left the building. The subject you’ve chosen not only bores you to tears, it barely fills a page. You can’t remember the last time you wrote an entire sentence. Somewhere along the way, you’ve forgotten the two-part equation: writing is hard and writing is fun. If you find no joy in creating something from nothing, you may as well throw in the vowel.