How to Call in Your Writing Muse

Your writing muse, the creative spark that ignites your imagination, needs special attention. Honor your writing muse and watch your work flow.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Shoes
• Running Clothes
• Journals
• Cassette Tape Recorders
• Aromatherapy Candles
• Candles
• Bubble Baths
• Sandlewood Incense
• Music For Zen Meditation
• Notebook Papers
• Pens And Pencils
• Printer Paper
• Candles

1. Perform your own special ritual before you sit down to write. Light a candle, take a bubble bath, burn incense or meditate. The action will "open the door" to the world of spirit and the mysteries of imagination.

2. Carry a small pad of paper and a pen with you at all times. You want your muse to know you are prepared for her visit.

3. Keep a notebook or journal next to your bed to write down interesting dreams. Your muse may visit you as you sleep and give you great ideas.

4. Take care of your body, the "temple" that hosts your writing muse. Eat regular, healthy meals and exercise daily.

5. Surround yourself with positive people who support your creativity and writing life.

6. Try not to be too perfectionistic with your writing. At least sometimes, let yourself write first and edit later. Your muse likes to visit when your "inner critic" is turned off.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a bookshop. Visualize your published book sitting on the shelf. Your muse likes leaps of faith.
• Let yourself have fun often. Your muse likes to come along for the ride and relax, too. Break away from your usual surroundings on a regular basis. Meet new people and visit interesting places, and you will restore your creativity.

[akoehn]

on 4/18/2009 Yeah for you. This is awesome...and needed. Nice...

on 11/22/2005 Hold long conversations with yourself, discussing the finer points of your story, deliberating alternate courses of action for your protagonist, questioning the credibility of a particular scene, etc. Somewhere down the line, your muse will begin to answer and participate in the discussion. You will get new insights and ideas. Write them down immediately.