How to Find Your Writing Muse
In Greek mythology, Zeus and Mnemosyne had nine daughters known as the muses, or the protectors of art and science. Many artists refer to a personal muse--someone or something that provides a source of inspiration. The muse is where the writer can turn when he or she faces a block in creativity; the muse is always present. While a muse can be concrete--a loved one who is always there to offer encouragement--often the muse exists within the artist himself. Finding your writing muse can be a challenge, but it may lead to inspiration you never knew you had.
Instructions
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Discover your muse. Maybe it's a spouse or loved one. Maybe your muse is your best friend or a lucky ink pen. Your muse may simply be a state of mind--something intangible within you. Knowing where inspiration flows most deeply for you is the most important step to finding your writing muse.
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Open a notebook and start writing. Write about the people around you. Look at what you've written. If any one of those people has inspired you to write passionately and from the heart, that person may be your muse. Ask yourself if any of the people you've written about drive you to be better or if any one of them has ever pushed you to create when you didn't feel you had it in you. He or she may be your muse.
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Sit alone in a room with yourself. Relax and close your eyes. Try not to think about anything. Pay attention to where your mind goes. Keep a pen and paper handy so you can write down any thoughts that may come to you regarding your writing. New ideas for stories, ways to write and the need to get up and write may indicate that your muse is within you. Most every writer hopes for a muse trapped inside him--one that will come out when the chips are down and the creative juices aren't flowing.
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Make a list of likely candidates, whether they are people, objects or your own inner voice. Determine which offers more inspiration to you when you feel as if you can't write another line. Who, or what, on that list makes you want to sit down and create something spectacular? The answer to that question will tell you that you've found your writing muse.
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Tips & Warnings
Try writing a free-flow of thoughts with pen and paper. You'll be surprised with what you come up with and even more surprised to find that your muse may be hiding inside you.
