Make Time to Write
When the Muse has stopped to spend some time with you - how do you make time for it? Can you ask it to come back later because the present moment isn’t convenient? I’ve tried that only to discover that my Muse is very impatient. When she decides to visit I’d better put her first or she will move on to whatever it is Muses do in their “spare” time. So how do you make time in this world of constant distractions and fire alarms?
Block the Time - If you only have 30 minutes a day within which to write, then train your Muse to acknowledge it. Believe me, your Muse wants you to write despite how fickle or impatient they may be. If you are able to set more time aside than that, then I’m personally jealous and your Muse will love you for it. Don’t worry if you have less time. Your Muse will understand (although they will never admit to it).
Ritualize - Create a ritual that will both attract your Muse into visiting and lull him or her into a state of patience and helpfulness. I usually sit down in my favorite chair with a cup of coffee and reread what I wrote the day before. I try to do this at the same time everyday.
Ignore the World - That’s right. Forget the outside world. Leave your email program closed and your cell phone off. Your Muse will thank you for it and will also be very impressed that you’ve put them first.
Be Selfish - You’re time with your Muse is your time. Allow yourself some selfishness. Politely let others know when your writing time is. You don’t need to pull a Jack Nicholson (i.e. The Shining) but this bonding time is important.
And most important? Compliment your Muse. They can be very vain…
Photo Courtesy of Write From Karen
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Comments
It certainly happened to me quite a bit when I was younger. We are our own ruthless critics at times aren’t we? I was once very protective of my writing and braced myself against criticism when I put it out there. I suppose with age comes confidence (or stubbornness!) and I welcome criticism in most cases. All that being said - I am still my most scathing critic.
Well I am older than you by looking at your photo so I should be wise but the writing thing is a fairly new passion having only been into for a couple of years. Going to the group that shares once a month (I told you about in a past post comment) has helped with the confidence but do you ever get past wondering if what you put out there is really any good? Does it really matter as long as yo enjoy it? But then do you want your message to be missed due to a lack of ability? (No). And then, my most pressing question, “Why doesn’t everyone like red as much as I do?” (Oh sorry, I got off track!)
The group interaction is a great thing, Laurie. Hopefully the group will stay together and those involved will remain interested. I can not say enough how important it is to get your work out there and open yourself to feedback. A lack of confidence can be debilitating to some and I hate to think of the great writing and important words we may have been deprived of because of the author’s self criticism.
All that being said - I don’t think one ever gets past wondering if what they have written is any good. But you hit the nail on the head with the “Does it really matter…” comment. The answer is yes and no. “Yes” in that what you have to say does matter. And if it is from the heart the chances are that there is someone out there it will touch and who will appreciate it. And “no” in the sense that it doesn’t matter what others think as long as you enjoy doing it. There are things I have written that will never see the light of day but I enjoyed the creative part of them just as much as those that are out there.
Great ideas. I am constantly letting the world steal away my time. My muse responds by shutting up and not talking to me. I sometimes have to romance him back into my life. I also have the anti muse to fight with. He is that evil spirit that tells me that my muse is a stupid waste of time and others will think what you have come up with is junk. I have to train myself to not listen to my anti muse. Does that ever happen to you?