This is one of those topics I’ve never exactly discussed with other writers. It seems personal, somehow. Kinda like talking about how your husband (lover, partner) is in bed. My muse nagged me for years before I finally gave in and sat at the keyboard long enough to write down a story. But then she got a whole lot more demanding. It’s sort of like giving a junkie a fix. Doesn’t keep ‘em quiescent for very long. Nope.
Seriously, I feel very fortunate to have a naggy, picky, detail-conscious muse. I never have to worry about what’s going to happen next in one of my stories. She always lets me know. One of her favorite tricks is “accosting” me when I’m in a hurry to go somewhere. She usually points out some critical plot element I missed or an area of the book that needs something right now. I’ve tried adopting a compromise position, which is taking notes on what I need to fix/alter, but that’s not usually good enough. When my muse wants to rock and roll, she rarely takes no for an answer.
Good thing I have a very tolerant husband! He grumbles a bit, but he and my muse have these great conversations where I feel sort of like a bystander. She checks in with him for some of the guy-oriented details. I think it’s why he likes her. She makes him feel important and appreciated!
Don’t get me wrong. There’s no greater high than running with my muse and being lost in one of my story worlds. They often feel more real than the other world, you know the one I actually live in when I’m not in creative mode. I used to wonder when I spent all those years studying mythology and symbols and dream work if there’d ever be any other application for it. Voila! Funny how life leads us in circles and gives us the tools we need without us even asking for them.
People sometimes ask what it’s like writing and where my inspiration comes from. My (reluctant) answer, given only to those I trust not to label me batshit nuts, is I feel like more of a medium channeling words from the imaginal world. My overall process is to reread yesterday’s chapter before I start on today’s. Much of the time, I literally have no memory of writing what’s on my screen, yet the words are there. Usually, they’re fine. If they aren’t, my muse is the first one to alert me. She’s also fond of catching me when I’m in the shower… “Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Grab a towel and go fix that right now!”
I love my writing life. I even love my muse. She’s mouthy and pushy, but she’s a part of me I’ve come to value highly over the years I’ve been writing. How does it work for the rest of you who write? Who’s your muse and what sort of relationship do you have with them?