Writing and the Lazy Muse: WL 366 (#9)

Lesson 9: Muses are lazy--work without them when necessary.

Here's something you need to know about muses: they are the laziest presences on planet Earth, and they love to take extended vacations. Maybe you're blessed with an energetic, productive muse, but in the real world of writing, hard-working muses are rare.

Of course, before you think I've totally lost it, remember from my last post that your muse is that internal fire that inspires you to write. But here's the problem: inspiration doesn't come easy for a lot of us. I'm lucky if my muse shows up for work on time and fully dedicated to the day's task a couple of times a month.

The serious writer who has made the decision to write every day doesn't have time to sit around and wait on her muse to show up. If he isn't making it to work on time or fully focused, that's his problem. You still have a story to write, whether your inspiration is present or not.

Never become dependent on your muse. 

"A pro is someone who writes whether inspired or not, and keeps on writing." - James Scott Bell (The Art of War for Writers)

Visit me tomorrow for another Writer's Leap 366 lesson.