It's hard to have patience with my muse Endora sometimes.
She will not be tamed, and I have come to grips with that. I've bemoaned described our relationship before, so if you care to know more, feel free to mosey over here.
It still irks me when she goes off on her little jaunts. Mainly because she doesn't announce that she's leaving. She just disappears, in a puff of smoke. I'm left behind, thinking she's just demonstrating she's in charge, and then when I finally realize she's gone, I have to fumble around and try to figure out how to work through the scene she promised to help me with.
I always know she's coming back—eventually—but I never know when.
And it's that uncertainty that makes me slide just a little closer to maniacal behavior.
When I've decided it's time to gather up a posse to track her down, she shows up, smirking at my discomfort. I allow it, though, because Endora brings back the best presents. It's like she's been on a literary fact-finding mission. Her carry-on bag is filled to the brim with great bits of dialogue, and plot twists, and epic black moments. I shriek with delight, clapping my hands as she drops each unexpected marvel into my lap.
The trick is to remain patient while she's gone. (Hah!) I tap away at the laptop, taking notes, which I've come to believe is a sort of Muse-y Morse code, letting Endora know what I need her to pick up while she's on her travels. I scribble in my notebooks, telling myself I'm "working" even though at times it feels like I'm merely draining the ink from my pens.
It's a strange co-dependency Endora and I have. We often shout at each other, "You're nothing without me!", which is semi-true. I need her to aid my creative efforts, to spark the fire of ideas in my brain, while, without me, she would have nowhere for these monumental ideas to be expressed.
It's a partnership, one that makes us better than the sum of our parts. It's the same with our heroes and heroines. They are fine people individually, quite admirable, with qualities we envy. It's one of the many reasons they believe they don't need each other. But when they are together, they have a chance to do so much more, and it's inspiring when they finally reach that conclusion.
Endora and I are like that. I may snarl at her when she returns from her unexcused absences, but only so I don't fall at her feet with weepy gratitude. I can't let her know how much I love her. Just like she can't let me know how she is seduced by the stories I create for her entertainment.
It's a beautiful thing.
Does your muse drive you crazy? What does he/she do to redeem themselves? What special tricks do you have for dealing with them?
My muse...hmmm. The pirate who drinks with me at the beach, around a fire while we roast marshmallows, then we make s'mores. And he refuses to talk about plotting. But he likes to tell me stories, or let me tell him stories...which reminds him of a story, so he interrupts. I listen and then sneak away to make notes.
As I sit on the laptop, he stands behind me and whispers ideas, points out places to add excitement...he's all about the excitement, you know.
I love him. But it's all about 'tricking' him into sharing his marvelous stories...and he likes to be flattered. But one thing that is marvelous about him...he helps me throw the inner critics to the kraken. He doesn't tolerate hearing anyone tearing at me. It's a reflection on him! ;-)
Posted by: Maureen | January 17, 2011 at 12:26 AM
Maureen, I had to chuckle at the description of your muse. It sounds like a perfect symbiotic relationship. Even better that he makes snacks!
I know exactly what you mean about "tricking" him into sharing his stories. I think Endora is the same way--although I know she's smart enough to figure out what I'm doing!
I definitely like your muse's thoughts about the inner critics reflecting on HIM. Mmm. Hadn't thought of it that way before.
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 17, 2011 at 09:11 AM
Yep, I have to be stern with my muse, Bridget. She loves the scented candles, field trips and other treats I give her, but she hates the everyday, butt-in-chair routine. I've learned to treat her like my kids - lots of bribery and a healthy dose of threats!
Posted by: Arabella Stokes | January 17, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Haha. love the endora analogy. LOL Great post. I have no advice though. I usually just sit around and wait for inspiration to strike me when it's dissapeared. I feel your pain though. It happens often!
Posted by: JennWalkup | January 17, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Arabella, I think Bridget is a lovely name for a muse. :) I can't imagine she needs bribery and threats!
Actually she sounds just like ME. LOL I have to remind myself the treats come AFTER the work, but it doesn't always work that way. Sigh.
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 17, 2011 at 09:49 AM
I often accuse my muse of being a drunken laggard. Unfortunately she often accuses me of the same thing. And we're probably both right. Fortunately, I find I can shame her into appearing by typing. I just start typing all kinds of crap and she peeks in and swears and says "I'm gonna get blamed for that lame crap. Get out of the way." Then we coexist...for a while.
Posted by: SG Redling | January 17, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Jenn, I knew Endora was the perfect depiction of my muse because of her whole disdainful air, and the way she pops in when she's not needed and pops out when she is.
God I love her. LOL You're right, though, sometimes you just have to wait it out--but then you get rewarded, like you did with your one sentence pitch. (Here's another woo hoo for that. LOL)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 17, 2011 at 09:51 AM
SG, isn't it awesome what a great motivational tool shame can be? LOL Well, except when the muse uses it on US.
Still giggling about your muse's fear of being blamed for the output. *snicker*
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 17, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Haha - I love your relationship with Endora! :)
The special trick that I use for kicking my "muse" into writing gear is putting on my "writing" playlist. Unfortunately, that's not it. I also need my noise-reducing headphones to drown out my kids, husband, dog, etc. Then my muse is free to inspire me. I'm starting to realize I also have to shut off twitter :( But it's SO much fun!!!!
Posted by: T.H. Browning | January 17, 2011 at 10:04 AM
I think my muse is mad at me and insists on visiting at the wrong times. My schedule to assign my muse a time is not working!
Muse: *Now* you are going to work on your story, right? The one with the ghost?
Me: Yes, soon. But first I need to read this section on the Puritan Separtists for literature...you know, the Pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower.
Muse: Oh. Well, you know, that might be interesting. How about if your heroine time travels to 1620?
Me: (confused) Which story are you talking about? Oh, right. Book three, sequel to book one. Yeah, maybe. (jots down notes for future reference) But I can't think about that right now. I need to study my Spanish.
Muse: Oh. (confused) But I don't think the Pilgrims spoke Spanish.
Me: No, that's for the ghost story. But I'm not ready for the murder part in Spanish. Right now all I know is twenty different ways to say hello, good bye and pleased to meet you, which really won't work. So stop distracting me!
Muse: Humph. (long pause while muse listens in and soon buts in again in disgust) Now really, I can't do anything with this.
Me: Ha! It's Algebra. I thought it would stump you. Just hold your horses. In a minute I'm on to the Mineralogy. What do you think about that?
Muse: Hasta luego! Adios!
Me: Wait! Is that just good bye or see you later? How much later?
Silence.
Me: How about tomorrow? Nos vemos manana?
Silence.
Oh, well. Maybe by the time the muse comes back we'll both know more Spanish. LOL (Btw, no school today so I'm happy to be able to say hello...hola!)
Posted by: Melissa | January 17, 2011 at 10:07 AM
T.H., I have to have almost complete silence to write, so I don't usually have music on, but every once in a while a song will inspire me for a certain scene. The other day I heard "Sorry" by Buckcherry and it's PERFECT for my hero's upcoming scene. LOL I just love the passion in the singer's voice so I've been playing it to inspire me. :)
And Twitter inspires me! It's like a whole big bunch of punchlines. LOL So you have to come back every once in a while to keep all the BC Babes inspired. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 17, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Melissa, I nearly spewed my coffee reading the exchange between you and your muse. Too hilarious! Especially the "Is that goodbye or see you later? How much later?" LOL
I don't think muses can be scheduled. I know we try to convince ourselves of that, but it's in their contract somewhere. I'm sure of it. The best way to get them to show up is to ignore them. LOL
I'm glad you have the day off. Hope you get to have some fun. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 17, 2011 at 10:16 AM
One thing about my pirate, if I need him I just jiggle the rum bottle!
Or I can whisper a few words. "Treasure... Hot sex... Tavern..."
Posted by: Maureen | January 17, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Yikes! I don't think I've bribed my muse in quite that fashion. No wonder you're so popular with yours. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 17, 2011 at 04:44 PM
It's not like I supply him with it all...I just lure him to the story by including all that! ;-)
Posted by: Maureen | January 18, 2011 at 12:02 AM
I think it's taken me an hour to read this blog and all the comments. LOL! Can't these day job people see I'm busy??
I do not have a muse. Not sure why, just never acquired one. Or if I have one, she's very shy and subtle and stealthy in her ways. Consider the control freak I am, I wouldn't be surprised if that's her MO. Feed me the story and let me think I'm the one writing it. LOL!
Posted by: Terri Osburn | January 18, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Yeesh, Terri, that's so rude of the day job folks! Priorities, people. Priorities! LOL
I actually think Endora started out as my Internal Editor/Critic, and then decided to expand her role to Muse. It's kind of nice having a two-for-one thing, I guess, since she knows me so well.
I like the idea of you having a stealth muse. That is very cool, esp. since you lets you stay in the forefront. I may have to borrow her sometime!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 18, 2011 at 03:31 PM
Terri is her own muse. Every book she reads feeds that muse. She just is so stable, she hasn't cracked and started talking to her muse, like the rest of us.
Posted by: Maureen | January 18, 2011 at 08:51 PM
I don't mind talking to my muse, Maureen. But I'm probably a little crazy for thinking she should listen to me. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 18, 2011 at 09:22 PM
I don't have a muse, I don't think. I have an imp who hangs around and PREVENTS me from writing. If I can just get him gagged or drunk til he passes out, I'm ok.
Posted by: colbymarshall | January 18, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Colby, your imp sounds like fun--well, the getting him drunk part. LOL I have something similar that prevents me from writing sometimes too. Grrr. Maybe I better find that bottle of tequila. . .
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 19, 2011 at 08:30 AM
I loved Bewitched as a kid! I so wanted to be Samantha Stevens (but without Darrin!) and Endora reminds me a little of my own mother :)
Posted by: Tracy Roper | February 04, 2011 at 09:52 PM
I loved Bewitched too, although Darrin WAS too neurotic for my taste. I always thought Samantha could have done better. LOL (I was doing revisions even then!) If only twitching our noses could get that wordcount done!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 04, 2011 at 10:09 PM