On the Nature of Muses
Written by:
About a week 
ago, as I sat staring at a blinking cursor, I began to wonder about the nature of muses. Mine was clearly on vacation which gave me plenty of time to think about the concept of muses in general.
ago, as I sat staring at a blinking cursor, I began to wonder about the nature of muses. Mine was clearly on vacation which gave me plenty of time to think about the concept of muses in general. The muses, of course, originated in Greek mythology beginning as a trio then tripling to nine. The Greeks believed them to be goddesses or spirits whose purpose was to inspire the creation of literature and the arts.
But nine muses just aren't enough anymore. Take writers, for instance. We're a demanding bunch. Nine muses could never handle the intensive labor involved in inspiring every modern writer. So the Muse's Guild must have gone on a massive hiring spree because nowadays, ever
y writer seems to have their own personal muse. I know I do...when it decides to show up.
y writer seems to have their own personal muse. I know I do...when it decides to show up. I've read a lot of writer's blogs wherein they talk about their muses. Traditionally, muses were women, but with the onslaught of so many new muses, and one would like to think a reverse twist on equal opportunity employment, it seems that male muses have been thrown into the mix. 
My CTW crit partner, Tessa Conte, claims that her muse is a male, as does Simon over at Constant Revision. Mine? Well, mine is an animorph. Some days she's a kind, generous grandmotherly type who helps me to write thoughtful, beautiful prose; other days he's a cranky cigar-smoking curmudgeon who barely acknowledges me and force
s me to struggle for every word; then there are the days when she's a selfish bikini-wearing bimbo who's more interested in tanning on the beach than inspiring my writing. Recently, as I've been working on my latest WIP, he's been a hard-driving, leather-wearing, Harley-riding rebel.
s me to struggle for every word; then there are the days when she's a selfish bikini-wearing bimbo who's more interested in tanning on the beach than inspiring my writing. Recently, as I've been working on my latest WIP, he's been a hard-driving, leather-wearing, Harley-riding rebel.
As any writer knows, muses are a fickle bunch. They come and go as they please and often are more interested in insipiring you to write something entirely different than what you thought you wanted to write. They're unpredictable in both form and content. Sometimes they show up when it's impossible for you to take notes, like when you're driving or showering. Other times you're sitting patiently in front of your computer or notepad, ready to work on your WIP and the muse shows up with a bright shiny new idea, tempting you to stray.
Unfortunately, as writers, we're all at the mercy of our muses. Of course, you can write without your muse, but often whatever you write ends up sounding uninspired or forced. Never fear! With practice you can get better at writing without your muse, but I think it's safe to say that most of us prefer that our muse at least put in an appearance.
I was lucky this weekend, my Rebel muse was fully engaged and I added just about 3500 words to my WIP. After a week or so of staring at this WIP and wondering what the heck was going to happen next (it's a panster novel...no plotting here), I was glad the muse showed up. I'm fairly dependent on the muse to guide me through this story, so I hope he decides to stick around for a while and doesn't morph into the beach bimbo any time soon.
In the interest of...well...my curiosity, let's do a poll: What's your muse like? We all have one, so c'mon! Tell me - is your muse male or female? Do you have a good working relationship?
Don't hold back. I'm dying to know!
Hehe great post! And yes, my muse is absolutely male. Undecided as to his appearance, but very male indeed... ; )
Wow! How lucky are you, Margaret!
My muse must be a bipolar animorph.
Generally in female form, and only occasionally taking male form when I'm to be ignored and/or toyed with, she tends to be a bit... well, I don't want to tick her off at me any more then already is.
But, I tell you one thing... I would love to have the leather-wearing biker muse look dancing here in my home. I could definitely find some inspiration from that. *grin*
Wait, unless he took the appearance of Bobby on Sons of Anarchy. *shudders* I hope my muse doesn't get any ideas.