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| Muse of Music |
I’m a big advocate of not forcing inspiration. When
creativity is forced the outcome is usually terrible or unfinished.
But,
sometimes, inspiration has to be
forced. The deeper you wander into any professional arena, be it writing, illustration, music, acting, whatever, the more you run up against other people and their deadlines. So, whether or
not you like it, you have to find ways to nudge Inspiration along.
Here, in no particular order, is how I court
the muse:
1. Stay open
Simply be aware of your surroundings, of what
that crazy dude a couple tables over is saying to his dog, of how the laundry stacks
up when you don’t do it, of how the moon looks like it follows you when you are
driving. Just be open! If you do this, you will more easily recognize Inspiration
when she quietly creeps in at 3am in the morning. (“And just where have you been?”)
2. Don’t get frustrated
This goes along with
number one. I’m going to use this very blog post as an example. All week I was mad
at myself, irritated that I hadn’t thought of anything to write about today. I
wondered why on Earth I thought I could keep a blog going. Then on Thursday
night I stopped being mad because I really
needed to think of something, anything. I had a goal, dangit. So, I shook off the negative feelings and
let myself be open and I realized with a start that Inspiration was there the
whole time, sitting on my couch and filing her perfect nails, just waiting for
me to take notice. (Sorry, I like personification).
3. Do things that usually inspire you
You alone know what these things are. Wear
your lucky socks, dance a jig, go into a trance OR do some of the more traditional
things I’ve heard most people list like: listen to music, see a movie, read a
book, visit a museum. Try ‘em all if you have to…just don’t wear your stinky, lucky socks around me.
4. Get out of your own way
This tip is in direct
conflict with the tip above. But it
works so here it is. Get out of the norm. Take a walk on the wild side. Try
something new. You may find something interesting/surprising that you couldn’t
have in your usual haunts.
5. Stay home and think
Don’t be afraid to explore in
the deepest darkest corners of your mind. This is something I learned since
getting involved with the bomb-tastic (Yeah, I said bomb-tastic, what?)
children’s macabre lit ezine, Underneath the Juniper Tree. I had to sit up late one night with most of the lights off after the fam had gone to
bed and dig around in my OWN fears for a solid hour before an idea hit me for a
chilling short story. So get a sitter, rent a room, drive out to the middle of
nowhere, I don’t care, just find a place without distractions and get lost in
the stranger areas of your imagination.
6. Fake it till you make it
What is the most
common advice for writers? Yep, “Write, write, write!” This isn’t only to help
you practice and become better, I think it also helps invite inspiration. When
I run into writer’s block my first instinct is to get away from my writing,
throw my netbook, stomp around the house, grind my teeth, glare at myself in
the mirror.... Then after a couple days I sit back down and stare at the blank
screen. I hear, “Write, write, write. Just WRITE!” echoing in my brain and I
rest my fingers on the keys. I start typing. I don’t force inspiration, I just
allow myself to get some words out until some of them start to make sense. Every single time I do this, within a half hour, inspiration strikes and that writer’s
block is nothing more than pebble in my rearview mirror.
7. Forget about the money
I know this is sounds strange
but allow me to explain: don’t rely on how big your paycheck will be when you
finish to help you get something done. I’m going to go out on a limb and reveal
a truth that I think might permeate throughout the entire creative community. Feel
free to correct me if I’m wrong. MONEY ISN’T AN INSPIRATION. Motivation,
sure. But inspiration? Nope. Why? Because
inspiration comes from somewhere inside. Remember why you are doing this in the first
place. Because you love it, right? Right? Thinking about the money will probably only remind you of your deadline and stress you out. Just sayin'.
8. Surround yourself with creative and inspiring
people
Not only are (most) creatives incredibly supportive but, generally, every
word out of their mouths is something interesting/funny/epic/thought provoking….
Because when writers or artists have to speak (i.e. have to stop thinking about
whatever they are currently working on) they make it count, probably because they
are just used to telling themselves to make every word count…or maybe so they
can just get back to creating as quickly as possible. Where do you find
creative people? Here’s a mini list: Blogs, local critique groups, online
critique groups, school,twitter, facebook, DeviantArt. Feel free add some more in the comments. ;)
9. Keep your faith
Okay, so I know not everyone is
religious but plenty of us are, so, at the risk of offending some, I’m just
going to say it. Talent is God given. Humbly ask him for help in achieving something
and he is sure to listen. Like any loving father, he wants us to succeed both
spiritually and temporally.
10.Don’t give up
I think this is the number one
rule so of course I saved it for last. Remember that you are not alone. The best of writers and artist come across lulls in inspiration so know that you are in good company and don’t let Inspiration get away by giving up on her. If you
employ her regularly she will stick around and will probably be a lot quicker
to arrive when you call.
Happy creating!
