Waiting. Wishing. Muttering a little. At some point in our writing endeavours haven’t we all been in that state of limbo where we have an idea but need a little inspiration to get it underway?
Just yesterday I contemplated my Monday post and its conclusion that “without passion there are no words worth writing.” I’ve been waiting for passion, knowing that without it, whatever I write will lay on the page like dead meat on a plate.
I’m looking for magic, while forgetting I’m the magician. The words are somewhere within me, waiting to be released, but I hold off, wanting to filter them into perfect form as they emerge. “Where is Ms. Muse when I need her?”
And the reply comes back, “Why should I write it for you? I’m willing to help, but for pete’s sake, you need to give me something to work with. It doesn’t have to be genius. Start simply. Then I’ll help you develop it into something special.”
Misty Massey reminds us on her Magical Words blog: “If you want to be a writer, you have to write… Sit down, find the words, and put them together into a story.”
One of the people responding said, “It sounds almost too simple, when you don’t feel inspired and the blank page is glaring at you…but it really is that simple, because the inspiration or muse (or whatever it is) usually won’t visit until *after* you start writing. So I’d better get back to work!” (Quillet)
Best selling author Neil Gaiman says, “This is how you do it: you sit down at the keyboard and you put one word after another until it’s done. It’s that easy, and that hard.”
Yes, it can be hard. That’s why we call it work, and no-one is going to do it for us. Not even Ms. Muse.
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Are you waiting for the magic, or making it happen?
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MUSINGS 
I love this post. It is so true. It’s like your photos. The different “stages” of the flower. A picture of the seed isn’t nearly as pretty as the blooming flower. And then, add the butterfly (magic), and you have a “wow” moment. Just like our writing. Thanks for this post!
This post reminded me of the following quote by William Faulkner…
“I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately I am inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.”
I love this quote, because it implies that inspiration will come as long as you are where you’re supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to be doing…writing. Then it will hit :).
Somedays this is true, somedays not so much.
Christi Corbett
When I’m in trouble and can’t find inspiration, I read. Anything from Cheryl Richardson’s newsletter or just my blogroll post. I like working under pressure. I think the adrenaline fuels my creativity. I know it’s supposed to simple, but sometimes hard rewards me with a sense of exhilaration when the words finally do come. I actually get goosebumps.
It’ll come, Carol, because you’re right, it’s there inside of you.
I’ve heard it described this way: you may need the muse, but the muse has to know where to find you. So if you show up every day and write, it’s more likely the writing will become inspired.
I show up almost every day and work on something. If I’m not inspired by one project, I try another. Sooner or later, something clicks.
Carol, the world would be a sad place is all writers and artists “waited” for the muse. The muse is there and waits for us to get off our duff and find her !! BTW love the new flowers … purple passion … how delightful 🙂
“I’m looking for magic, while forgetting I’m the magician.” — ooh, that’s good! And I like the Neil Gaiman quote, too. Thanks for this much-needed nudge to BEGIN!
I appreciate hearing how inspiration finds each of you (or you find it). Christi, that Faulkner quote is a long time favourite. It’s essentially what Jenn is suggesting by saying if we just show up, the Muse is more likely to know where to find us. Love that! Thanks, everyone!
P.S. Glad you like the new flowers, Florence. I meant the background to be blue like the hydrangeas, but somehow the purple worked better. I’m not a huge fan of purple so will see how long it lasts.
This is my favorite post of yours ever – I need it. Like RIGHT NOW. Thank you, Carol.
And the pictures? To die for!
Thank you for the words. Ms. Careann!
First of all I love the photos, Carol. Simply gorgeous. Right now the magic is there, but It’s struggling to make it to my fingertips. At the moment I must content myself with what little time I can make for writing.. I’m getting there though… No complaints. 🙂
Diana, you make me smile! We all need a shove once in a while, don’t we?
Youngmin, you’re very welcome. Come visit here again.
Laura, I’m glad you’re making progress. It’s rarely easy, except for those moments of inspiration. I’m still slogging.