Lose The Muse
One of the most common excuses you’ll hear from a writer as to why they’re not writing is that they are experiencing a case of Writer’s Block. To hear them tell it, Writer’s Block is a barrier which presents creative juices from flowing, a wall that separates an author from seeing their muse. I tell you now: Writer’s Block is bullshit.
There I’ve said it.
If you’re having trouble figuring out what happens next in your story I hate to be the one to tell you but you just didn’t do a thorough enough job with your outline and if you started writing your book without having done even a rough idea of where things were headed you have no one to blame but yourself. I’ll admit to being frustrated with myself at not having done a thorough enough job in my own outline but come on, people! Quite frankly even if you’re one of those free spirts/sociopaths who set out to write a novel freehand you have no excuse to rely on the fickle hand of fate to bestow a plot point upon your wrinkled brow.
There is no magical muse to come and stoke the fires of creation within your soul or whatever. You’re going to have to work at it!
(But you know I’m right)
If it seems like I’m being a little harsh here it’s because I’ve just recently seen someone who was blaming their muse for their story having stalled. They were genuinely mad at this imaginary being and, I shit you not, actually shook their fist in very real rage.
What the hell, dear reader?
Don’t blame your imaginary friends for your difficulties. It’s just weird. You’re not at the behest of whatever sexy minx you’ve dubbed as your muse. You simply need to jump out of the hard writing brain and jump back into the more nebulous “brainstorming” brain. Start writing down ideas no matter how absurd they sound and then come back later and try sorting things out.
Think that’s hard? Ok, here: wherever you are in your story, with whatever problem your facing with whatever happens next: a group of flying monkeys swoops in and picks the protagonist up off the ground. There, you have it. You can always use that as your starting point. Does it make sense in the context of your narrative? Who are you to tell me no, fickle mortal? You are limited by the whimsical hands of fate while I have transcended this mortal plane!
Mwuahahaha!
Er-herm. Excuse me.
They must never know
Anyway, your brainstorming can be as simple as writing “conflict” or “sweet moment” and then moving on. Or look at what you have taking place after the scene in question that’s giving you trouble. Don’t think of it as a titanic struggle or as a massive rock you need to push uphill. Instead break things down, and get loosey-goosey. Try thinking of yourself as being at point A and needing to get to point C. So, you just need to figure out B, yes? That’s better isn’t it? Reduce the threat, focus on possibilities, and let your mind wander. Don’t dwell on the problem but more…keep it in the room as it were. The more creative avenues your mind travels the more possible outcomes your scenario may undertake.
But, whatever you do, don’t blame your problems on writer’s block or fate or anything but what it is: an issue that you’ll soon fix.
Trust me, if you want to be truly productive: lose the muse.
Except these Muses. They’re chill.