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Dancing with the Muse

Since receiving a concussion in February of 2018, I have been struggling with writer’s block and can’t dance with my muse. I’ve read several books on the subject trying to find help. They suggest that you just have to push forward, or find a new routine, or and I love this one “Just write.”

I’ve tried all of those things, but sadly none of them have really worked for me. It’s not like I don’t know how to write a book. I have over twenty novels published. Then I read a self-help book that stated the only way to reconnect with your creativity was to take care of yourself.

I had a sudden epiphany. When I wrote those first books back in 2011, I was recovering from an illness that put me into bed for about six month. I couldn’t do anything except take care of myself.

Now in 2019, I am taking care of many things: family, friends, a new house, being temporarily separated from my husband, two new puppies, and the list goes on. I worry about what the puppies are chewing on in the backyard when I’m not home. My youngest granddaughter has been diagnosed with in toeing and I worry she will need surgery. My husband has diabetes and I worry that he isn’t eating correctly. Finally, my biggest worry, will I get a book finished this year? So many worries, so little time.

But what I haven’t been doing is making myself happy. Taking time to ponder the mysteries of the universe, playing, laughing, or taking time to smell the roses.  Because all my energy is going into worrying, I haven’t had the energy to write.

Being a panster, I need time to think, dream, and visualize. My characters are trapped in a bubble I can’t seem to break. Now that I am aware of the problem of being scattered by too many worries, I am taking time to sit still and put my worries on hold. The bubble is getting thinner and I can see a few scenes coming together. I have hope and a few chapters are written.

I still don’t have a book done, but with baby steps, I can see one coming closer. I just need to remember to take care of myself, first. It seems selfish to do so, I know. Like you, I am expected to care for everyone else and put my needs last. But the creative process doesn’t allow it. You cannot dream up new worlds and new people unless you focus within.

So if you can’t seem to find your muse to dance with and create, I suggest you take the time to be yourself. The you that likes to play, sing, dance, and dream. Keep at it and those worlds will start to come closer and those characters will begin to whisper in your ear. Then the magic can happen and the words will appear on the page.  How do you take care of yourself so you can dance with your muse?