About That Muse

In general, you’ll hear me tell writers they can’t wait for the muse (and yes, that sculpture is of muses and it’s on a theater in Russia) if you’re going to have a career in freelance writing. Successful freelancing requires some discipline. If you sit around, waiting for inspiration, chances are you’ll soon need to go get a regular job.

That said, it’s also true we need some spaciousness, some time, and a sense of willingness to allow for inspiration. It’s some sort of balance between being a drudge, never a good idea in my not so humble opinion on the subject, and having no structure at all.

There isn’t, in my experience, one single formula or method that works for everyone. Some people write every day, some write five days a week, some write only on the weekends, etc. etc. etc. And not only isn’t there a single formula for everyone, once you find yours you will probably find, over time it changes. Life intervenes, you get older, things change and so must the way you write. It seems to be part of being human.

For me it takes two things. The first is a willingness to be honest with myself. I’m the only one who knows if I’m goofing off because it’s a good idea or because I’m avoiding work.

The second is what I call a spiritual connection. Mark Silver of Heart of Business has a lovely essay on his blog today called: Discipline versus Flow in Your Business

Take a couple of moments out and read it.

Write well and often,