The Muse

Do you ever wonder what possesses a fiction writer to write what they write? Where do they conjure up such outrageous themes and story lines? Being a writer of fiction myself, I find it extremely difficult to answer that question when it pops up in interviews and casual conversations. Of course, we all write about our passions and what we think we know, but the truth is; I have no idea where it all comes from! It's all just there, somewhere in the recess of the imagination, awaiting conception.

The creative process is an amazing and undeniable roller coaster ride unlike anything else I have ever experienced. It is planted in the imagination with a simple thought or notion that takes root and grows on its own volition. Sometimes it comes as a slow winding process that unfolds in periods of relatively calm inspiration. At other times, it jump starts in frenzied growth spurts that spreads with wild abandon, sprouting branch after branch of blooming plots and character lines. When the latter is occurring, I have to wonder if there is a magical muse supplying a hefty dose of Miracle Grow to the equation.

During those manic writing sprees when the author tries to obsessively capture the story down on paper while it is fresh and clearly racing; it can feel as though it is unattached from the conscious mind entirely. It is like a separate whimsical entity demanding attention. The story will not be denied, and it hangs around in a full blown addiction until it is finally hammered out on the computer. It's almost impossible to think of anything else until the task is accomplished.

That's when I think of the muse; the writer's source of inspiration that was first invoked around 1374 in Chaucer's English poetry. In Greek mythology, the muse was defined as any of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, who presided over a different art or science to offer inspiration and guidance. I think the muse invokes herself on occasion and takes the reins on her own mercurial whims when she decides a story needs to be born. She can be an irritating little wench, intrusive and belligerent!

She dictates the development of one character from a first-draft rough sketch to inspire others to help it spring to life on the pages. Through physical descriptions and credible dialogue, the cast becomes real and takes on a life of their own. The protagonist usually requires a robust cast of characters to thrust them toward their intended finale.

In contrast, the credible antagonist is often in direct opposition to the hero, or heroes, whichever the case may be. Conflict and chaos reign supreme in the fiction writer's story line. A despicable, easy- to-hate villain is paramount. It's always easier to root for the good guy if the bad is guy is really, really bad!

Placing those characters in another time, place, or dimension; lost in adventurous situations with surprising plot twists will capture the reader's attention and keep them engaged. The m use is happy and all is well with the universe.

Fiction stories are as unique as the person who first imagined them but here may be stereotypical story lines and similarities across genre fiction. Some have become trite and contrived, but more good fiction is born every day in an endless plethora of creativity. It's all good as long as we can lose ourselves in a good book once in awhile to escape the mundane tasks and daily stresses of our chaotic lives.

I was recently given another explanation for the free flowing creative process that authors find so difficult to define. Although, my inner child delights in the thought of the wispy, fairy-like muse dancing around my head when I write, bringing me inspiration and imagination; I like the other version even more. It gives my writing much greater purpose and inspires me more than anything else I can think of.

In God's eyes every book is already written. He just needs someone to put it down on paper.