In Greek mythology, there are nine goddesses (known as muses), daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who preside over the arts and sciences:
Calliope – Epic Poetry
Clio – History
Erato – Lyric Poetry
Euterpe – Song and Elegiac Poetry
Melpomene – Tragedy
Polyhymnia – Hymns
Terpsichore – Dance
Thalia – Comedy
Urania – Astronomy
Usually when we think of a muse, we think of a person or a force that is the source of inspiration for a creative person. Sometimes we visualize a fairy-type creature sprinkling us with glittery star dust, which can cause people to think that the idea of a muse as silly, and they balk at the idea of needing a muse to inspire them. They will say something like, “If I waited for a muse to inspire me, I’d never write.”
To me, a muse is a manifestation of your creativity that can make you feel less lonely in the writing process. This manifestation gives you someone to greet when you open the document for your work-in-progress or pick up a pen, someone to vent to or yell at when things aren’t going right.
When I was little, I had an imaginary friend named Ena. As the youngest in my family, and often pushed aside by my siblings, my imaginative (and lonely) mind did the only thing it could to help me to grow, nurture my creativity, and give me a companion I badly needed and craved; it invented a friend for me and only me. I didn’t have to share her with anyone, and she was always there when I needed her. My entire family knew about Ena and embraced the idea of her. They would even ask me about her like, “How is Ena?” And I would be happy to deliver a report.
Later, Ena went away for a while. It took me some time to realize she was gone. When I did, she soon came back, but she looked different. Her hair was cut up to her chin in a stylish bob, and it was dyed black! This was a sure change; I used to put my lavender blankie on my head and pretend it was hair (that reached down to the floor) to look like Ena’s. More surprisingly was that Ena was now talking with a French accent, and she informed me that she was moving to Paris. Interestingly, I accepted this. I know now that it was because I had grown up and didn’t need her anymore, so she went on to another child (apparently in Paris) who needed her.
These days, I believe Ena has evolved from my imaginary friend to my muse. So, whenever someone asks about my muse, I will tell them her name is Ena, she has lavender hair down to her hips, shimmering fairy wings, and wears a silk white dress. She is everything magical, beautiful, and inspirational.
Did you have an imaginary friend? Greet them again as your adult muse, as your writing BFF/partner/companion, as your creative guardian angel.
Or perhaps your muse is a character you’re writing about. That is perfectly acceptable and makes great sense, since that character is the one talking to you, maybe even annoying you while you write his or her story. This idea allows for your muse to change with each story you write, too.
Visualize your muse from head to toe and give him or her a name. If you can, find some way to have an image of your muse at your desk. Try your hand at sketching your muse, hire a graphic artist, or keep an eye out for a painting or figurine whenever you go to thrift/antique stores, garage/yard sales, flea markets, etc.
Having an image of your muse close by can help you to feel connected even more to your creativity. It can also give you something to focus on when you need to talk to someone (anyone) about your writing when it’s going well, and especially when you’re struggling.
Embrace your muse!
And, hey, if you lived in Paris as a kid and had an imaginary friend named Ena, let me know!
****
Last year, I created a few reels as my muse, which involved a face full of blue make-up because I did skits to "Blue" by Eiffel 65 and "Colors" by Halsey.
NOTE: When you click the play button, the video will be small because it’s a reel, not a full-sized video. You can watch the full-sized reel by clicking the hyperlinks.
For your amusement:
(I have to link to this one because the audio won't download with the video.)
When My Muse Takes Over And I Explain a Story Idea To a Non-Writer:
0:35 Seconds
My Muse When I Reject a Story Idea:
0:19 Seconds
QUESTIONS: Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? How do you imagine your muse?
I knew Muses came from Greek mythology but didn't know they had names and specialities. I need to call up Clio to help me finish a project.
ReplyDeleteI never had an imaginary friend that I remember, but probably because I was the oldest and quickly followed by a brother and sister so I don't remember being alone much as a child. My daughter did. Once, I'd picked her up from daycare and took her by my office. She played with dolls and books that I had. Then we left and we were almost home when she said she had to go back and get someone. I didn't know the name, but also admit to not knowing all the names of her dolls. I turned around and went back. I let her into my office and she said, "There she is sitting on your desk," and picked up an imaginary friend and walked out. I smiled.
Actually, I have two: the ghost of Mark Twain and Gypsy Ghost Cat who assail me when I write and fuss when I don't! :-)
DeleteWow, you sure had conversations with your imaginary friend. I didn't realize they manifested so fully. (No, I did not have imaginary friends.)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a muse as a kid. I didn't but was really lonely. I escaped into books and stories I created in my head.
ReplyDeleteYour video with the song 'Blue' pushed me down the blue rabbit hole all week. However, now 'I'm Good'.
ReplyDelete