Rules to feed the Muse:
1) You have to write something creative everyday. I thrive on your imagination. If you don't use it, I have nothing to say. And the more you don't use it, the more I freeze.
2) You have to read the newspapers or a good magazine. Watching the news is not analytical and it stimulates your other senses. I need you to work that muscle that enjoy the written word. It slows down the "here and now" factor and makes you pause. Images are powerful, but you're a writer. You have to create life with words. Therefore, you need to absorb words too.
3) Travel alone if you can. A short trip is fine, but you must be alone. No family or lover. Let me be your sole companion. Yes, I am a possessive friend.
4) Think of your belief system. Religion--be in Christian, Judaism, Buddhism, anything-ism--is always good for internal conflict. It also provides you with soul food. A belief system helps shape your writing and bring out your voice.
5) Laugh. It's good to see humor in life. I thrive on your fun and joy. It's not fun to write everyday when there's nothing to smile about. Everything tastes like freezer-burned ice-cream when there's no humor. I don't like that. It makes me think about killing your characters because life is so damn bleak when ice-cream tastes like that. (See, I made you smile.)
6) Feed me with your pain and use me as an outlet. I'll find a way to give you comfort. Your private loss will be shown to you in secret through your writing, and it'll be universally shared. It is the writer's right to bare her soul.
7) I'm not a wedding cake. Do not freeze me and wait for some special anniversary. Don't wait. Write now. Create now.
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