The Journey of Writing: Embracing the Muse AND Lost but not forgotten writing and life

Marcia McGee Ashford
May 6
3 min read

Introduction

Reflect on the nature of writing and how it ebbs and flows with your writing

Some days are better than others when it comes to life and to writing. One day we are sailing through and others there is only silence. Is our muse just taking a day off or just our brain filled with so many things we can't focus on writing?

The essence of how time slips away: Finding Time Amidst Life Planning your own life

Family commitments take precedence over creative pursuits. Kids have to be driven to school, have to eat, and plan their own schedules. We are members of a family and friends. Sometimes you just want to turn off all sound, including what is in your head, for moments of silence.

But does silence inspire a spark of inspiration? I'm asking you how you find a writing method that works for you. With me I could hear the inspiration at a rock concert or the quiet of a park. It is not consistent. I also hear nothing at times when I really want to continue writing. The muse has left the writers building.

However this happens thoughts in our mind, a muse, or some other technique, having a plan can volumize your success.

I believe in catching some quiet moments occasionally, also having a journal or notepad to write things down (we are writers after all). You hear something in your mind stop and write it down-speak it over

highlight the importance of carving out quiet moments amidst the busyness.Recognizing Sparks of Inspiration
Emphasize the need to capture fleeting moments of creativity: The necessity of pausing to jot down ideas instantly.
Using phone notes for thoughts that arise unexpectedly.
The unpredictable nature of inspiration and how it can come at any time.

The Evolution of "Torrie's Song"

Share your own stories with others. Ten years ago I wrote "Torrie the Christmas Lamb". Now with many changes, edits, being put in the back of the list-Torrie became real. The real orrie is a bit different than the first book but it has a much better flow and message I am told.

So don't rush your stories-don't toss away-and above all time passes for a reason when writing. the backstory of writing "Torrie's Song" ten years ago.

Highlight the challenges of simplifying complex ideas into accessible words.

Discuss the serendipitous moment of inspiration in the bank parking lot. Literally, I was driving home and felt a whole NEW Torrie opening up. I pulled over to a safe place, locked car doors, and accepted what was happening-a better version of the same ole self in Torrie.
How? We are all different. What do you "Hear? See? Where do you find youor answers?"
Describe how the muse transformed thoughts into a finalized version.

Embracing the Writing Process

Encourage a non-pressured approach to writing: Heard this before? Recognize the importance of enjoying the journey itself, not just the destination.OK, go ahead and laugh. That's what everyone says and it never happens to you? Or has it? Will it in the past? Never underestimate the power of thoughts, prayers, and clocking time.

Don't forget, it’s okay if writing isn’t flowing at times. A planned life line for writers, hmm, I must abe on another planet life line for writers what about you?

Kidding of course-let's lighten ourselves up occasionally and enjoy a slow ride to life and our writing sometime.

THOUGHTS FOR YOU:

1. Emphasize that creativity doesn't adhere to a strict timeline

It's ok to start over and over
It is ALSO OK to trash or keep-it belongs to you
What if, you through something away you wanted t o keep-keep files of everything-it's not hard-just takes a few moments
Stay open minded if possible
Never give up