What is a muse and where can one find it?

To me, the writer’s muse is a form of inspiration that could come from a person, place or thing.

The term muse comes from the Muses who were the nine Greek goddesses presiding over the arts (including music) and literature. A shrine to the Muses in Latin, was called a museum. An artist or poet about to begin work would call on his particular Muse to inspire him, and a poem itself might begin with such a call; thus, Homer’s Odyssey begins, “Sing to me of the man, Muse” (that is, of Odysseus). Today a muse may be one’s special creative spirit, but some artists and writers have also chosen living human beings to serve as their muses.

Where can you find your muse? Your muse could be almost anywhere. Personally, I believe it is all in your mindset and what you are seeking in the moment. However, true writers are always listening and looking for that next great inspiration.

I have found my muse in some of the strangest places…..

Some Ways I Find My Muse

• It can come from a line in a movie. That is how I got the first chapter for my book Faithwalkers: How to Survive in the Desert of Hopelessness. We were watching the Ten Commandments and I started writing notes like a mad woman.

• I may hear a word from a song playing on the radio. I am notoriously known for using the voice recorder on my cellphone in such an instance.  I get ideas for essays and book chapters in this way.  As well as bible study lessons.

• A scripture from the Bible or I could just be meditating and receive a revelation on what to write. And the subject matter may materialize into a blog post or my next book. My newest project will be a book inspired by the conditions of God.  At this point I will agree, “Your muse may be one’s special creative spirit.”

• Occasionally, someone may say a catchy phrase or a word that resonates in my brain— which I will jot down for later investigation. I have noticed this usually leads to an edit or an update to a project on which I am currently working.

• I could be going through my scribbles and find writings which connect in a way that gives me the basis of an outline for a book. You know, the dots didn’t make sense before but now you can connect them in a way to tell a story?

• In observing people or what they are wearing gives me clues for a story or subject for my blog. Recently my husband wore a tee shirt that said “Escape Your Limits”. It gave me the idea for a future blog post on which I am currently working.

• I could be working on a project and come up with a phrase or a name for a particular situation that may become an offshoot for my next project. You do get ideas for other projects while working on them. On my latest project I got three subjects for a book.

For me, those unconventional methods lead to God, the source of all my ideas.  He has adorned my mind with revelations I feverishly type on my computer. When my fingers touch the keyboard His Spirit touches mine. This is why keeping a winning attitude in spite of your circumstances is so important.  You never know when the door of opportunity might open. While reading my manuscripts the thought is “No way could you have written this. These words came from the Lord!” My books may not be on the best sellers list yet. But I am striving every day to get there through the perfection of my craft. There are so many lessons I have learned and I am sure there are many more.

The conclusion of the whole matter: You never know where your muse will pop up. The memory of a childhood event might set off your creative juices. Or you just might find your muse in the twinkle of a baby’s eyes. But when you have writing on the brain, for a truth, you will find your muse hiding somewhere. And always remember to carry a notepad or a voice recorder in your cellphone. Those tools are like American Express credit cards—you never leave home without them. Happy hunting!

The definition of a Muse extracted from Merriam Webster Dictionary.

© Rhema International. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission, from this blog’s author and/or owner, is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rhema International.