My Muse Is On Strike by Clarissa Yip
Sometimes life throws curveballs.
I’m sure you’ve heard that phrase many times. I guess that’s the mood I’m in at the moment. I’m sitting here, getting ready to write my next big bestseller but no words come to mind. My brain is blank. My muse is on strike and my creativity feels stifled.
Every writer goes through such stage. Is it writer’s block? Your muse being difficult? Overwhelmed by life in general?
It could be all of these things. I thought maybe I could just sit and watch some TV or get some other work done like answer emails and do some promotional work, but what if no ideas come to mind? Wait, what if I never write another word because my well has dried up?
Stop thinking so negative!
I’m determined to get through this. I’m a writer. An author. I tell stories. I inhale coffee and tickle my muse when the time calls for it…like now. But is she still not cooperating? Are you still feeling lost?
Get out of your funk!
Seriously, just start writing crap. Every story starts as such because after revisions and edits, you’ll end up changing the whole book anyway. How do I do it?
I mope. Lol. I know, not something you want to hear, but I will sit here and mope and brood until my brain starts to function and force life into my muse. I’ll sit here and write until I get a certain amount done, not caring that most likely I’ll have to delete the majority of it, but it’s a start.
I’ll meditate, listen to music, do random things like walk up and down the stairs, stare out the window…just force my creativity to breathe. Okay, sometimes I take 3-4 showers a day because I tend to think better in the shower, but it’s different for everyone.
So, tell me. How do you get your muse to start running?
Clarissa Yip
Author
Tempting a Prince
Blurb:
Sarah Westfall is on a mission. Living the mundane life of a near spinster school teacher and sick of her parents throwing eligible men at her, she is determined to get over her crush on her best friend’s brother. She wants a prince and wouldn’t settle for less. What better way than a 1Night Stand?Evan Hunt needs to figure out his enemy’s game plan. Chasing his nemesis to Las Vegas and signing up for Madame Eve’s service and masquerade, he never expected the woman he’s desired for years to appear before him…as his princess.
When their attraction fires the night, the inevitable happens. Her prince isn’t as charming as she’s hoped, but he does save her from trouble. Would he be willing to fulfill her fantasies also?
Excerpt:
Ryder nudged Evan in the arm. “Yo.”
“What?” He couldn’t keep the annoyance out of his tone. He’d searched the room and no McCormick. Was this a joke? Had his informant lied to him?
“Think I spot your date.”
Evan turned to where Ryder pointed. His breath hitched at the sight before him. No more than twenty feet away, his princess stood with her back turned. Her shimmery white gown hugged her loving curves like a glove. The chandelier above formed a golden hue around her lush figure. Her smooth, milky skin glowed in the light, and his mouth watered as his gaze trailed from the bottom up to her slim hips to the bare expanse of her back. He took in the thick blonde curls on top of her head and the sparkle of her crown. Definitely his princess.
Heat rushed through him. Desire struck, blood pooled in his groin.
“You lucky bastard. My date better be as hot as her.”
He barely heard Ryder. All thoughts flew out of his mind. He couldn’t draw his attention from the woman. His feet involuntarily moved forward. His pulse sped as he got closer. When he stood right behind her, he studied her closely. She looked out into the crowd as if searching for someone. He noted the smoothness of her skin, the delicate curve of her earlobe, the gracefulness of her neck. His fingers itched to touch her. He smelled peaches and drew in a deeper breath, her perfume permeating his senses. An alarm sounded in his head. Something familiar about her, but he couldn’t pin it down. He didn’t care. One thing was for sure: he wanted her.
“Princess.”
His date whipped around. Her mouth fell open and her violet eyes widened in shock.
Recognition struck like a fist pummeling his chest.
“Sarah?” His voice actually squeaked.
Silent Night’s Seduction
Blurb:
Stubborn and proud cowgirl, Lily McCormick, is finally coming to terms with her quiet life on her parent’s ranch, until her older brother, as payback, signs her up for 1NightStand. Kidnapped and forced onto a plane to a foreign location, she faces the dreaded cold and an unwanted tryst, until her ex-husband appears before her…as her date.New York City District Attorney, Rafe Martinez, would do anything to get his ex-wife back, even if it meant taking drastic measures to pretend he was there for another woman. When jealousy and rage surfaces and Lily’s tough demeanor wanes, desire and lust sparks their once powerful connection as truths unfold. Will Rafe convince her to return to him or push her further away from giving their love a second chance?
Excerpt:
A curse erupted into the room. “You came here for a one-night stand?”
The rage in her tone lightened his heart. If she could be angry with him then she must care for him still. Pouring himself a drink, he took his time answering. “Actually, more than that.” He turned around. “It’s three days before Christmas. I hope to spend the whole time with my date and escort her to the ball on Christmas Eve.”
Lily’s mouth dropped open then closed. “Well, good for you. But let me ask you, where is your date?”
Rafe frowned. “You know, that’s a good question. Why and how are you in my room?”
“This is my room!”
He stilled, praying she wouldn’t see through him. “That can’t be. I specifically requested a brunette as my date.”
Lily sputtered. “You—you cad!”
“This must be a mistake.” He went over to the chair he’d occupied earlier and pulled his phone out of his coat pocket. “I’ll email Madame Eve and get this straightened out. Worse comes to worst, you can go request a different room.”
An outraged gasp sounded behind him. “Why do I have to be the one to leave?”
He whirled around and gave her what he hoped was a convincing bewildered look. “Unless…you’re my date?”
She paused. “Hell no.”
One Chance
Blurb:Shy tomboy Jenna Faulkner has been in love her whole life—with her best friend. Except he’s marrying the wrong woman, and he doesn’t know it yet. But she’s determined to save him.
Instead of the normal bachelor party, Jenna decides to throw a different type of gathering…with just her. Alone. Will Cade finally come to his senses and see Jenna for more than a friend, or has she ruined their friendship once and for all?
Excerpt:
“As I said earlier, you can't marry her.”
“Why not?” A flicker of alarm flashed across his face. He shifted in his seat. His gaze trailed over her from head to toe, and she watched him swallow hard. It was the first time she’d ever seen him nervous in her presence. Her eyes immediately dropped to his lap.
The sight of the slight bulge made her breath hitch. Heat shimmied down her spine. Her nipples tightened under her coat, and an ache formed between her legs. She smiled, a sudden confidence returning to her.
“Jenna.” His husky voice sent a shiver over her skin.
It was the courage she needed.
Moving forward until she stood between his legs, she stared down at him.
“What are you doing?” His eyes darkened as if with fear yet his body told her otherwise.
The coat slipped off her shoulders.
“Fulfilling a dream.”
My muse abandons me from time to time as well. And I do all kinds of stuff...go for walks, read, watch tv, sing while my cats wail along...and my kids beg me to shut up. LOL But they just don't understand!
ReplyDeleteLove all the excerpts! They look yummy! :)
Beat him over the head with a big stick. LOL
ReplyDeleteUsually I read and watch a lot of Lifetime. Not that the Lifetime helps, but it beats staring at a blank screen.
Great excerpts by the way.
Good question, Clarissa. My muse is a fickle wench who usually comes out to play in the middle of the night or when she knows I have no time to deal with her. Like you I have found that by forcing myself to write - even if it is crap - she will show up because her curiosity won't let her stay away. I often end up dumping much of what I wrote without her but it isn't a huge hardship.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes fool the muse by heading in a different direction. Can't progress the novel? Write some gags or perhaps the opening to a short story. Or, if I'm being more creative, I tease the muse. I look at different aspects of the novel, but not the actual writing of new content. Then, once the muse's curiosity is reignited, it's show time!
ReplyDelete@ LJ - lol. I soooo agree. they just don't understand! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete@ Debbie - LMAO. I never thought of beating them with a stick. I'll have to try that sometime. Too funny.
@ Becca - Writing is hard! lol. But I guess the hardships are all a part of the game!
@Derek - LOL. You sound like you know you're muse so well! That is fabulous! I'll have to take your techniques and see if it works!
Dominique - Thank you so much for having me today! You're awesome!
Yes, a shower often works for me, or a long walk by myself. Cleaning the house tends to work, too, for some reason.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Clarissa and Dominique! :)
I Take showers or walks or sometimes drink a glass of wine! I don't ever get in a funk more like to tired from medication that keeps me sleepy.
ReplyDeleteOh Clarissa!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been whining to Kate for weeks about my Muse going AWOL for days/weeks at a time! I've tried the caffeine, cleaning, reading, editing, TV, sleeping, all to no avail, then; Kate that wonderful lady, we talked about dreams and it hit me like a hammer!
I hadn't dreamt at all lately! So, since this Eurieka moment, I had my fist full night of bizzare dreams and restful sleep, and she reared her weary head! lol
Good luck, something will work for you eventually. Without REM, I find myself personally, I get blank, tired, cranky and uninspired. We need REM to sort through the subconscious thoughts and let our Muse have her time in the spotlight of our imagination. Just a thought, but have you been dreaming lately?
Hugs and happy writing!
Kali
It is a well known fact that Hans the 6'5" blond haired blue eyed golden boy of a Muse has been relegated to a corner while I attempt to do stuff like "write blog posts" and do interviews for new releases--stuff that makes him want to throw things. but I persevere otherwise those necessary things won't get done. I do this enough to him and he also will strike, holding back his latest missive usually whispered in my ear while he lovingly pours me another beer, bless him. So he's had this one Thing he's been trying to give me and I've held him at arms length, and how I want this Thing and he's .... actually ignoring me. I had about thirty minutes of pure panic, but decided to ignore him back, do other stuff (walk dogs, do my other job, clean house, anything to distract myself from his silence). Now, that Thing is coming back and Hans is in his corner, one knee bent, the other, long bare leg stretched out in front of him, one eyebrow lifted giving me That Look. And the story flows. It's not something you command for certain. And from the looks of those amazing blurbs above, I can tell you and your Muse will reunite and it will be glorious. Ignore her. she'll get jealous and rush back.
ReplyDelete