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Help, My Muse Is Missing
by Bob Valleau There have been a few times, in my writing career, when I could not think of what to write about or even how to approach a subject. Okay. Forget I said "a few." There have been many. What do we, as Christian writers, do when it seems like our muse is playing hide-and-seek with us? How can we smash through a wall of absolutely "nothing there" whenever it decides to erect itself? If your muse is missing, or you are facing a brick wall, try one of these practical tips to re-ignite your passion. 1. Up, up and away. I find a blank computer screen staring back at me intimidating. Instead of trying to have a "stare-down contest" with the technological beast, I get up and move around. I go to another room, take a walk, bike, hike or visit with friends. How does this help? I'm physically infused with energy and have a different attitude when I sit down at the computer again. 2. Scribble-scrabble. Carry a small notepad and pen with you. Or, in today's world, any kind of digital gadget with note-taking capabilities will do. How does this help? Whenever, and wherever, an idea pops into your head, jot (or type) it down. 3. Free-form. Take a word (or topic) and begin to freely write things about it. Let your writing flow. So what if you stray off course. That's why it's called free-form. How does this help? Usually, you can find a unique angle for a story or an article when you do this. Or, a cluster of thematic topics will appear that can aid you in your quest for an idea. These three ideas have helped me the most. But, the greatest piece of advice I can give for finding your muse or breaking through your writer's block is to pray. God still speaks to us in a still, small voice. We just need to quiet ourselves long enough to hear Him. Bob Valleau has over 30 years of writing experience for the Christian market. He was once named Christian Writer of the Year (San Antonio, Texas) by the American Christian Writers Association. He is the author of four books. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |