Me: I’m drawing a blank.
Officer: Height, weight . . .?
Me: I’ve got nothing.
This is a repost from November 2009; dedicated to Kathy, an extremely talented blogger, the brains behind The Junk Drawer, and author of the recent post “I Lost My Writing Mojo.”
Today is a perfect repost kind of day, as I am suffering from brain fluff, which is similar to toe jam, but nothing like strawberry jam, unless it ends up between your toes.
Just thinking about writing a thoughtful post hurts, as I continue my search for the door jam I misplaced after jamming my toe on the door’s threshold. It’s tough having a low threshold for pain. Just ask Leeuna at My Mind Wandered and her latest post Neener, Neener, Neener – What’s in a name.
Here now the repost … muttering of intelligible words and banging of head against the wall.
Some days that door just won’t open no matter how many times you try to jimmy the lock. You bang on the door, but silence responds with the sound of one hand clapping. Your muse is not there. She has abandoned you and didn’t even have the decency to leave a more detailed note, other than, “No Admittance.”
What’s that all about? You stare at the note for an hour or two, until the words become a Rorschach blur on the door. Stuck is what you are. No muse. No fuse.
Thomas Edison once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” He often added. “I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident. They came by work.”
Yet, Thomas Edison was lucky enough to have that one percent inspiration to help him break a sweat. I’m as dry as a community pool in the Sahara desert. At least I won’t have to worry about underarm stains while I wait. I check my cell. No messages. Muses can be so inconsiderate, unaware of the torment they cause when they abandon their inspirational freelance gigs for extended time off. How ironic? They who cause others to break a sweat never sweat themselves.
How often does your muse take time off?
LOL! Didn’t realize the comments reposted, too.
My muse is a free agent, he abandons me on a whim. You are lucky, at least you get a sign. No matter how hard you jemmy that door, you will remain bereft of ideas. You may/not enjoy my post Emotions of Posting…
http://theysayitsinthegenes.blogspot.com/
AV
I did enjoy your post. Thank you. As a matter of fact, I always enjoy your posts.
I don't think I have a muse. Honestly, I don't have any business writing on a blog.
Kys,
You are one of the most talented writers I know. We all have our niche. You are an amazing, gifted, and intuitive writer. You get an average of 54 comments on your posts. People love you, as well as your writing. Go outside, get some fresh air, and then come back inside and write something.
A muse is just a word – a four-letter word I might add.:) You don't have to identify the source of your inspiration. The fact that you write what you do, as well as you do, proves that you've got something that touches your, heart, mind, and soul enough to transform your passion into humorous, heartwarming stories that keeps people coming back for more.
That is the nicest thing anyone has every said about me. Please don't think I wrote the first comment because I was fishing for compliments. I wasn't at all.
Most of the time I feel like I'm just being myself and that requires no talent.
I am going to copy your kind comment and save it in a word document. The next time I get all discouraged I can go back and read it again.
Kys,
I didn't think that at all. Self-doubt is a writer's biggest enemy. Usually happens whenever I'm tired, overwhelmed, or hormonally-incapacitated.
Most of the time I feel like I'm just being myself and that requires no talent.
That IS your talent! I am in awe of that quality. I have a tough time saying what's really on my mind. I hide behind humor or dark, scary images. Your natural, honest, humorous writing style is what draws people to your blog. Don't over-think what you do. Enjoy what you do. The fact that it comes easily to you is a positive, not a negative.
I'm sitting here on the bed waiting for my little guy to get better, and would love to dive in and write. But I know the moment I do, his stomach will signal the end of my post…but when I know I am overdue to post, the muse is an elusive thing at best. My files are filled with posts that never made it. But the blank page is the toughest enemy this mom faces – even tougher than my Little Man's flu!
Great post about not being able to post, Lauren! 😉
Hi Lauren
Saw your msg…have been really busy with work..missed your blog more than mine..will take out time to read your posts soon..take care and have fun 🙂
Hope your little guy gets better soon.
Thanks. Glad you liked the post.
Kasa,
You're back! You've been missed. I bet it's the damn work weasels. Can't wait to read your next post when you get around to it.
I had to lay off my muse when I lost my job to try and save a few bucks. So I've had to rely on the dog for inspiration lately.
She's very opinionated and full of ideas, so I've actually been able to post more frequently.
Perhaps the fact that I'm now holding conversations with the dog is somewhat of an issue – but I have been enjoying the writing.
Not a bad idea. On days that my muse goes AWOL, I'll consult my dogs. I have an opinionated dog, as well. The other dog likes looking at dust trails in the sunlight.
Aww! There's my comment from the first time you posted. (Back when I was kys.) Your reply meant so much to me. It was just what I needed to hear at the time.
Tracie,
I didn't realize that when you change the date on a post and publish it, the comments also are published. I didn't reread our exchange until now. My words still hold water. I'm so glad I was able to help you.