Writing as a Path to Awakening by Albert Flynn DeSilver

Author:Albert Flynn DeSilver
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sounds True

Speaking of muses, Ted Berrigan used to refer to writers who “got you to the page.” He was talking about writers who inspire you so much that you’ll stop reading their words to suddenly jot down a few of your own. For this reason, I always read with a notebook by my side. Sometime it’s just to copy down an amazing quote, but sometimes a scene will inspire a new story line, concept, or creative trajectory for me. We all have favorite writers who simply inspire us—we are captivated by their ideas, style, and use of language to such an extent that we also want to share our unique voice with the world. These writers move us beyond mere appreciation into participation—they invite us in and encourage us to contribute. In the presence of their work and enduring spirit, our blocks are lifted, comparisons with their work fall away, and we receive their permission to write from our true center. This process is another way the muse can speak through us.

TRY THISMake a list of ten writers who get you to the page. Reread them. Remind yourself why you love these authors—what specifically about their work drives you to want to create. And it doesn’t have to be writers you necessarily like, but those who inspire you to pick up the pen and go. Maybe your list includes “marginal” writers—those you consider less than great or people who inspire the thought, “Dang, I could do better than that!” Consider these writers your muses.

Writing should ultimately be fun and funny. Life is too short to take ourselves too seriously, and it’s definitely too short to get caught up in the struggles and anguish of the creative act. We’ll face plenty of challenges along the way. Why not begin each day by invoking the muse, by laughing a little at the absurdity of the whole beautifully crazy endeavor of living the creative life?

We want the muse to infiltrate, titillate, and propagate within us. Amusement is full engagement, full entertainment. Occasionally I venture off to Lake Tahoe by myself for some intensive and uninterrupted writing time. I make a vow to wake up at six (at the latest) and not leave my room until noon (at the earliest). One day I simply hit the wall. Just after nine, I had absolutely nothing more to write. I paced around my room, I scribbled crap in my notebook, obsessively fondled its pages, and I read. I reread. I surfed the Internet, pored over forest service maps, and planned hikes and bike rides. I stared at the clock, willing its hands forward. Most of all, I sat around feeling guilty for even thinking about bailing early. Finally I just threw in the towel. I went on a short hike, then a mountain bike ride, and ate a nice lunch at an outdoor café, listening in on conversations at nearby tables. I walked to the library and chatted with the librarian about local lore. I perused the local bookstore.

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