Well, since its been a month since the last post, I thought I would give an update on what is going on in my life.

I have completed the online class from Margie Lawson, Defeating Self-Defeating Behaviors.  Great class.  I learned a lot about myself, and why I sometimes self-distruct.  I now have some tools for overcoming those behaviors, most of which I have utilized at some point in the past.  I will probably have to re-read the lectures and redo the assignments eventually, but for now, I think I am doing ok.  I write most every day, which makes the day go better, and I have learned to think more positively. 

In fact, I have overcome my fears enough to enter my current WIP into the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association Literary Contest.  I edited (and edited, and edited) the first 23 pages of the manuscript (MS), and created a five page synopsis for the contest.  My poor critique partners were tasked with reading it over and over while I polished it.  I was a neurotic mess when I sent it off yesterday, but I feel much better now.  According to my critique partners, it will be a strong contender.  I'm crossing my fingers.  If I final, I will have to go to the PNWA conference July 30-Aug 2, 2009.  I will likely go anyway, even if I don't final.  I need to get out and network more with other writers, agents, and editors.  I can't write in a vacuum anymore, not if I want to be published.

 

Also, in the past month, I took a trip to California to attend the funeral of my cousin, Doug.  Doug had spent the last 35 years as a quadriplegic, and had been in decline for the last year.  He accomplished so much in his brief time here on earth: lawyer, husband, adoptive father.  He found ways to overcome his disabiltiy, and gave others hope, inspiration, and direction.  I celebrate his new freedom; may he now have wings. 

All of the author interviews Margie Lawson has in her lectures so far say they force themselves to write every day because they can’t wait for their muse to strike. Makes sense. Murphy’s Law #2,042 dictates that the muse will never strike when convenient, or when you want her to. It’s the corollary to the whole “watched pot” scenario, I believe.   

I must have several muses because I have many good ideas pop into my head while driving, in the middle of making stirfry, while visiting with family and friends, in the shower with soapy hair and before my legs are shaved, or the all time favorite, at 3-4am when I’m supposed to be in deep sleep. I collectively call my muses “the girls in the basement.”  I used to keep notebooks and mini-cassette recorders beside the bed and in the car. Murphy’s Law #516 came into play at that point: should you be ready, he/she/they will never show.

My question to you all is, when stuck at a critical point, why oh why can’t the muse(s) pop up with an idea when you desperately need it? Am I too much of a romantic to WANT the muse to ride in to save the day like some ethereal knight in shining armor and save me from the dragon? A figurative Deus Machina (sp), with/without the finger of God and hordes of avenging angels? A miracle? Or just a sudden insight like a light bulb turning on above your head? Or better yet, the trap door from Acme that suddenly appears in the wall behind you after you’ve painted yourself into a corner?

I’d beg for better timing if I thought it would do any good, but I will take the girls tossing ideas up the stairs at all hours and all situations, to them silent always.