What is your view on muses? Do you have one? Want one? Need one?
The following quote by American mythologist, writer and lecturer, Joseph Campbell has some really interesting things to say about where inspiration comes from.
As for me, I think of my muse as a part of me that waits for me to sit, get still and open myself to whatever story I’m working on. I’ve had years of practice calling on my creativity and imagination in the service of a novel, so it doesn’t seem all that magical to me anymore. But I’m totally open to expanding my view.
Here tis’. See what you think:
Anyone writing a creative work knows that you open, you yield yourself, and the book talks to you and builds itself. To a certain extent, you become the carrier of something that is given to you from what have been called the Muses, or, in biblical language, ‘God.’ This is no fancy, it is a fact. Since the inspiration comes from the unconscious, and since the unconscious minds of the people of any single small society have much in common, what the shaman or seer brings forth is something that is waiting to be brought forth in everyone. So when one hears the seer’s story, one responds, ‘Aha! This is my story. This is something that I had always wanted to say but wasn’t able to say.’ There has to be a dialogue, an interaction between the seer and the community.
From Joseph Campbell, “The Power of Myth” (with Bill Moyers). (Thanks to my friend, Nancy Mason, for sending me this!)
I love the part about the “seer and the community.” My translation of that would be that there has to be a dialogue between the writer and the reader. That’s the ultimate. To write is a lonely endeavor and only half the process. To share it with readers completes the circle whereby the community is hopefully enriched. In other words, readers rock my world!
Comments? Questions? I welcome your thoughts. xo
For some reason this nearly moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing – I’ve added it to my journal of quotes I want to save.
I am writing a novel that is not and has not been expected to be to the taste of anyone in my family – but I have been preparing to write it for 4 decades. Now it is nearly done – and my English teacher editor does not like it. She is not criticizing my use of English (no changes there); she does not understand the story I am telling.
Who is my audience? People like me. Where are they? Among the people who like and appreciate mythology. However few they may be; I hope I can connect.
Again, Thank You.
Hi Susanne,
You’re quite welcome. I’m so glad the quote was helpful to you!
Honestly, I think you have to write the book that is yours to write, no matter what anybody else says. It takes courage. Yes. But to be true to yourself is the only way to go.
For years I have said that as a novelist I will write the books I need to write, even if only 6 people read them. Thankfully, a lot more than 6 people read my books, but it’s about being true to ourselves and true to our Muses/inspiration.
Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how the post was helpful to you.
May your journey be blessed. xo