Inspiration…

(Does this inspiring to you?)

For the last few days, I've been stuck on a chapter I was only sort of happy with, and if I'm only sort of happy, I'm not happy. It needed something more, but what that might be, I couldn't quite pin down. I only knew something was missing, and I was determined to find it. But searching for something when you don't know what you're looking for makes for an interesting challenge. Fortunately, I have a boatload of boat repairs, and in recent weeks I've been elbow deep in sawdust and epoxy resins, which, strangely enough, my muses are rather fond of. Of course, trying to hastily transcribe illegible notes in a pad when the pencil is stuck to your resin-covered gloves makes for some interesting reading at the computer later on.

My muses are an amusing, twisted bunch. Sometimes they hold out on me, but rarely for long. Over the years I've discovered the trick to dealing with them. They can't be bullied or badgered into offering inspiration, and the longer I sit, staring in frustration at the monitor, the more uncooperative they become. But when I give in and give them what they want, they return the favor. And what do my muses demand? Recess. A break. They want me to step away from the computer. They want fresh air and a change of scenery. They want to go somewhere that they can wander unrestricted. Sometimes it's a walk with the dogs. Maybe a nap. They'll even surprise me while I'm folding laundry or making dinner, though they'd rather be on the highway, and preferably headed to the beach with the windows down and the music loud. They enjoy working on the boat, and being underway, or anchored somewhere quiet. So whenever I find myself stuck, I step away and give them some breathing space. And I keep my notebook close on hand, because before long, they'll be bombarding me with inspiration. The bottom line; some of my best ideas come when I stop looking. And once again, my muses delivered!

So, everyone, what gets your muses going?

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