Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Waiting for the Muse

I'm sure my author friends are thinking...where the HELL is she? Since the first of the year I've been buried in my writing cave hammering out one thing after the next. That's not a bad thing. I've been waiting on my muse to return for some time now and it feels really great to get major wordage down. Since mid-January I have submitted two books and I'm nearing the end of a third.

As many of you know, last year was tough on my family with lots of illness and upheaval but all that is evening out now. While that was going on I stayed seriously blocked. It was hard to write anything at all. Now suddenly the pressure has been lifted and it seems I've lifted that massive blockage from my shoulders. The worst thing about it all was the guilt I felt at not writing. I couldn't seem to relax and give myself a break. My friends constantly encouraged telling me that things were tough and I should try not to worry so much. I worried anyway.

In the end, I think things have a way of working out as they are meant. When I returned to my writing in a serious way at the beginning of the year, I found my voice a bit altered and in a good way. What I wrote was richer, flowed better and felt more mature. Mature. Now there's a word! I've always believed that our life experiences add to our telling of a tale and since much erotic romance is geared toward mature women, it feels good to be writing stories that might be more relatable.

Writing slumps happen. All of us have been there with that and it makes sense to try as hard as we can to lift ourselves out of it. Some people find they'll read more or write SOMETHING every day. They might try to pull away from any writing altogether and just take a 'word' vacation. Hmm. Maybe I did a little bit of all of that but I found that pulling away, leaving it behind completely simply filled me with guilt. At the moment, I'm alternating between heavier, darker stories and the lighter, more fun stuff. Right now, I'm doing Lawman, the fifth High Plains Shifter story. I'll follow this up with something more fun and frolicky (is frolicky a word?). All I know is there is a light at the end of that dark tunnel and if you are meant to write, eventually you WILL. Now, I'm making up for lost time as my muse sits happily on my shoulder.

20 comments:

anny cook said...

LOL. Yep, you're just rolling them out! So glad it's all working for you again!

Unknown said...

I'm happy to hear that your Muse came back so strongly. You have a unique voice that makes your stories hard to put down. Here's to continued success and much happiness and joy for you and your family.

Unknown said...

It's great that the Muse has returned stronger and more mature! :)

I can't wait to read what you've written.

Tess MacKall said...

Whooooo hoooooo...she's baaaaack. lol

Regina Carlysle said...

I AM rolling and it feels pretty good. It's almost as if a dam burst or something. Nice feeling.

Regina Carlysle said...

Thanks so much, Melissa. It's a struggle to do my best writing when outside pressures build up. Really hard. Now I'm just feeling so free and happy that it's moving now.

Regina Carlysle said...

Thanks Amber! I should have something to announce on one of them soon. Still waiting to hear on the other. The thing I'm really thrilled about is getting down to business with the High Plains Shifter story. It's been a long time in coming.

Regina Carlysle said...

HAHAHHA. I like to think so, Tess.

Brindle Chase said...

Ahhh, I sorry it was rough there for you. Glad to hear the keel is evening out for calmer seas. *hugs* Especially glad to hear you're writing again!!!! Woot Woot!!

I hear about writer's block all the time, even been asked about it. I guess my muse is faithful, even though she's a naughty little thing... she's never left me. I've never experienced writer's block and pray I never do!

Natalie Dae said...

Yee har!

:o)

C. Zampa said...

I'm so glad you've returned to writing!

I'd never thought about it until you said it, but sometimes when you DO step away and return, your writing voice has improved.
I don't know why that is, but it sure is interesting.

Happy writing!

Oh. And if your muse turns up missing for a bit, it's just a little further south in Texas, being bound and gagged until it comes up with some words for ME!
LOL...

Fran Lee said...

I know where you're coming from, dear...it's been sheer hell dealing with my own slump. God bless and I'm thrilled you muddled through.

Tessie Bradford said...

I'm so happy you're writing again, and can't wait to read your next books!

Harlie Williams said...

Can't wait to read what you have so far......thanks for the kick in the pants the other day. I really appreciate it. My muse is actually whispering now.

Regina Carlysle said...

Last year WAS rough, Brindle, very much so. It was just hard to wrap my brain around words, when I honestly didn't have any. We'd always been a healthy bunch but between my husband's cancer and my sisters, all the words just dried up. Still there wasn't a day I wasn't THINKING about it. Maybe all the mulling things over turned out to be a good thing.

Regina Carlysle said...

Thanks Nat! Feels so to be on a roll.

Regina Carlysle said...

I think there's something TO stepping away, C, and like you, I hadn't imagined it would work like it has.

Regina Carlysle said...

Fran, I know you'll get back in the groove. I really DO think many of us experience this from time to time. Just know you have many friends. Lean on them for support. Eventually you'll gain your feet again.

Regina Carlysle said...

Thanks, Tessie. Hopefully I'll have some stuff coming out pretty soon! YAY.

Regina Carlysle said...

Oooooh, Harley...it's whispering? Give it a bit and she'll be SINGING to you. I know you are ready to start writing more. Good for you.