Writing as a craft; writing as a job...

It is one thing to write when the muse visits, when inspiration strikes or a scene bursts forth fully formed...it is entirely another to attempt to turn writing into a daily task. I am working on a novel. I'm in love with it, but I am needing to end it and struggling with the reality and finality of it. Usually I follow the characters and let them drive the car, per se, but now I need to convince them to compromise and let me drive the last 10 miles. They aren't so keen on that. It is slow going.

Today I settled in at Borders with a cup of coffee and my laptop. I'd done some intense brainstorming with my favorite writer friend last night and felt ready. Boy, was the universe not interested in that. I did manage 1400 words; I also managed to move the scene along to the next logical conflict...but not without eavesdropping on what appeared to be a group therapy session, and some juicy local gossip that had nothing to do with anyone I know or have ever known. Basically, I couldn't get the focused brain going even though I knew where I wanted to head.

Frustrating. Now I am home with pretty window crafts baking in the oven. I find myself hoping that I can harness the energy from last night when Bumblebee goes to bed and crank out another 1500 or so words.

Ever arm wrestled a muse? Tricky stuff, that.

Bumbling back

So, recently I realized that I enjoy perusing the blogs and websites of interesting women--often moms--who make art, read books, love their children like mad and view the world through a lens that could be considered slightly askew. After many hours spent reviewing and considering their sites two things happened: my favorites list bloomed out of control and I acknowledged that what I like in them is what I want for me.

It is time for me to find my way back to my musings. I've been writing like a mad woman, trying to get a novel finished, but what about everything else?

2006-that was the last time I sat down and wrote. I was barely pregnant, about to start my third year of teaching and wanting more creativity. Three years later, I have a two-year-old and still desire a more creative life. So, why now and why here? Two reasons really: Now, because there is no better time to hold myself accountable to the things that make me happy and here, because I'd already started something three years ago. I'm a big fan of returning to projects that didn't take off the first time I tried them. This time, my creativity is my project.Vision: recipes, craft projects, writing, life in general.

Bravely ahead, then.