Do authors really have a muse?  I have a  muse who presents me with ideas and plots and characters.  Although it takes research, imagination, knowledge of the craft, devotion,and especially PASSION, to write an historical novel, I, for one, can attest to having my own personal muse.  She is also my dream-keeper and she's taught me:


1) To listen to my own inner voice


2) To trust that inspiration is everywhere, and if our minds are open to wonder, it will be revealed.


3) Too many words can stifle a thought


4) To laugh at myself


5) Never give away my gift or your empowerment to critics.


 


Those are only a few things my muse has taught me over the years.


She is playful, and has surprised me many times. She also hangs around with me and shows herself at odd times.  It's fine with me.  She's been a great pal. I prob ably should honor her with a name, but MUSE has worked so far.


 I'll tell you more later.


 


 


 


 


 


 


Get more on Joan Hiatt Harlow at SimonandSchuster.com