Invocation for Inspiration
I have been suffering from writer's block for several months now. It has been hard to even sit down for a blog post. This is especially frustrating when I contrast this block with the main character in my second novel. The protagonist in this next book is an actor who embodies the spirits of the characters he portrays. This skill brings him great fortune and fame. However, he readily admits that he is more of a vessel than an artist. He claims to "tune-in" to their frequency, and in turn, these spirits possess his body and actually do the performing for him. This relatively easy access to artistic creativity does have its drawbacks though. For example, the characters he portrays always demand a favor. Usually these favors are banal, but as his fame grows the requests become more onerous.
My main point here is that I am actually jealous of my character's access to those creative powers. Recently, I began re-reading The Odyssey and I noticed that the very first thing Homer speaks is an invocation to the Muses for inspiration. Before Homer begins his epic poem, which back in the day would have been spoken or sung from memory, he opens with a prayer. I think Homer was onto something here. Creativity, at least for me, comes in unseen waves. Lately, the inspiration has been hard to find. As I near the completion of this second book I await the voice that brings the many moving parts into one whole. In an effort to bring that voice back, I begin my writing session tonight with an invocation for inspiration. After all, it is not entirely fair for the artist to take all the credit (or blame) for the creative process. So much of the insight we glean from art is the ability to experience something new. That feeling we get from inspiration (and/or art) is a subjective state of mind relative to each individual. It is a gift that must be cherished, appreciated and cultivated. So before I begin my Sisyphean efforts, I offer this invocation for inspiration to whatever spirit out there that is listening: "Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, start from where you will – sing for our time too." (Homer, The Odyssey, Book I lines 11-12, trans. Robert Fagles).
My main point here is that I am actually jealous of my character's access to those creative powers. Recently, I began re-reading The Odyssey and I noticed that the very first thing Homer speaks is an invocation to the Muses for inspiration. Before Homer begins his epic poem, which back in the day would have been spoken or sung from memory, he opens with a prayer. I think Homer was onto something here. Creativity, at least for me, comes in unseen waves. Lately, the inspiration has been hard to find. As I near the completion of this second book I await the voice that brings the many moving parts into one whole. In an effort to bring that voice back, I begin my writing session tonight with an invocation for inspiration. After all, it is not entirely fair for the artist to take all the credit (or blame) for the creative process. So much of the insight we glean from art is the ability to experience something new. That feeling we get from inspiration (and/or art) is a subjective state of mind relative to each individual. It is a gift that must be cherished, appreciated and cultivated. So before I begin my Sisyphean efforts, I offer this invocation for inspiration to whatever spirit out there that is listening: "Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, start from where you will – sing for our time too." (Homer, The Odyssey, Book I lines 11-12, trans. Robert Fagles).
No comments have been added yet.
