I sat behind my desk at the writing cabin. Lisa* asked for the day off to celebrate with Bunny. She believes today is a holiday for rabbit lovers everywhere. She filed back and forth from the basement to her upstairs room with boxes to build a fort for her beloved pet.
Lorelei** walked in and paused in the doorway. She wore a purple Easter dress with small white polka dots. The low-cut collar was framed by a ruffle of the same material. It cinched tight around her athletic waist. She wore a straw Easter bonnet with a large brim that turned up in front. The backlight made it look like a halo. She manipulated the light so the halo remained no matter where she went.
“You always knew how to make an entr–“
“Squee! That dress is so cute!”
“Good morning, Lisa. I'm here to see Craig. I'll send you a link where I bought it.”
Lisa thanked her and carried a small basket of fresh vegetables upstairs.
Lorelei sat on the couch and crossed her legs. “Vacation's over. How do you think you did?”
“Bad.” I picked up my cup and moved to the easy chair beside her. “I tried to finish my novel, but didn't even get close.”
“I was watching from Olympus. I think you're being too hard on yourself. You did some good work.”
“I just didn't do enough of it. There were whole days where I didn't write.”
“Was that your fault?”
“No, but–“
She held a finger up to silence me. “Things happen. You don't control your own destiny, so you have to make the best of the time you get. I saw new chapters, and some of it's very good. I also saw new short stories.”
“Maybe I should get rid of the short stories for a while. At least until I finish my novel.”
“I send you ideas. You've been discarding those that can't carry a novel. That was fine, but now it's time for you to grow as an author. Those ideas are good, but sometimes a shorter tale is better suited. I like the idea that you've been writing them.”
“I think I have too many ideas. I could have spent that time on my novel.”
“But you wouldn't have. You like to write in quiet and solitude. You always have, and probably always will.” She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. “I saw you writing at the same time as your lovely wife was watching television.”
I paused and thought before I spoke. “I'm just having fun with the short stuff. There are less plot points to work out, and generally fewer characters. I can free write them, and edit them later.”
“You're on the verge of a breakthrough. Let me help you here.” She steepled her fingers and chose her words. “You started writing, because you love it. You are the one who turned it into a job. I had nothing to do with that, and am trying to support you. Your own mind rebelled, and gave you something to write for fun once more.”
“Wait, wait, wait! How can I improve if I don't take it seriously?”
“I never said not to take it seriously. You simply need, a bit, of fun. All work and no play makes Craig a dull boy.” She reached over and lifted my chin with a perfectly manicured nail. A shiver ran down my spine.
“Maybe if I had less ideas I could take some time away after this novel is finished.”
“But you won't. You'll get all worked up over marketing, or some new project you want to outline. You're even talking about making the short stories into a book. I need you to write for fun too. If some of the shorts are good, I'll let you bundle the good ones together for others. Just consider them as personal entertainment for today. Write many, and harvest the best. Enjoy yourself.”
“Doesn't the blog do that?”
“It provides you with interaction, something you also need. It requires participating in comments, and even hosting friends. Those are important, but different than we're discussing today. You could easily be a hermit, because that's your nature. I won't let that happen.”
I emptied my coffee and retrieved the pot, along with a cup for Lorelei. “Sorry, Lisa usually does all this. So what's next for me?”
“Keep writing. Keep including a personal challenge in each story.”
“What challenges do you have in mind?”
“You still like the epistolary style. Maybe it's time you tried it. You could try an omniscient narrator, that would be new. Maybe you should write the story of an extroverted character.”
“Maybe somewhere down the road.”
“That's the point. Now you get to think about these things, and someday later you challenge yourself. Right now, your lovely wife just put the ham in the oven and you'd better get back. You have company coming.”
* Lisa Burton is the main character in Wild Concept. She's a robot and works as my personal assistant.
* Lorelei is my Muse. She's from Olympus, and takes my writing very seriously.
Good advice from Lorelei. I wish I had a robot.
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You should write yourself one. They’re more reliable than minions.
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Well i just finished writing a ghost. Maybe he would do the asst. honors. His name is Curt.
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I love ghosts. I’m sure he’d do a fine job with a bit of motivation and a 401K.
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He told me no overtime.
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I sense a problem. The guy has all eternity and can’t put in a few extra hours. Maybe you need to interview a few more.
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You know I was thinking the same thing.
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Many author friends have published books of shorts along with their novels. I could see you with a very successful one 🙂
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I just need to keep things perspective. It can’t bump up to first position until I finish this novel.
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Very insightful hearing your process. Here is an article you may find interesting /helpful
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanblair/2012/06/26/5-steps-of-compartmentalization/
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Interesting.
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I’ve been using this method all my life and didn’t realize it was a coping mechanism. It’s how I survive the madness. And when all else fails I just take a nap 🙂 – – another coping mechanism that works wonders!
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Naps are wonderful I’m all in favor.
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Wish I had someone like Lorelei to guide me…
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Maybe you do, but you just have to look. Probably one of the fae.
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I like that idea, Craig. Just not quite sure where to begin looking. You sure do have fun with Lorelei! Although, she does get on your case a lot, doesnt she? Dont tell her I said that! She’s very supportive, too.
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She’s on my case all the time.
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Craig may be right. I think na daoine maithe would be more subtle. Not all Muses are the in-your-face kind, like mine (and, apparently, Craig’s).
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Well I’d love to have an in your face discussion with mine! I like to have everything out in the open and know where I stand, that’s just the way I am, lol! How did you discover yours?
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She found me.
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Well you’re very lucky! 😀
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You can read about my life with the Muse, in “Stockings in My Sink,” at http://wp.me/p30cCH-1pz
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I read it too. Thanks for sharing the link. I don’t know how I missed it the first time. What a fun post.
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It was published during the holidays, when folks who have lives get pretty busy. Thank you for stopping by!
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Lorelie is a wise woman! Look back at all the things you’ve done over the last 12 months! You’re doing a grear job 😉
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Thank you. Things will slow down this year, but just a little.
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I like good Lisa and Lorelei. Nice when one!s own creations keep one in line! 😀
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No voices in my head, no siree!
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Don’t we all wish our muses would stop by in person from time to time?
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Be careful what you wish for! You might just get it! http://wp.me/p30cCH-1pz 😉
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Always listen to your muse. Lorelei sounds like she knows what she’s doing. Although a book of shorts sounds like a great idea!
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Thanks so much.
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Lorelei gives you great advice–and support, too. I think it’s great that you have so many wonderful ideas. It will all work out.
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I’ve learned not to rush them. I still have several vignettes I wrote about last year that are searching for plots. They may find one. They may find each other and create one. They may kick back and ruminate for years. Grinders may have something going for them.
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I agree with Lorelei…. She’s a smart cookie! 🙂
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