The elusive muse. Where to find, observe and kidnap inspiration.

In keeping with the past few “easy” blogs, this week we’ll be going in search of the deadliest of all creatures, the muse. That perfect idea that gets your creative juices bubbling, the spark of genius that has you giggling in glee as you type for all your worth while hyped up on sleep deprivation and caffeine. Easy now, we’re trained professionals, no need to fear for our safety.

The first thing we’ll need to do on this field trip is some research. Everyone knows you can’t go searching for dangerous animals without knowing a little bit about them, or at least seeing some really good examples of previously captured ones. So we’ll hit the local library, Barnes and Noble, or even Amazon, whatever the preference. Read, and read everything! No information is to much. Granted we don’t want to steal other’s successful methods, but it will get our brain amped up to think of our own ideas. And who knows, maybe you’ll manage to nab one hiding in mounds of dust covered books, and your search will end here.

While we’re doing all this reading, lets not forget to look at the pretty pictures. Sometimes all it takes is to see a particular photo and begin to wonder, how it came to be. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Google is your friend... or a multi-billion dollar operation out to take over the world, either way, it works for our purposes. Our muse is a slippery character, able to hide anywhere, so be sure to pay attention to everything.

Tv and movies are also excellent ways to gather some Intel. Because honestly, what are those but books brought to life. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but waste some time in front of the zombie box. You never know what you might stumble across.

Now that we’ve managed to while away several hours/days doing “research” we need to find ourselves some tunage. Obviously we can’t be out hunting without our Ipods in this day and age, what would our friends think! So stroll on over to Itunes or your massive cd collection collecting spider webs in the closet and delve into the world of music. Think about the music your listening to, and really think about it. What is the artist really trying to say? What does the song mean to you? What situations would have to happen in order for people to wind up in that situation? Do keep a sharp eye out for our critter while your looking though, she likes to sneak up and surprise you.


When you’ve finally selected the proper hunting music, we’re off to the dangerous part, finding the muse in an outdoor environment. That’s right, I said outdoor. Take a walk or drive around. It doesn’t have to be just the local conservation center, it can be anywhere. Go look at the run down buildings in your cities old downtown area, or maybe the local park and study the trees. The point is to look everywhere! Watch the people as they walk by and wonder where they are going. Look at the way they are dressed, are they rich? Poor? Are they on their way to a secret rendevous with an estranged ex-lover? Maybe they’re really undercover government agents trying to find clues to a renegade shifter. Who knows, but pay attention.

Having looked around everywhere outside to no avail, why don’t you head indoors. Check out your local grocery store, library (again, I know) or even PTA meeting. And while your people watching, be sure to eavesdrop if you can. Obviously don’t get caught, or do it just to be nosy, but if you hear to old woman reminiscing about the good old days, drop an ear or two. You mind stumble upon a memory of theirs that just has to be recorded, in your own way of course, on paper. Or what about that mother trying to deal with her out of control toddler. She’s obviously stressed and embarrassed at her child’s behavior, start to wonder about the rest of her life. Where is the child’s father? Is she an only mother having to work two jobs because she’s estranged from her family and the kids dad is dead? What’s really going on in her life.

I think we’re going to stop our hunt there for now as I see mine slipping through the tree’s ahead. She’s cunning like a fox and extremely facetious, but those are probably just personal traits to this one in particular. Wish me luck, and good luck on catching yours!

Until next time!
CoD