Exercises To Revive a Catatonic Muse
Author: Cheri Wright, MSW

Some time ago I took an online writing course. The first assignment was too simple and I was smugly critical when I read it. I was to write a short article for a magazine. I could write on any topic I chose. The only requirement was that the article include a list of points for the reader. Piece of cake!

Two days later, with a splitting headache, I sat in the disarray of my office, surrounded by reference books, empty water bottles and page after printed page of documents that contained nothing more than jabberwocky. Time was running out and I had not even chosen a topic.

Sound familiar? Chances are it is. Most writers know the catatonic muse. When she shows up we become critical and disappointed. Far too often writers desert the page and forfeit any future possibilities from their abandoned writing.

Catatonia may be a periodic disorder with most muses, but there are ways you can revive her:

Don’t force the issue.
It is important to write regularly whether you feel like it or not. Writing regularly means just that and nothing more. Just let your mind wander and write. Don’t censor every word and every thought. There will be plenty of time for that later when you decide you’ve written something you want to preserve and share.

Get your yellow stickies.
Whoever invented these must have been a genius. They are good for so many things. For the blocked writer they change the dynamics. Instead of writing a 600 page novel, write to fill the small space of a yellow sticky. Stick them on the wall next to your desk and let them go.

Take a walk.
Few activities can clear the mind better than a brisk walk. Allow your mind to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Read something unrelated to your writing assignment.
Read just for the enjoyment of reading. Reading stimulates your imagination.

Take an Artist’s Date.
Julia Cameron in her bestselling book, The Artist’s Way, suggests taking yourself (and no one else) on an artist’s date once a week. This could involve working in an art medium unfamiliar to you, going to a museum, listening to new music or noticing different forms of architecture in your area.

Record your voice.
Talk into a Dictaphone or tape recorder and then transcribe what you have recorded. You might be surprised how interesting your conversation is and how it appears in written form.

Make a collage of words.
All you need is a stack of old magazines, scissors, glue and cardboard backing. Page through the magazines and cut out words and phrases that you find yourself attracted to. When you have a pile of fifty cuttings, arrange them on the backing and glue them on. Hang your collage somewhere close to your desk. Working with your hands calms the conscious mind and collages reveal the unconscious. Hang your collage in your writing area. It will likely provide ongoing inspiration.

Participate in a writing group.
You will benefit from supportive, creative sharing with others. Writing is primarily a solitary activity and it is important that you not become too isolated.

Read through earlier writings.
It will remind you that you are a writer and may stimulate new writing ideas.

Most of all, keep a balance.
Decide approximately how long you are going to write each day, and stay with your schedule. Don’t pressure yourself to keep writing. Nothing causes your muse to shut down more than force.

We are always writers but we are not always writing. Anyone who is alive and literate has volumes of material to write about. Be gentle with yourself and with your muse. Be patient, stay relaxed and have fun.







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Cheri is a freelancer and a licensed clinical social worker in Oklahoma. She and her husband own and operate a Bed & Breakfast/Retreat Center. She is also co-owner of Dignified Daring Dames, Inc., a corporation dedicated to providing inspiration and encouragement to women. She can be contacted at daringdames@yahoo.com or visit her website: (http://sulphurspringsinn.com).

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