Linus had his Great Pumpkin, but the good little children and their teachers have Mr. Flurry, who makes all their wishes come true.
1-11-11
Beware–it’s not your typical blog today….
Today is one of those magical days reserved only for kids—and teachers. It’s a snow day! Writers, take note. Even if you’re not in school, don’t you deserve a play day? Your creativity grows with your experiences. Why not venture into my winter wonderland? Put away your laptops, revisions, and research. Let’s play.
There is one thing you have to know. You have to keep your eyes open to catch your muse. They’re everywhere, but you can only see them with a child’s eyes.
The Watcher
Take, for instance, The Watcher. He stands, waiting in the shadows…just like the next villian in your novel. Look closely. Does he resemble someone you know?
Danger lurks.
What you see isn’t always what you get
Perhaps your muses come in pairs. Is a love story brewing between your characters? Look closely. Don’t assume what you see is really what is really there. The snowman on the left is obviously Scottish. He’s wearing a kilt. And the lovely snowwoman on the right? She used to be a supermodel. And now you’re all set. Go write your romance.
Cold hands, warm hearts?
The Abominable Snowman
Looking for a muse that’s tall, dark, and handsome? How about we settle for tall? Few snowmen are dark. This one is kind of cute–in an abominable sort of way. Poor guy, always being referred to as loathsome. He’s not all bad, just misunderstood.
Clearly misunderstood
Desperado
Maybe your muse is the romantic type. Picture the silhouette of a cowboy riding against a tequilla-colored sunset sky. Maybe the tragic hero in your next novel is a cowboy. Make him a gunslinger, and he’s even more desirable. He rides into town and runs into your reluctant heroine. She tries her best to guard her heart, but he has a quick draw and a deadly aim. Bang! Shot through the heart. Who’s to blame?
He gives love a bad name.
Where’s Waldo?
And sometimes your muse will pop up out of the blue. Look closely. You may find him or her in the last place you expect. A cabinet to Narnia? A ceiling? A barber shop? Rome? One never knows.
He could be hiding anywhere.
Fantasy and sci-fi
Perhaps your creativity takes you to other worlds, even ones you create. There’s a muse for every occasion.
A little out of this world
Domo arigato, Mr. Robato
Everyone struggles
We’re coming to the close of our play day. Keep in mind, dear writer friend, we all struggle. The grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence. How many times have you made these excuses?
“But he has a book deal.”
“She has an agent.”
“Her story has already won three contests.”
“This is her 25th novel.”
If you are a writer, you will always struggle. No writer has it easy. Even published writers. Don’t despair. There’s joy in the journey. You have to go out and grasp it. It will not come to you if you sit there and despair.
Need encouragement? Maybe your muse take the form of your best friend, critique partner, co-worker, teacher–the person who helps you believe in yourself.
Still searching for your muse? Let me introduce you to Grassy the Snowman. (I borrowed him from writer Jen Stephens. Check out her website if you want to know more about her blog and book series http://www.jenstephens.net/ .)
He's a cousin to Frosty the Showman.
We are the champions!
Go forth and conquer the page.
Are these snowmen from your neighborhood?
No, actually they are from all over town plus Wartrace and Bell Buckle. No snowmen were harmed in the making of this blog. I was not arrested–yet. 🙂
Teresa… delightful… I only saw two of these snowmen about town! There are MANY more out there and all with wonderful creative stories… your words delighted me this am – pure entertainment with wonderful intellectual stimuli as well! Love you!
Thank you so much for reading and for the kind words. You have made my day!
I FOUND ETHAN!
And I liked this blog and all of the snowmen.
I had so much fun taking the pictures. I met several people. They were all happy for me to take pictures of their “friends.”
I love this upbeat happy post! I had fun reading it and enjoyed the beauty of the snow! I love reading what you write!!
Thank you Kuby. The beauty of the snow lifts my spirits. I haven’t yet gone out to make a snow angel, but I’ll probably do that in a little while. 🙂
There’s a snowman on top of the big hill at Martin that has to stakes stuck in it and fake blood running down.
Oh no! That’s pretty sad. 🙂 I’ve seen a whole lot more since I’ve been around town today–none like that though.
It’s been a while, Mrs. Lockhart, but I finally got back to reading your blog. I loved it!:) Very inspirational.
Thank you for reading. You made my day. 🙂 I try not to be silly, but I the silly just won’t go away. It escapes.
Tee…It’s SNOW secret you’re a writer! Sometimes we can be referred to as FLAKES. Oh, please don’t BALL! Your snowmen were very N-ICE!
Ha!!! I get your drift. 🙂
That’s just what I needed. Today hasn’t been the best of days. I needed a reason to smile.
No matter what, just PLOW ahead! “If the mountain was smooth, we wouldn’t be able to climb it. “
I’ve been trying and trying to think of a come back. But my thoughts have melted. 🙂