Articles with the focus Tag

So many writers find themselves pushing too hard and getting nowhere. After all, many of us began freelancing to escape office politics and spend more time with our families. So why work yourself harder than any employer would?

After beating my head against the proverbial wall for a long time, I finally realized that I couldn’t force myself to write, even if I kept a strict schedule and eliminated all distractions. So I began to treat myself better, with writing rituals that are fun and encourage productivity instead of demanding it.

Tracking My Writing With Stickers

Yes, stickers. Usually found on third grade spelling papers, the simple gold star or thumbs up sticker is a major motivator for me. I reward myself after I’ve completed each writing task of the day, which for me is a list of articles and blog posts.

Here’s my sticker tracking process:

• Ditch the to-do list. Anything time related is scheduled in as an appointment. For my other projects, I check my email and other online “inboxes” to determine what needs to be written that day.
• Grab a notebook. For me, it’s an inexpensive red journal. I write in today’s date and quick abbreviations of the titles I’m working on. I also jot down any notes about my day, whether I’ve woken up with a headache or I have an appointment to remember.
• Turn on the tunes. My MP3 player is the best gift I’ve given myself! Having a stream of my favorite music playing blocks out the rest of the world and gives me additional focus. (One earphone is out if the kids are awake!)
• Light a candle. This provides my visual focus, along with a quick break from staring at the computer screen all day. You could easily substitute a family photo or vision board to inspire you as well.
• Set a timer. A timer provides instant motivation as I race to see how fast I can complete my articles. I use a free program, but a kitchen timer works just as well. I set mine to one hour, and I’m off!
• Track the results. After each article, I check my timer, write down my time, and choose a sticker. I have made progress, even if it’s just one article, and I deserve a mini-reward! (Plus stickers are terribly cute!)

This is my ideal way to progress through my writing day. I can flip through my notebook, and instantly see how productive I was by how many stickers I’ve collected. If a day didn’t go so well, I can read my notes and see what happened.

Benefits of Creating Your Own Writing Rituals

Obviously, my writing ritual may not be right for you. So I encourage you to create your own rituals, to ease into your writing day. You will reap many rewards by treating yourself right, and encouraging the muse to visit from time to time.

• Increased productivity. If you do the same things daily, you will develop good writing habits, and naturally speed up as you write. Your mind will know when it’s time to work, and when you put your accouterments away, your mind will know when to rest.
• Peace of mind. You don’t have a boss standing over your shoulder, expecting you to be productive. You certainly don’t want to become that kind of boss either! You can rest easy knowing that you are still getting things done, in a manner that is customized to your working style and is not stress-inducing in itself.
• Enjoy your writing. Although we all love writing, there are days where the act of writing is not fun. Even when it seems that pulling teeth would be easier than pulling words out of your brain, you can give yourself small rewards to keep yourself going.
• Embrace your competitive nature. Without co-workers, many of us have no measuring stick to compare ourselves to. If you track your progress, you can compete with yourself to get “just one more” article done, or cut down your time by “just five minutes”.

Do you already have writing rituals? Share them here. Planning to make your own rituals? Bring your ideas to the table.

Photo Credit: Love Janine

Tired of spending endless hours staring at a blank page? Exhausted and feel like your brain has somehow mysteriously been kidnapped and turned into a gooey, soft mush? Can’t focus? Not able to think clearly? Have trouble remembering how to spell the simple stuff you know by heart?

You’re probably suffering not only from MJSS, but from lack of nutrition. I touched lightly on eating in my post: Natural, Zen Remedies for MJSS but I’d like to share a little more detail on this topic because I truly believe a lot of freelancers out there are struggling, trying desperately to scrounge up some brain power. And, for that, I give you…

Food for Thought

Eating is a very important part of life. Eat too much and you feel bloated, sick, and lethargic. Eat too little and you’ll end up weak, foggy, and unable to concentrate. Eat too much – or only – the wrong foods, and you’ll more than likely be out of sorts totally!

It’s amazing what a difference I feel overall when I’m bombarding my body with fresh, raw juices, smoothies, veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds. When I allow too many non-raw foods (especially any processed ones) into my diet I pay for it, both in body, and in mental clarity – or lack thereof.

You don’t have to stop enjoying all your favorite (even junk) foods to achieve the enhanced focus and inspiration you’re craving. Just a few minor changes to your daily lifestyle can make all the difference in your freelance life. Really.

Fuel Your Freelance Business

Let me guess: You work long, crazy hours. Am I right? You forget to eat – or you nibble on donuts, chips, or chocolate while you sit all those hours staring at the computer screen. True, no?

Try the following tips for extra nutrition, strength, and motivation. You might just be surprised how much you accomplish!

Freelance-Friendly Fuel Tips

1. Instead of racing to the computer when you first wake up of the morning, race to the kitchen. Drink some water and if you’re not one to fuss over a fancy breakfast, just grab a piece of fruit, make a bowl of oatmeal, or whip yourself up a yummy fruit smoothie.
2. Don’t run to your office – or corner – just yet. Prepare for the work day by portioning yourself some nuts and/or seeds for a snack. Nuts and seeds are not only delicious and filling, they’re filled with protein and other nutrients your body – and your brain – will gobble up.
3. Keep a fresh glass of water within reach so you’ll stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent you from craving the wrong kinds of foods as well.
4. Make snacks and/or meals ahead of time. If you do that, you’re less likely to order take-out like pizza or pasta and you’re more likely to fill up on healthier options throughout the day.
5. Try practicing a few minutes (as little as 10 minutes!) of yoga each morning before you begin your work day, or to relax and stretch yourself during the day. Many people who begin practicing yoga fairly regularly notice an improved change in their eating habits, energy, and brain functions.

These tips will not only keep your body fueled, but your mind rarin’ to go and your freelance goals on target. So you see, the best way to fuel your freelance business (aka bring in the money and success!) is to fuel your brain by feeding your body. What are you waiting for? Grab some healthy snacks, guzzle some water, and get busy doing what you do best: fill that blank page!

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Do you apply any of these tips to your day-to-day freelance routine? Do you have anything extra to add, that I’ve forgotten? How to you fuel your brain so you can fuel your freelance business? Let’s discuss and glean from each other!

Photo source

By Peri Coeurtney Enkin

Musicians do not appear on stage to perform without hours of previous practice. Dancers learn their choreography in the studio before they dance for the public. Singers do scales. Athletes stretch. Writers need to light their Creative Fires and maintain their Creative Flow too.
Writers need to write – often, regularly, for all kinds of reasons.

Last night I handed out the following list to my Write with Spirit class. I asked everyone to consider why they write. It helps to know. In fact setting your intention for writing with a specific purpose in mind harnesses the creative forces of the universe on your behalf. Often we are wishy-washy. We want to write to educate and we end up writing to soothe ourselves. Both are important and valuable – yet require different attention from us.

1. Write to Free Your Creativity – You want to live a creative life and writing is one way to do that.
2. Write for Wholeness – You want to develop, deepen and expand your connection with your Higher Self.
3. Write for Guidance – You want to receive guidance from your Higher Self.
4. Write for Insight and Understanding – You want to broaden your perspective and see through the eyes of Spirit
5. Write for Personal Growth – You want to experience more personal balance, alignment, and calm. You want to know your authentic feelings and needs better. You want to learn and grow
6. Write to Heal – You know writing offers you a path through confusion to clarity, through sadness, depression and fear into hope, appreciation and forgiveness.
7. Write for Relief – You want to step outside of your small mind, find comfort, soothe yourself.
8. Write for Joy – You write because it is fun and you love doing it! You reach for to experience the joy of “Dancing with the Universe.
9. Write to Deliver a Message – You have something to say and you want to teach, share, educate.
10. Write to Entertain – You want your words to provide delight, humor, intrigue, drama or fun for others
11. Write to Inspire – You want your words to help others to wake up to their own Magnificence.
12. Write to Connect, Move, Touch – You want to touch hearts, provide comfort, romance, ease, and hope.

The next time you sit down to write consider your intention before you begin:

• Do you seek inner guidance?
• Do you want to free your Self-Expression?
• Do you want to hone your writing skills?
• Do you want to give words to a message that wants to be born through you?

When you write with a destination in mind you are more likely to get where you are going. Just do not forget to include regular writing practice in your schedule. Writers do need to write.

Do you Love to Write? Join me for Write with Spirit classes from the comfort of your own home. Email me for a link to current events peri@creatorschoice.com

Enjoy my Write with Spirit Blog http://www.writewithspirit.blogspot.com/ and sign up at my website to receive my ezine http://www.creatorschoice.com

I’m all about celebrating your creative spirit with Writing Practice Tips, Positive Partnership Skills and anything else that inspires and engages hearts. I enjoy personal contact with my readers so feel free to contact me directly. Thanks for being YOU!

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Do you need help discovering your passion, motivation, or true purpose? Perhaps you need a Date With Destiny. Join inspirational life coach, Tony Robbins, this December!

From novice to experienced, writers all need certain items to market themselves more efficiently.  It is a digital age, but there is much more than email and websites to sell yourself and your abilities.  The following items cover some basics when you are out around town.

• Dedicated Phone Line
  • A continuous means to be reached by editors is important.  For new clients as well.  Emails are quick and impersonal.  A phone conversation to clarify one or two facts can mean the difference between an acceptance and a rejection.  When working with new clients, clarifying a bid or story idea makes the difference in continued work or sending out more query letters.
• Business Cards
  • I’ve heard (and read) about writers who feel there is no use in business cards.  I disagree.  The ability to professionally pass on your contact information leaves a better impression than someone who scribbles down a phone number on a piece of paper.  If you feel you won’t use many cards, simply having your name, phone number, website address and position will suffice.  They will also last many years!
• Portfolio
  • As I stated before, it is a digital world, but a physical portfolio can be carried in a small bag or in the car.  It’s quickly accessible and a great reference for anyone interested in your writing.  Going out to lunch with friends or family is a great opportunity to discuss your writing projects.  People in restaurants naturally eavesdrop and their interest is piqued.  Having a quality portfolio to show can lead to more writing gigs.
• References
  • Letters of recommendation are an amazing asset to include with a portfolio both online and off.  Placing them after an article sells you with very little effort.  All you need to do is ask.  Most editors will gladly pass on a letter for your portfolio.

If you are just starting out and question your ability to build a portfolio, take the opportunity to invest in non-paying gigs.  You can build a rapport in the writing market this way.  Pitch a blogger!  If you find that there is a blog that your idea will contribute, send off an email with word count, story idea and ask for a recommendation once the piece is published with credit given.  Include the article and letter in your portfolio.  Keep in mind that most blogs maintain a 300-700 word post count.  If your piece would be much longer, trim it down or break it into multiple posts for a series.

Working through the nervousness of asking is the first step.  You can do it and if you know you can write, you can accomplish anything!

Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for publishing credits consider contributing to Writer’s Round-About. While many of our writers are established professionals we welcome seeing writing through fresh eyes and would love to experience your perspective. Find out more.

Working from home carries unique challenges.  Having worked outside my home for many years, I looked at my time spent in my space as enjoyable, carefree and relaxed.  As I transitioned into working at home, I struggled with focus.  As I progressed through various ups and downs in life, I discovered just how important focus was for my family, my writing career and me.

Knowing the challenges faced in a freelance market, I welcome you to the first of a five-part series to help you put the F.O.C.U.S back into your writing.

1. Finding Time
2. Obliterate Distractions
3. Create Ideas
4. Understanding Your Responsibilities
5. Streamline Organization

Finding Time

I remember the first time I ran my own business at home.  I thought to myself, “I’ve got the good life.  I can sleep in, work until I’m tired, maintain my home and even schedule all the lunch dates I could imagine with my friends.”  I felt that way until I realized I didn’t even have time to shower, let alone have the pleasurable company of my friends.  The problem wasn’t the number of hours in the day, but the time I spent wasting.

Scheduling:

Take a week out of your month and track all the time you spend doing each activity your life requires.  At the end of the week, look for patterns of idle time, impromptu excursions that steal hours of the day and activities that can be combined, allowing for multitasking.

For me, I noted that my freshest time of the day was often spent playing games, checking forums, emails, and socializing.  I also found that I would attempt to write late at night after everyone had gone to bed, but was too exhausted to think clearly or write effectively.  I discovered many more issues in my ineffective time management that I was able to change.

When I finished evaluating the time I wasted, I found that I needed to flip certain activities to maximize my skills.  I determined that by waking an hour earlier and having coffee, showering and dressing; my senses came alive and my mind was stimulated.  It was easier to sit down at the end of that first hour of the day and write until I was completely submerged in my second hat of Mom.

I became quite obsessed with to-do lists.  By sitting down at night and writing a comprehensive list of all the activities, appointments and deadlines ahead, I was able to sleep better and found myself even more ready to get to business the moment I sat at my desk.  My to-do lists cover everything for our home and work:

Household Chores

• Laundry
• Vacuuming
• Which room received it’s weekly scrub
• Appointments/Functions
• Clients
• Doctors
• School related
• Parties/Family functions
• Celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries

Meals for the Day

• Meats that need to be thawed
• Any missing groceries for meals
• Special instructions

Business/Writing

• Blog posts
• Marketing
• Articles/Ghost-writing
• Queries/Job searching

By spending twenty minutes each night working out a comprehensive list, I knew exactly what the day ahead held and how to budget my time accordingly.  I also found by using calendars and dry erase boards that I could take a glance at the month(s) ahead and plan for correlating photography as needed.

I spent one week of my life recording all of the usual habits I took in my not-so-business-minded ways and found around three hours a day of wasted time that, when channeled correctly, allowed me to continue to write and keep from finding a job outside of my home.

As we progress through this series, stay tuned for the next segment in Focus on Writing with Obliterating Distractions.

One of the things I hate most about freelancing is sick days. Now, in a traditional job you have an acceptable number of days when you can opt to take sick leave and still get paid. Freelancers however, often find themselves needing to work right through all kinds of illness. We have deadlines to meet and the money doesn’t come unless we’re putting in those hours.

This week, I have the flu. I feel like I’ve been kicked in the nose by a very angry horse. Everything aches and I just want to sleep. I know you’ve all been there. Year after year the flu does it’s rounds and no one is entirely immune. When illness strikes, creativity, focus, and motivation flee. We’re left with looming deadlines, an unhealthy pile of tissues, inordinate quantities of orange juice, and children who are clever enough to stay away from our eroded tempers.

How do you handle sick days as a freelancer? Do you attempt to take a day to sleep it off or do you work twice as hard to get everything done that would have taken half the time were you well?

I was recently re-reading a guest post, “Learn it, Live it, Write it!“, written by Jenny Greenleaf about this time last year. In the post, Jenny talks about this mantra and how learning to live it and write it helped her career grow. In 2008 she continued to do amazing things as she learned, lived, and wrote. As I read over her post again, I started to really think about the questions she asked last year.

What Are MY Future Goals?

What are YOUR future goals? Have you thought about the direction your blog, career, or writing will take in the coming months? I have!

The fact is, I want MORE! In 2008 I made some significant leaps forward. I had some wonderful commissions, committed to a few long term projects, and began to step away from freelance writing to encompass my love of editing and web technology. I grew as a freelancer, and it was wonderful, but what I have today is not enough to sate my appetite for the work I do.

In 2009, I am dedicated to maximizing my potential. I am putting a great deal more of my every day energy into my current projects and spending several hours a week actively seeking new job leads, marketing my services, and socializing through the community.

What turn can you take to re-awaken your snoozing career?

I will develop strong, balanced, and giving friendships. Freelancers often lead rather solitary lives. I’ve found that embracing others enlivens me. I need to be able to turn to a friend when I’m struggling with fear or to share my joys.

I’ve never truly felt comfortable reaching out to others. As such, making friends is a constant struggle. This year I want to learn more about making and sustaining enriching relationships. I want to embrace friendship with people who share my passion for freelancing, web technology, writing, and more. Do you want to be a part of that with me?

What can you do to propel your career in the direction it wants to go?

I am committed to finishing my current novel. I will be in New York from the 26th of May to the 2nd of June, 2009 and will pitch my book at the pitch slam following Writer’s Digest’s Writer’s Conference. A great deal of work remains to be done. I really need to knuckle down and GET IT FINISHED!

This project has been hindered a great deal by fear. I fight against an anxiety attack every time I come to the screen with the intention of writing another scene. I don’t understand what causes this fear. There are a thousand reasons and yet none of them compare to the prospect of NOT finishing. To propel my career forward I must finish this book and fear is no longer permitted to stand in my way.

Are you working on projects that have become stale?

My plurk friend, Shelley Heath, recently said, “Maybe your heart is not really into it as a topic anymore. Maybe you need to spread the wings further and catch something of interest“. Honestly, I don’t believe it the case on that occasion but there are elements I’ve become disheartened with. As freelancers, we must be involved in the sales aspect of our business. It is vital to be able to sell yourself and your services. This is an aspect of the business I’ve always struggled with.

Part of what I do in cooperative effort with Miss Michele and Serenity Bly of Future-Tarot.com is write copy for their weblog. SALES copy. There are fantastic readings available but the copy on the page needs to ‘call to action’ those who visit, it needs to entice them to buy, it needs to SELL itself. I know I can write sales copy but for some reason the prospect has been leaving me stale.

The project itself is one I LOVE, either I need to find a way to get beyond my sales copy blockage, or hire a writer to write the sales copy for me. I would much rather focus on the web technology and maintenance aspects. That is one fact that leads me to Jenny’s final question:

Do you need to find a new niche?

I have spent a great deal of time focused on the idea of myself as a freelance writer. I write very well and I can admit that, but my heart isn’t really in putting words to a page. Writing non-fiction is something I feel dispassionate about. I NEED to create, and web copy, sales copy, non-fiction articles, magazine articles and etc. just doesn’t spark my fire of creativity.

I need to focus on those elements where I can FEEL my creativity thrive. The design and programming I do as a Web Technician, for example, creates something real and visually tangible. It also caters to my need for instant gratification because every time I write a new program or edit a design element I can SEE it in action immediately. THAT is where I want to put my focus. That is the niche I feel most comfortable within.

Ask Yourself These Questions

How are you feeling about your career and the direction of your life going into the coming months? Can you answer Jenny’s questions, make changes, and buoy your hope that this year will be one for fantastic change and growth?

Most writers who write articles for web content want to produce good quality copy and they want to produce it quickly. Therein lieth the rub. For most of us, writing quality original content takes time. As a craft, writing is sweat-inducing. It’s supposed to be. It’s supposed to be hard. Writers fret over every word, phrase or punctuation mark. However, by actually slowing down, writers can produce better well-written content and produce it quickly. The key to a fast production rate is to take it one step at a time. Plan, focus and learn to be systematic.

The 45 Minute Article

Plan ahead. Have your notes at hand. Your notes should include include a beginning, a middle and an ending or “summing up.”

Do a first draft in point form based upon your notes and in the order you want the article written, leaving out the pretty shiny words. Just slap the words onto the page. At this stage, perfection isn’t important. You need basic information in this draft. It’s meant to be “in the rough.” In time you’ll learn to do this in 10 to 20 minutes.

Your next draft will expand on the points made in the first. Smooth out the rough edges, create a concise flow in the text, correct phrasing, punctuation, grammar and syntax. Let this draft brew in a metaphorical pot for a few days. When you come back to it, you’ll be reading it with fresh eyes the way an editor would. Proof read again and you’ll have an article. If it’s approximately 500 words in length, it should take about 15 minutes for planning, research and note-taking, 15 minutes for two drafts and 15 minutes for cleaning it up and calling it finished. Even when you call it finished, let it sit a day or two longer before a final read-through.

If you want to write an article in 15 minutes, write what you know – things off the top your head. If it’s a subject that already interests you, there will be very little fresh research, if any, because you’ve already done it. Always let it sit for a day or two and come back to it with a fresh viewpoint. You’ll find it easier to notice any flaws.

Keep a notebook with you at all times. Ideas pop into your head even when you’re out and about — at the convenience store, while at the beach or simply listening to radio commentary.

Build a file of quirky or interesting titles. Titles can be the basis for an article. Over time, add notes to those titles. Eventually, you’ll have enough ideas and thoughts attached, you’ll be ready to whip up that article very quickly.

Build print files on subjects that interest you. Subscribe to a good daily newspaper, preferably a national paper, to keep you informed and up-to-date on what’s happening in the world or what’s being generally discussed.

Most prolific print writers will tell you experience reaps rewards. Write every day. Be disciplined and stick to a working schedule. You’ll become a better writer in time and more able to produce good quality work quickly, efficiently and creatively.

Lorraine (Rain) Syratt is a writer with interests in travel, history and gardening. She is presently working on two historical novels set in 17th and 18th century England. She was an editor for a small press publisher and has been published in Canadian Living Magazine. Rain has a love of old roses and cottage gardens, so her gardening articles lean to more romantic tastes. She’ll write anything that perks her interest.

“Purpose is stronger than outcome.” ~ Tony Robbins

Now, it’s time to take your three lists of goals. First, look at the “Personal Development Goals“. Of the ones you would like to accomplish within the coming year which inspires and motivates you the most. What leaps out of the page yelling, “Pick me! Pick me!!!”

Select your three primary Personal Development Goals, adding a star next to them on your page. These are your top priority goals; the areas you most desire change; the goals that motivate you to the greatest degree.

On a fresh page write the first goal in bold print. Immerse yourself in that goal and delve into what makes that goal important to you. Write a paragraph or two about why that goal is vital to your happiness. Why are you absolutely committed to this goal. Why are you motivated to take action on this goal? What will it mean in your life? Write how accomplishing that goal will make you feel and the difference it will create in your life. Write about that goals influence on you as a person and why it is absolutely a must-have goal for you. Why does this goal motivate you?

Repeat this process for your three Personal Development Goals and then again for your Things Goals and your Economic Goals.

The Rocking Chair Experiment!

When you are writing focus on your emotional connection to gain leverage. Let yourself experience the emotions attached to these goals. Imagine yourself in your elderly years, sitting in your rocking chair, reflecting on the life you’ve lived. Let your mind wander over your goals then take the journey with your emotions.

Imagine that you’re in your old age having never accomplished one of these goals. Examine how you feel knowing that the goal is out of reach. Feel that sense of emptiness and waste, regret and failure. Allow yourself to feel the pain associated with not accomplishing the goal. Does it hurt? Consider all you may have missed out on in life, the directions and options denied to you. If you can shrug your shoulders and feel only a bare tingle of regret then you should cast aside the goal and choose another, or return your focus to your motivation and your reasons for accomplishing this goal. You need to feel a desperate need for these goals because that desire, that yearning and the pain associated with not getting the goal will push you through to its achievement.

Once you’ve discovered the depths of pain associated with not accomplishing that goal bring yourself back to that aged person, sitting in his or her rocking chair nearing the end of life. This time, reflect on the life you’ve lead as if you accomplished the goal. How has accomplishing this goal enriched your life? What options opened up to you? What opportunity to rejoice did it bring? How do you feel knowing you’ve accomplished this goal? Are you excited, empowered, filled with love and thrilled with joy?

The pleasure and the pain associated with your goals are a motivational force that will help you stay focused on their accomplishment. You can repeat this exercise whenever you feel yourself struggling to remember why you want to make these things happen in your life. Review your reasons, add to them, and remind yourself exactly why you set out on these goals to begin with.

“The purpose of goals is not so you get things, the real reason to set goals is what they will make you as a person.” ~ Tony Robbins

Would you like to share one or two of your Top Three’s? Why do they top your timeline? What are your motivations? What benefits do you think will come from having what you’re setting out to achieve?

Free

All dogs love to embrace their freedom to roam, to explore, and discover. They’re pack animals at heart, loving to spend time in company, surrounded by activity, and deep into the thick of any event. Rambunctious and frolicking they throw themselves into every activity with all of their being.

Having so much abounding energy can be very draining. As writers, we turn this energy into a raw power that spins words on the page. We’ve followed the sit command but if we heel or sit too long inspiration wanes, frustration and boredom builds.

It’s important to let yourself off your writing leash from time to time. Schedule opportunities to write but include opportunities to play, to relax. You’re creativity depends on your ability to come to the page fresh and inspired.

Come

While you’re embracing freedom you’ll find ideas forming of their own accord. They’ll call you back to the page and when that ‘muse’ strikes it is vital you head the call.

The “Come” command is perhaps one of the hardest to teach a dog. It is also the hardest to learn as a writer. Turning away from other distractions and focusing on a single target is challenging. It’s tempting to put off, procrastinate, or ignore the call. A dog just wants to have fun.

It’s important to coax the animal within you with treats. Just as you’d reward a dog with praise and food when they come you need to train yourself to feel rewarded for taking that initiative.

Not heeding a call to “Come” can have disasterous ramifications for a writer. We’ve often been told the ‘muse’ is fickle. If you believe in the lady muses as a representation of where your creativity comes from, or as just a name we call that sense of feeling that has us eager to reach for paper, it’s important to remember, that if you ignore it, the ideas will fade. The more you turn away from the “come” command the less you’ll hear it. When you later come, you may sit or heel to your hearts desire but the words have wandered away without you.

Take action when inspiration strikes. Even if all you do is write notes about the ideas as you fit them into your lifestyle. Acknowledge the come command because you will always find opportunities to be free again after.