"The Muse" by Nancy Rorke

THE MUSE

Some days I don’t know why I even bother to write. On these dismal days, I ask the muse to pour inspiration into my creative soul. It seems as if she taunts me. I can almost hear her say:

“Why should I show up at your command? Wouldn’t it be best if you practiced every day? How much easier would it be for me to find you? I never know when you’re ready to sit down and write.

If you wait for inspiration, you could die, waiting. Great writers sit their butts on the chair at regular intervals and I know where to find them.

If you want to be a writer, write. With each word that you put on the page, you are one step closer to realizing your dream of finishing your first draft of your novel or anything else that you have chosen to write.

Don’t talk to me of distractions. Do you think I’m never interrupted? Constantly, writers call on me asking why I have forsaken them. I have never abandoned a committed writer. I hover beside them, and I pour inspiration into their creative souls.

They understand the key to writing is within. Committed writers ban their inner critic to the slush pile. They ignore it, knowing that writing begets writing. Dedicated writers focus on writing. They know that the act of writing will bring inspiration.

Don’t pick on yourself. You already have fear attacking your every pore. Why would you degrade your creative child by saying, ‘my writing sucks' or 'I’ll never become a writer.’?

Don’t let the demons of doubt paralyze you and prevent you from accomplishing your calling or your vocation.

Remember within each person lies the ability for greatness. Persevere and become the writer of your dreams."

By Nancy Rorke

From her soon to be published book Voice of the Soul.

January 24, 2016 HWG Meeting

S.J. led the meeting today. She gave us the first page of three different books to read, analyze and discuss. Though we had differing opinions, we agreed on the following points that must be present on the first page of any book.

• wondering/mystery should invoke the reader
• characters - make us care
• the first line must hook the reader
• setting, conflict and story line/topics are important for the opening
• pacing shouldn't be slow
• avoid cliches and extra words
• be careful of inconsistencies and inaccuracies

It was a lengthy discussion among our seven members in attendance. There was no time to write so it is our homework for the next meeting to write an opening page to a story (2-3 paragraphs) keeping the above notes in mind. Hopefully we'll see some posted here.

Our next meeting is Sunday, February 7th at 1:30pm

2016 - A New Year for the Headwaters Writers' Guild

I took a picture of one of our members at group. As I came to post it I decided to write a little ditty to go with it. So here is Clare, and think of the tune to the Beverly Hillbillies.

Let me tell you a story 'bout a man named Clare

A retired school teacher who is losing his hair.

One day he was shooting a bunch of crap

When he turned around and bought this cap.

Fur, that is, coyote fur.

Worn on his head.

Keeps him warm, he said.

A new year for the Headwaters Writers' Guild, our 13th year. And we're going to become a little more active here. Members of our group will be submitting and/or posting essays about writing, excerpts from stories they've written, poetry, or writings from prompts at group.

Now I'll share a picture of the wishful thinker who is running this page:

Mary Patricia Bird

Dreamer

Thursday's Banner

Hi all. Have a look at this Thursday's Orangeville Banner. There should be an article about my newly released CD In The Event of True Happiness. Way cool!

Harry's CD Launch

Hi all. Just a reminder that Tuesday, Dec. 1st, 7 pm at BookLore will see the launch of my new audio poetry CD IN THE EVENT OF TRUE HAPPINESS. My guest is a very special musician who plays a very unique instrument. Nadina Mackie Jackson is a renowned bassoon player and is going to regale us with her brilliance. Wine, nibblies, live music, and poetry. It's going to be a very fun evening. Hope to see you all there.

Author of My Life by Nancy Rorke

It’s not that I can’t write, it’s more that it’s been difficult to find flow, when it feels like I’m taking dictation from my soul, or possibly channeling an article, story or poem.  It’s when I write every word that I hear without censoring it.

The late Robin Williams said that everything flowed through him and that he mainly channeled his work.  He also said that many writers, artists, actors, or creative people talk about being the conduit.

I prefer to write in flow, like Beethoven did, but without becoming a monster.  He was obsessive and wrote music incessantly.  Or I’d like to compose like Mozart, who penned music effortlessly, sometimes completing his masterpieces in one draft.

Or I’d rather create like van Gogh, one of my favourite masters, who painted because he must…but I could do without having the depression and committing suicide.  One year he completed two hundred canvases. Starving, penniless and sick, he generated works of art simply for the joy.

Actually, I’d like to write like Marilyn Kleiber, a fellow writer, who is prolific. She writes one or two short stories a day.  Marilyn creates the beginning of short stories with prompts given at the Headwaters Writers’ Guild meetings. She definitely writes in flow, possibly because she writes on a consistent basis.

For me, poetry sometimes arrives without any effort on my part. That’s when I rejoice. My creativity flows when I remember to write with passion and from my heart. I swear it frees the writer within me.

Whenever I become discouraged and have writer’s block, I remember van Gogh, who painted from his heart and soul, and he recognized that creativity is its own reward.

Eric Maisel, author of Coaching the Artist Within, suggests that we must coach ourselves to become the artist or writer of our dreams. Change your thoughts – change your creative life.

I’m infatuated with words, and I even doodle words. I adore journaling, seeing the blank space fill up with uninvited words.

It’s not easy being a writer. Doubt is always present, along with fear.  But I hunger for a creative life. I write for the joy of it and how it fascinates and excites me at the same time. I want to say that I lived and to record my perspective on life.

Maisel also suggests that creative individuals should write out life-mission statements. How could I have forgotten that I am the author of my life, or that I assign my life’s purpose, and my life unfolds according to my commands or the choices that I’ve made?

All this time, I waited for the Universe to tell me my life’s purpose when I should have told the Universe.

I wrote this piece in September 2008. It flowed in my journal. Even when I channel some of my writing, I still need to edit.

Written by Nancy Rorke, posted by Mary Patricia Bird

2015 Headwaters Arts Festival Authors Night

Note the new location: Orangeville Opera House