Goose the Muse: Inspiration, Motivation and Imagination Presented by Margaret Moore Abridged Handout

What makes the muse go AWOL?

Writing requires concentration and focus.

Writing is personal.

Are you a chronic procrastinator?

Find a deadline.

Create your own.

You're too distracted by what else is going on in your life.

Set limits.

Define your priorities.

Take some time to clear the decks.

Focus on one story at a time.

Divide large tasks into smaller portions.

Your interest in your own story seems to have gone the way of the dodo.

What excited you about your story in the first place?

Let yourself play.

You seem to have painted yourself into a corner or come to a dead end with your story.

Take some time to think about your story.

Realize you aren't chained to your synopsis or outline.

Play with your characters and their story.

Focus on your current project.

You're discouraged.

Keep writing.

Listen to advice.

Pay no attention to what other writers are doing or receiving.

Recognize you've chosen a risky business.

Find some supportive friends.

Learn to be your own best cheerleader.