Friday, February 17, 2012

Razor's Edge 2/17/12

Last night I went to a play. It was a Shakespeare adaptation and it was the interpreted performance of the play at the theater where I coordinate interpreters. So - triple reasons to go. It also turned into a date night with a bit of searching to find a place open late night in Portland which had a decent menu and not just a limited bar menu full of deep-fried foods inside of wheat with only a mere nod to vegetables.

But I digress. As I tend to do.

So today's Razor's Edge came out of my excursion out last night. One of the ushers at the play is a former student and I promise I won't get sidetracked into that whole conversation. Except to say that we did talk briefly during intermission and, among the other things she is doing, she is writing more. And she told me about something a writing friend of hers said to her, which she borrowed, and which I will adapt and borrow for myself.

Today's prompt set is from that conversation. Thank you.


The first thing I want you to do today is to get a mental image of your muse. Your muse need not be in human form; does not need to be a sentient being. Your muse can be whatever inspires you. It may be a "muse of the day" or a "muse of the project" - or it may be your creative muse for all eternity or the mother of all muses, which springs forth the specific muses for given projects.

Then I want you to draw or sculpt or build a representation of your muse. If you have a camera handy, take a photograph and save it or post it somewhere prominent.

Think of a piece of music which your muse wants to hear right now and find it. If you have internet connection and a computer or web surfing device, you can probably find it online somewhere. Listen to it with the representation of your muse.

Now, write a letter to your muse. Write for 5 - 10 minutes. If you and your muse feel so inspired, turn this into a written conversation between the two of you. And continue writing.

Below are a picture of my Muse For A Day and a YouTube video of the song we wanted to hear. I'd love to see some of your representations if you want to share them.

Go. Visualize, create, photograph, listen. Write.


My Muse of the Day 


Bridges and Balloons by Joanna Newsom



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