Muse’s Kiss
“I don’t know how it happened. I just—
I can’t write anymore,” Tim says, bowing to the ground.
“What do you mean you can’t write anymore? You’re writing now,” John says.
“Yeah but writing what? John,” he takes off his glasses and carefully places it on the table in front of him, “Everything I try to say comes out wrong. My lines fall short and my words are gibberish.
Writing should be a message. Not a rant.” Tim looks away.
“I disagree. I love your rants.”
“You’d say that. You’d say anything but the truth.”
“Which is?”
“I’ve lost writing.
I can’t write anymore.”
He closes the laptop before him. Pushes his chair back and stands up.
John follows his movement with his eyes as he leans back into his chair. “When did you start feeling this way?”
“A while back.” Tim moves over to the couch and stretches his body on it.
John moves his chair out of the table—towards the couch, until he is facing the place Tim lays.
“When was the last time you wrote with inspiration?”
Tim rolls his eyes, “I don’t think anyone still writes with inspiration.
We just mind map on the first thought that gets into our head. Even the books teach this these days.
No one lays in wait for the muse’s kiss. We’ve gotta write everyday.”
“Could it be possible that writing everyday has left you blank?”
Tim sighs, “I don’t want to be left behind. Everyone’s writing something everyday. The competition is too much it overwhelms.
Writing used to be sacred. Today, everyone writes.
With everyone writing everyday you’re saying I shouldn’t?”
“Your writing isn’t only for entertainment, Tim, that’s what I’m saying.
I’ve known you since we both were crawling on all fours. You, my friend, are gifted. Your writing has a message. You shouldn’t follow the trend and write meaningless drafts everyday just to get yourself out there.”
“Well, they’re not all meaningless,” Tim murmurs.
John ignores him and goes on, “What’s with the rush?
Writing used to be a lonely journey, at least that was how it was. Now everyone’s in a hurry to get a million followers.”
“Well you have to sell books and make a living don’t you? We need those followers.”
I get that. But sometimes to go forward means to stop and rest. Take healthy breaks.
You’re not like the others Tim, you were made for this. Your writing has purpose.
Even if you cannot wait for inspiration, don’t just write the first thing that comes to mind. Or, on things you have little passion about because you’re trying to gain follows.
I know your passion. I know the magic it creates. And when you write without it?” he opens his arms, “Don’t write without it my friend.”
If you have to wait a week, wait a week. If it’s only a few days, wait it out.
There’s no rushing writing. One meaningful message is enough to blow you up if it’s fame you’re after.
But make sure when you write—you write in your voice and not the crowds. Those people will cheer for anything. Your success or your downfall.
You do you. But you write with purpose.
John stands up and stretches out his hands, “I know you don’t believe in seeing the world, but perhaps a little fresh air would do you some good. Who knows, you just might find something to write about.”
