on writing

How to keep the Muse happy in 2016 (or five strategies to start the year on a writing note)

/ Christine / Leave a comment

Cheat your landlord if you can and must, but do not try to shortchange the Muse. It cannot be done. You can’t fake quality any more than you can fake a good meal.
—William S. Burroughs

I have a Muse called Adam, demanding as hell; mean as that mad tomcat that viciously attacked  me some years ago in Mombasa. He accepts nothing but the finest things. If I’m to keep this one, I’ll have to improve my skills and dish up a continuous flow of engaging writing in 2016. Here’s how I propose to up my game. Continue reading →

Adam, I promise to make you want to stay

/ Christine / 4 Comments

Today, I re-opened the door to Eve’s Reflections. I noticed how empty and dusty it was; a neglected, untended house that was almost caving in. It made me so profoundly sad, because it is a reflection on my bad writing habits. I found this quote:

“Discipline allows magic. To be a writer is to be the very best of assassins. You do not sit down and write every day to force the Muse to show up. You get into the habit of writing every day so that when she shows up, you have the maximum chance of catching her, bashing her on the head, and squeezing every last drop out of that bitch.” ― Lili St. Crow

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Looking for lost item: my muse Adam

/ Christine / 2 Comments


My muse has disappeared, just up and exited the building, leaving no trace of his whereabouts. I should have seen it coming. Already, there have been one hundred prayers sent up to heaven, tying to get divine intervention to get him to behave. Adam is his name, and he’s putting me to shame. Continue reading →