Where's My Muse?

And what I'm working on right now

My muse has been on sabbatical for nearly two years. I hardly had time to miss her in 2025 as I worked alongside three other writers to create an anthology.

What IS an anthology? I’m glad you asked.

Merriam-Webster says this noun is “a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music.”

An anthology has multiple authors - a diversity of voices. While anthologies are often organized by a shared subject, genre, style, or time period, most readers expect a variety of perspectives on the common theme.

Sometimes anthology and collection are used interchangeably. However, for written works especially, there are differences. A collection features works by a single author, such as the collection of O. Henry short stories on my shelf. Or the compilation of Hemingway stories I eyed at the Hemmingway House Museum in Key West.

Anthology = variety of authors (many voices)

Collection = single author (exploration of one voice or style)

What’s Ahead

I’d like to say that you can expect more fiction from me on this page.

But the anthology is in the works again this year. And I’m the project lead, meaning I will have even more responsibilities than I did last year.

Cover photo credit to Traci Wolfe. Preorder now to save $2!

Is my Muse staying away because of that?

I hope not.

Because I’ve been sitting down at the page several days per week this year. And writing at least 500 words.

These words you’re currently reading were penned - literally using ink and paper - during one of those writing sessions.

Many famous writers claim that inspiration - the Muse - shows up after the work begins.

Show up. Show up. Show up. Eventually the Muse shows up, too.

Since my severe creative burnout in 2021, and the subsequent slide toward it after my last book release (2023), I haven’t been writing. I’ve turned toward editing, mentoring other writers, and teaching writing workshops.

The anthology combines utilizes most of those skills. But hundreds of volunteer hours isn’t sustainable. Especially not when the work doesn’t fill my creative well.

And did I mention how much my energy (plate size) decreased since the burnout? Believe me, I didn’t want to accept that. I’m a Type A raised to be one by another Type A.

The biggest problem with writing has been motivation. I’ve lost sight of why I always dreamed of being a writer (making up stories is FUN!). And I became more lost after becoming a published author under contract.

This year, I’m accepting the challenge to write twelve short stories in twelve months. This is an annual FREE event hosted on Deadlines for Writers. Each month, a prompt is given and a specific number of words is assigned.

This month is “shuttered” at 1250 words. What sort of story does that suggest to you?

I’ve also decided it’s time to get to work on the chapter book I want to write featuring my oldest granddaughter. I plan to gift each of my grandchildren a book for their ninth birthday starring nine-year-old them. And a magical creature of some sort.

So far, this has been fun. New genre. Character I adore to write about. But the deadline is far away, so that could hinder my motivation.

What advice do you have for me? How can I get my Muse to come back?