Ink on the Tentacles

 Working on the blogs today. Still haven't gotten my head in the right space to tackle the revisions on the novel. Everything I put on paper today appears to be crap. I know I'm not the only author / creator to deal with these issues. Often the creator is harder on themselves than any critic. My characters are patient and they will wait until I am sure I can give them the brilliance they deserve. Today on  www.doctorher.com , a blog I contribute too, I discussed the aspect of loneliness. I don't believe a creator ever feels more  alone than when their Muse is being difficult. May-hap it's time for me to give my brain a rest and cause chaos in  the real world for a bit. Let the battery re charge and slay some dragons.
  The revisions for my next anthology are finished and I'm halfway through a new piece for an amazing horror mag, so I'm not completely off kilter. Today may be a good day to reminisce at the pub over a few pints. Speak with friends and collect memories. Maybe ease drop on a few conversations for some new character material.
  As always I continue to study and improve my craft. Those books may be left undisturbed today as I untangle  this knot in my brain.
  I've decided then...

  I shall be selfish and frivolous, back to the ink and tentacles in the morning!

May the Muse Keep Screaming

 I find myself in an awkward position. Now most creators are blissful at the thought of non stop ideas and imagery flowing through their brain at a gazillion miles per hour. I of course  am no exception. I will say all this awesome brain data has come to  a screeching halt. Outside influence has beaten my creator voice into submission. I've got four simultaneous projects I'm working on, two emerging from their planning cocoons and at least three other ideas/ future projects in note form ready  to take off once the others are finished. All of this, the entire amazing goodness has come off the rails. Outside influence just stepped up  and kicked me in the ass. All my beautiful babies now sit on my desk or in my writing bag (mobile creation unit) giving me sad puppy dog eyes  and  asking me "why don't you love me anymore."
I know the solution to this is to run a muck with a cement filled pipe.....errrrr. I mean separate myself from outside issues, lock myself indoors with The  Muse and say fuck all to everything else. I honestly wish my brain was programed to do such. What I'm going to HAVE to do is this; face the issues, develop a solution. Cry,wail, kick, punch, or laugh at the result. Man up and face the shit storm. Once I've come to terms with whatever outcome develops, then I will hear the voice of my Muse sing true. The creative monsters of the universe; writers, actors, musicians and (insert creative form here) often find themselves going absolutely ape shit when the real world intrudes with it's demands. We tend to turn this anger  and moodiness on those closest to us. Those special unicorn folks that honestly love us insane creator types. They face the abyss head on and sometimes poke it right in the freaking eye. Thank (insert whatever deity you wish) for that steel cord keeping us tethered in this universe. This too shall pass and I will again find myself reveling in the insanity of too much work, too many ideas and not enough time in the day to get it all done. Have you ever thought about all the brilliant creators, whose light went out too early be it their own hand or others? Find your steel cord and hang on to it with all your strength. Let them keep you grounded. Allow them to be your anchor in that storm going on inside your head. When the hurricane passes and you're still standing, don't forget to say thank you.

The Author as a Crossroads Demon

There is only one place left in present day where you may have access to all your wants and desires, with only minimum price. You have the ability to become anything or anything, have whatever possession you so desire. This place and those that offer you this escape are authors and the varied and extensive worlds they create.

What is that you wish to be? Are you searching to be a hero, a villain, or perhaps the person to be rescued? Do you desire ultimate power or riches beyond imagination? These and so much more are available to you if you are intelligent enough to choose wisely.

Anyone with the ability to read may step into the skin of characters lovingly created and face quests or conflict. Hiding inside these borrowed avatars you may live and love, conquer and destroy as the scribe dictates.

All cultures have tales and warnings of beings that will grant your greatest wish, all end with a warning against greed or covetous behavior. There is no need for warnings when placed under the spell of your favorite author. They have paid your price already in the sacrifice of time, sweat, creative effort and sometimes insanity. Authors give to you freely their creations to use as you will.

Think of us as the modern day answer to the crossroads demon. You come to us with your wants and if we as creators are strong enough, we deliver your desires.

Welcome to our parlors, welcome to our worlds, yes friends welcome to the inside of another human beings mind. If what we create touches you, if you enjoy the experience, please feel free to return.