New Blog – Did Technology Kill the Muse?
The picture with this blog is from our recent vacation. Look closely and you’ll see the hummingbird hovering near my hands. The bird was so enamored of the flowers that it brushed my hands and wrists in it’s boldness. Jon and I took our daughter, Trinity, and my sister, Pilar on vacation. It was a glorious trip, and I’ll blog about it eventually, but tonight I want to introduce you to Jess, my new media minion. The job title came out of some brainstorming and was mostly her idea, which says something about how fun she’s going to be on the job. But why do I need a media minion, at all?
One of the most valuable thing any writer has is their muse. Contrary to the television show, “Castle”, most writers don’t have flesh and blood muses. When I say, muse, I mean the creative spark, that part of us that sees the real world and translates it into a fiction. The care and feeding of an artist’s muse means different things to different people, because the “muse” is as variable as the writers themselves. What is happy activity that will send one writer to their keyboard eager to create, may drain another and leave them empty of words, ideas, or just stopped dead in the water. Some writers are extroverts and love people and activity. Some writers love work in hotel rooms, or on trains, and some need the same room, the same desk, and the same everything day in and day out. Some writers listen to music, others need dead silence, and sometimes those needs change from book to book. Charles Dickens supposedly served drinks at his parties with one hand and wrote with the other. That level of activity while I tried to create would have driven me mad, but Dickens & his muse must have thrived on it. I need a certain amount of quiet time to stare into space, and let myself think. I knew too much in person socialization stole that solitude, but what I’m beginning to wonder is does electronic socialization do the same thing?
I love interacting with all of you online, but even happy interactions may be messing with the alone time I need in my head. I need to be thinking about the current book I’m writing, but I often find myself thinking, “That would make a great Facebook post,” or “Hmm . . . what should I blog about next?” or “How do I get that down to a 140 characters for Twitter?” I’m beginning to wonder if my subconscious is being sidetracked from creating stories so that it can manage my social media. I remembered on our vacation that getting out of the house, and seeing new things can feed my muse and refresh my subconscious, but talking about it online as soon as I have an experience maybe sapping the “magic” out of an event for me as a writer. It’s almost as if writing it online takes the impetus away from me wanting to translate things into fiction.
Now my real life is not a one to one translation to my fiction, but the experiences I had on vacation fed parts of me that had been starving for awhile. I can’t explain it precisely, but I’ve been needing to go to the woods, the wilderness, for awhile. It feeds something in me as a person, and that part gives energy to my writing. But thinking about sharing that experience online, before it’s had time to sink into my subconscious and sit for awhile in the quiet, I think is hurting part of my creative process. So, I’ve decided to get off line for awhile, but I didn’t want to leave you guys hanging, so Jess’s job as a media minion was born.
I’ll still be blogging. My posts to Facebook will either be texted, or emailed, to Jess for her to post for me, but they will still be my posts. Or Jess will be posting as herself. She will also be wandering around Facebook to answer your questions and being far more social than I have time, or inclination to be in the new Facebook landscape. She’ll be running her answers by me & Jon, but I’m hoping you’ll give her a warm welcome & appreciate her input. Twitter is actually the most problematic, because I actually enjoy and understand Twitter more. I may try to stay on Twitter for awhile, but if I feel that it actually is still distracting me from my writing, then that may have to change, too.
The first novel I wrote was typed on a computer, and I’ve finally really embraced the technology. I’m typing this on my iPad, and I feel naked without my iPhone. I’ve started to enjoy it all, but I’ve become less productive as a writer as I’ve become more productive in posting on line, so time to back up and put the actual writing first, and the social posting second. I need to hike in the mountains and truly be in the moment, absorbing it and letting it sink deep into my subconscious like a rock thrown into a still pool. I need to let the ripples flow out and see what muck and mire that metaphorical “rock” stirs up. I need to do all that before I think, “I’ve got to tweet this, or Facebook this, or blog this,” I need to think of my fiction first, not my social media. Thanks for your patience while I try this little experiment. I’ll see you on Twitter, at least for awhile, and you’ll still get to read the blogs, but for the rest I’m saving it for my muse, for me, for my family, and for the new adventures to come.
32 thoughts on “New Blog – Did Technology Kill the Muse?”
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I feel quite the same way. While its fun to sit there and post or blog, I find it oddly distracting. Social Media can also be a hindrance as well as helpful in its many ways of reaching out to a multitude of people of like minded interests.
Welcome aboard Jess, Media Minion!
The past year I have been more active on social media and my muse has definitely suffered, the desire for instant feedback has surpassed my desire to be creative.
Im trying to give myself pc-free weekends ..,
I know for me I find inspiration from many different aspects. My Muse well she is on drugs I swear… I binge write. All of a sudden and idea will hit me out of the blue and I spend the first several days writing about.. Maybe that is why I only have three books in the can and 100’s of story starts.
Did technology kill you muse, I doubt it.. we have just become so busy because of the technology around us we have neglected to feed our muses… Shut off the social media turn off your ipad and get back in touch with your creative side. You once gave me some advise about never quitting writing now I am returning…
L.M. Hannah
Makes perfect sense. Nothing wrong with having a minion and I personally look forward to her posts. And I completely understand the need to recharge in nature. I grew up on a farm and now live in suburbia. Drives me nuts sometimes and I’m happier when I can escape every once in a while. By the way, great picture. Hummingbirds are awesome. Cheers.
Woot for a Cherry Pepsi. Jess has got to have one of the coolest jobs around. So jealous. Ha. Welcome Media Minion!
Going to miss your posts, but this makes perfect sense to me. Contrary to what anyone may think, people do not have an endless supply of energy. Mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical. If you pour a lot of energy into one portion of your life, another can, and probably will, suffer. You have to find a balance that works for you as an individual, and what you want in your life. Good luck to you, and may you and your muse close the gap in your relationship. (I am soooooo looking forward to the fruits of your labor!)
I’m glad you posted something. i was worried something was wrong with you.Do whatever it takes to keep the stories coming. Take care of yourself first. just let us know you’re alright from time to time.
Being plugged into social media has become a drug that we as a society need to try to wean from my hope is that you were able complete this goal in a swift Fashion you bring so much joy to our life’s I wish you the best and know we are here feeding you Energy in anyway you want us help I love you and ur books have gone a long ways making me feel better in my times of need I am currently on the national Registry to receive a kidney transplant The pain that I suffer and my life is relieved by escaping into your books thank you for all you do and please keep up the great work and great blogs blessed be a good vibes for all you need to do with much love a big fan
Considering how large your fan base is I’m surprised you didn’t already have a media minion. Social media is understandably distracting, and I can’t log into Facebook and do well on my writing. I tend to peek up at my tabs to see if I have any notifications, or tab over to do the same, especially when I’m researching something.
That being said, welcome, Media Minion Jess!
Welcome Jess! 😀
I’ve loved your series since the very first books of each but if you get offline and feed your muse could you please do your fans a favor and rewrite shiver of light? If not at least go back to her world as it is far more interesting than Anita’s but for some reason she’s all you write anymore, and do it right? Thanks good luck
Cassey a writer can not really rewrite something that has already been published. If I am correct there is more Meredith Gentry novels out there. But I don’t really follow the series I am an Anita Blake fan myself but from what I can tell she is actively writing for both series just one book at a time. Be patient another Meredith book is likely on the way soon.
Welcome Jess. I’m all for anything that gets me more LKH books 🙂
Will miss your thoughts online, but you need to do what feeds you. Welcome, Jess!!
I love the insight you post on your blog and the glimpses into your personal life as well. For me, it’s lovely to have your very nontraditional life out there. I appreciate being able to use you as an example for my kids. Having said all that, your books are something I look forward to with the anticipation of a child at Christmas, so anything that helps you write is great! Good luck.
You are a writer. Write. You are a fiction writer. Write fiction. I love your books and thank you for the post on show and tell. I know for me, whether I write on my blog or Facebook or Twitter, I am writing so when I finally sit down to the novel the energy just isn’t there.
Recharge. Romance your muse. I romance mine by knitting and crochet, walks in the park, and early morning solitude.
Thanks again and Welcome Jess!
Congrats for hearing, listening to your muse and following through 🙂 You first will benefit from regaining that connection to your art… and then your other minions (we the readers) will reap the rewards as well!!
I actually got rid of my iphone, and switched to a basic talk and text only phone, for much the same reasons. I found I was constantly connected, checking in on FB and Twitter, as if the world needed to know where/what I was doing and who I was doing it with. Not only do I find life less stressful, since I disconnected, but I’ve re-discovered the important of personal contact and communication, as much is lost in translation through texting and tweets, not to mention the huge reduction in my monthly phone bill. Plus, I find I’m a more productive writer, and researcher since my attention is no longer attuned to every chirp, tweet, and ping from my phone. I think you will find your decision quite liberating.
Take whatever time you need for however long you need it. You are correct though, every writer is different. Remember it is YOUR life.
hello ,Jess minion have you seen a tv show lost girl..sounds a alot like Laurell book series .. sounds like the also read her books
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I am glad you feel the need to reconnect with nature, for in the solitude of nature there is often inspiration. I should know because I grew up in the woods. I know that pleasure. It was often an escape from my harsh reality of life. Now, surrounded by technology, people and houses, I find myself suffocated physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. But getting back to nature is a challenge for me, for family and school obligations keep me grounded in this hectic reality. For those able to seek solace, I applaud you. Perhaps one day I will again get that peace and quiet much needed to allow a girl to think.
I’ve always wanted blog n understand u draw incentive from nature. I love nature but have limited mobility due to lung pb so I retreat to my bed by window with my cats n look at flower gardens I put in. Once in a while i see a hummingbird. Saw dragonfly yesterday. I marvel at their beauty n God’s gifts. Rest well.
I’m only liked into a few authors and you are not the biggest poster but the most relevant. I seem to love anything you write but I would rather you write about Merry and Anita to give me new books to read. Good luck with the muse and welcome to Jess. I envy her and you as I’ve always wanted a few minions of my own.
Than kyou so much for writing this- it rings perfectly true to me!!!
I understand & totally appreciate where you’re coming from. Technology is so very distracting.
I completely understand and I am more than happy for you to take all the time you need. This way you can put that wonderfully creative mind to use and produce yet another amazing book in the series and world of Anita Blake. I, like many, am just twiddling my thumbs and counting the days until the next great book is released.
I am from the mountains of SouthWest Virginia. Its beautiful here, although I do tend to take advantage of the beautiful scenery more often than not, I think you, Laurell, could truly enjoy this place and find much inspiration from it!! There is a book written that actually takes place here in my tiny little town, which I honestly havent read, they actually filmed a movie about the book recently and I couldnt help but think it would have been even more amazing if LKH here filming the Anita Blake Series!! Or just here period. I am a HUGE fan.. but… anyways I am just saying.. I think if you came to these mountains and took a hike in them or even stayed somewhere for a short amount of time, perhaps you would find that inspiration youre seeking?
The only problem you may find is that we have a very thick southern accent LOL may be hard to understand some of us? I know my southern accent is insane haha they call us ‘Hicks” or ‘Hillbillys” but its honestly just an accent..k im getting sidetracked. sorry.
The world of social media is so easy to get addicted to, so its understandable you want or need a break for the time being. Cannot wait to see what you have created next and I gotta tell ya, I am constantly wondering what Anita, Nat, Jean-Claude, and the rest of the gang are up to, like ive said repeatedly, cant wait to read the next. great. book!!!!!!!(-;
Congratulations on the adminion! 😀 I say, whatever you need to do to increase your own writing output and general happiness is a good idea. Because when the muse is ready to speak, you need to be ready to listen!
I know that this is off topic but can someone tell me where to get the audio book for narcissus in chains. I listen to these books while i am data-basing and really missing my books.
We support you. If it brings more depth to the story lines we already love, more power to you.
I think this is a terrific idea! I am going to try to phrase this so it isn’t rude, but it may end up being rude anyway. Sorry!
I love your writing. I love reading in general, but your books, along with a few other authors’ books, are some of the vital things that got me through my teenage years. I had a very rough time growing up and fiction is one of the very few things that really helped me through it all. Honestly. And your books were very important to me. To this day, if I am severely depressed the first thig I do is pick up either an Anita or Harry Potter book. Your books literally contributed to saving my life.
Now, having said that I would obviously love to be able to read as much fresh material from you as I can. When I first discovered you on social media it was cool. Reading things by you everyday, with you actually responding occasionally was very exciting. I like your words, either in a book or on a website. However, your books are obviously more favorable. And me and my mom have joked sometimes that if you took the time from social media and put it into more books, we would have double the reading material from you! Lol. That might not really be true, but I do think you a point. And I’ve noticed your writing style has changed in parts of your books since the advent of social media. I’m not talking about the sex. I love the addition of the sex. It’s more how your characters interact with each other, and its only sometimes. Sometimes it actually feels like your characters are communicating thru the Internet. I know that sounds weird, but it feels that way to me. And maybe it has something to do with you spending so much time on the Internet. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m looking forward to seeing the result in your work of you spending less time on social media.
I’ve quit reading your Anita Blake books. You’ve turned her unto a slut whore. The story line has lost all appeal.
I don’t believe it is the Sonal media in and of itself that saps our thoughts and muse, but the demands that the connections ON said social media which does. We concern ourselves with being polite, whilst forgetting that it is allowed to say not today sunshine..I am on a roll! Of course, that too steals our attention so maybe a blanket “answer messsage” along the lines of… ” the juices be flowing so leave your message after the….dot?” Lol
However you need it, or want it, me time is important…..it keeps us sane and able to smile. Mental space,muse space, that switch that activates the imagination has to be fed and without the food source to feed it we pale into shells of ourselves, like lack of sleep, not feeding the soul its favourite food shrivels us into a ghost of ourselves.