Goddesses in the Dust: Kalliope and the Final Push
Unearthing the divine feminine, one archetype at a time...
As one of the nine ancient muses, Kalliope is the inspiration of epic poets and she is always portrayed holding a writing tablet. Now I may not be writing epic poetry, but I am writing a book, and as I head into a June 1st deadline, it sometimes feels like an epic push.
At a reunion last year, I returned to my high school only to see this neon sign emblazoned on the exterior wall
Somehow, this simple, yet straightforward message speaks to me. When I'm feeling tired or uninspired, I sit down at my desk and begin pounding out the words anyway. Sooner or later, ideas begin to gel when you least expect them and I file another chapter away. As my former neighbor and late Poet Laureate Howard Nemerov used to say, "I don't wait for the muse to inspire me. I just start writing and hope she will catch up."
Good advice, both Howard and high school. Wish me luck as I zero in on this deadline --- that is, if you can find me behind a mountain of books and papers...
May Kalliope inspire you over the final hurdles, Amanda. But I think Howard Nemerov was right: you just have to write, pure and simple, however you feel — and edit later, as always. Inspiration, I find, usually comes during the process — as a bonus — rather than striking beforehand (you could be waiting for days or weeks!)
ReplyDeleteThank you Robert. I've always taken courage from Nemerov's words, and they come in particularly handy now! I like your description of inspiration as a bonus that comes during the process.
DeleteAmanda, did you get a book deal? I assume that is the deadline. Congrats. I'm proud of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! I do have a deal to write a book that can be described as 'part travel guide, part history and part guide to the good life.' It's entitled 100 Places in Greece Every Woman Should Go and is scheduled to be published in the fall.
DeleteGood luck. May Kalliope be with you until the finish line.
ReplyDeleteThanks dear Loree I appreciate your words of support♡
DeleteWishing you the very best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Michelle!
DeleteI hope you will have as much inspiration as it's needed to finish the book on the deadline:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ola ~ I am ploughing on ahead and waiting for the Muse to catch up! ;))
DeleteCongratulations on seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! What is the title of the book? Same as the title of the blog? How many words? I'll buy a copy! Now for my confession: I am also on the final chapter of a history/travelogue about my adopted Vienna. I am strangely reluctant to finish it. Probably because I know that "man's (and woman's) saddest quest" follows; the search for an agent. Ugh. But this is not about me. I know first hand the amount of hard work, sweat, and hand-wringing that goes into a book. I truly salute you and congratulate you. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThomas, the book is titled 100 Places in Greece Every Woman Should Go, and it's the next in a series written by other women on France, Italy, the US and the world.
DeleteHow exciting that you are writing a book too! I understand the difficulties of finding an agent, but don't let that keep you from pursuing your creative passions. Keep on working and keep the faith!
Looking forward to that book of yours. It might just inspire me to look for new adventures and wisdom. Thanks for your sharing your passion Amanda. I look forward to all you share.
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