Fresh Fiction Blog | Judith James

Muse - the source of an artist's inspiration; the goddess or the power regarded as inspiring a poet, artist, thinker, or the like... sometimes represented as the true speaker, for whom an author is merely a mouthpiece"

I spoke in an earlier blog about the "magical thinking" some creative types (myself included) are prone too. In particular I talked about synchronicity, or those seemingly meaningful coincidences that suggest you’re on the right track by providing you something you need when it’s most useful, or giving you a direction when you’re lost. Today I’m going to muse about...the muse.

Have you ever felt a kind of buzz or hum when reading or writing? I actually noticed it in a way that made me pay attention just this past week. I was writing a scene, things were humming along almost too fast, I was getting more excited and my fingers were flying; and then I lost the thread and my mind went blank. There was a feeling in my brain I hadn’t noticed while all this was happening, but I felt it clearly when it came to a sudden stop. It was a kind of mild and pleasant electric buzz and a prickling sensation. As I felt it evaporate, it took my brilliant insights with it. I grasped for them frantically but they were gone, just like the remnants of a dream disappear when you wake up. My brain was sharp and clear and wide awake, but whatever had been powering it, driving and directing it, had just abandoned me. I continued writing, but it was work now instead of pleasure. Instead of riding the train I was pushing it.

When it’s happening for me I can stop and close my eyes and see a scene in vivid techno color. I live in the city core and I leave my balcony window open, but when I have that hum I don’t hear ambulances or drills or the cars passing by because I’m somewhere else, lost in another world. While writing Highland Rebel it happened in the Killikrankie Pass. I could feel the spray of the river, see the light coming through the foliage, and hear the river rumbling beside me. I shivered on the hillside with Catherine and felt her fear as the sun sank below the horizon. I saw a shambling greasy haired man with sword drawn approaching her in a London alley and I heard the giggles and smelled the perfume as I stood wide-eyed beside her in the brothel. I even smelled the wood smoke and wet leather and tasted the whiskey and rain on Jamie’s...oops...there I go again. Any way when these things happened I didn’t feel like I was writing, I felt like an enthralled observer scrambling to get it all down.

At other times I’d be doing dishes or standing in line at the grocery store and dialogue would come, as if I was listening in on a conversation. I’d have to struggle to find a pen or keep repeating it until I could write it down. Some people call this the muse. When she’s with you it’s magical. The words and story flow and you do the best you can to keep up. Others say there’s no such thing.

I’m not sure what I believe. I’ve noticed that what I write when I don’t have that feeling is not noticeably different than what I write when I do. It’s just harder and slower. The difference between a three page day and a ten page one. I’ve also noticed the same thing happens when I’m reading. If a book doesn’t catch my interest I may read the same line over and over again, or read a page and forget what I just read; but if it captures me I almost fall between the pages and into the story and I’m lost in another world.

I suppose it’s easily explained as an altered state of consciousness produced by intense concentration, much like hypnosis. What I do know is the power that builds and fuels it is words. Words built into sentences grown into paragraphs in just the right combination to create a world that you and I can visit, though it never existed before. Come to think of it...maybe it is magic!

I’d like to thank Fresh Fiction for having me here today and all of you who dropped by. I hope Highland Rebel will take you to another world; one you’ll thoroughly enjoy. I’m looking forward to your questions and comments and I’d like to ask you what happens when you read or write. Do you get ever get lost in another world-and if you do- why do you think that is? Is there any book or books in particular that really swept you away?

Highland Rebel by Judith James, in stores September 1, 2009! Amidst the upheaval of Cromwell's Britain, Jamie Sinclair's wit and military prowess have served him well. Leading a troop in Scotland, he impetuously marries a captured maiden, saving her from a grim fate.

A Highlands heiress to title and fortune, Catherine Drummond is not the woman Jamie believes her to be. When her people effect her rescue, and he cannot annul the marriage, Jamie goes to recapture his hellcat of a new wife...

In a world where family and creed cannot be trusted, where faith fuels intolerance and war, Catherine and Jamie test the bounds of loyalty, friendship, and trust...

About the Author
Judith James has worked as a legal assistant, trail guide, and counselor. Living in Nova Scotia, her personal journey has taken her to the Arctic and the West Coast. Her writing combines her love of history and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature and the heart's capacity to heal. For more information about Judith, please visit www.judithjamesauthor.com

Comments

Dear Judith James: Thanks for your thought-provoking article.

This altered state sounds parallel to the "battle frenzy" of warriors and soldiers. I wonder if anyone has researched it and posted the results on the Web.

I'd google it myself, only I'm not sure which term I should be looking for. Does anybody?

The whole process of creation is a fascinating topic. I wish there were more articles like yours, attempts to explore and explain this process, on websites for readers and writers.

Perhaps the very fact that it's so subjective, elusive, and hard to describe makes it a challenge to write about. And that makes articles like yours all the more appreciated!

Sincerely,

Mary Anne Landers
www.facebook.com/maryannelanders
[email protected]
(Mary Anne Landers 1:22am September 3, 2009)

Dear Judith
I know just what your talking about.I love to find a book that captures all of the senses and can carry me from page to page.The end comes way too soon but the story will stay with you forever.Few books have done that but the ones that have I read many times and keep them as treasures.I have a feeling Highland Rebel will be one of those rare jewels.
(Debra McDonald 3:57am September 3, 2009)

I have Been lost Between the pages of abook like that when reading and it seems the book goes buy so much faster then.them are the best books when you can get lost in them.I have done it but right now i can't renember witch ones thay were sorry.
[email protected]
(Stacey Smith 4:37am September 3, 2009)

There are some stories that just suck you in and the pages just fly by and you don't even realize how much time has gone by.
(Maureen Emmons 6:21am September 3, 2009)

Judith your somments about a muse are all too true. I have read scientists are trying to access why not all the brain is utilized and what can unlock it. You sound like the type of canidate that they study watching brain scans to find what triggers these dormide brain cells and what slams the door again after a glimpse.
(Susan Lathen 9:09am September 3, 2009)

I do enjoy reading of my Irish heritage
(Kathryn Phillips 10:26am September 3, 2009)

I often get lost in another world when reading historical fiction or fantasy. A good example for me is the Harry Potter series - those books just took me away to a magical place & I just couldn't put them down when I was reading them.
(Cheryl Snyder 10:43am September 3, 2009)

Welcome to you all and thanks for stopping by and commenting,

Thanks for the kind words Raelena,

Mary Anne I think battle frenzy or battle lust would be a good place to start. You are right about it being elusive and hard to define and I'm guessing everyone who experiences it might describe it a different way.

Debra and Stacy, Maureen and Cheryl; it's amazing isn't it? You can look up at the clock and hours have passed in what feels like minutes. I'm always sad to leave when those stories come to an end. I too get lost in historicals and fantasy novels. It's like time travelling or discovering a hidden world.

Susan it's funny but as I was writing this article I was wondering the same thing-if a different part of the brain would light up on an EEG

John I feel like an outcast when that warm fuzzy feeling is rudely yanked away. I tend to really like characters who are outcasts in someway in my books.
Kathryn, one thing that surprised me while researching Highland Rebel was how the Highlanders were much closer to the Gaelic Irish than the lowland Scots in culture, language and dress
(Judith James 11:04am September 3, 2009)

I thoroughly enjoy novels about foreign countries...especially Ireland, England and Scotland!
(Paula Staton 12:32pm September 3, 2009)

I think I have always enjoyed reading so much because it has been my escape into another world.
(Vikki Parman 1:02pm September 3, 2009)

This one sounds like fun!
Thanks!
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 1:19pm September 3, 2009)

Thank you for your post. I get thoroughly entranced when I'm thinking about something I had read earlier, or when I'm in the middle of a wonderful book. Life and people just swirl about me and I seem like worlds away. Quite an escape isn't it.
(Armenia Fox 1:30pm September 3, 2009)

Hello Judith,

Thank you for being here today. A recent book I read swept me away to Louisiana. It was by Deborah LeBlanc called Water Witch. It is a wonderful book I will never forget. Have a great day.
(Roberta Harwell 1:39pm September 3, 2009)

Hi Judith! Historical romances are the best escape and yet they provoke real, deep feelings. Laura Lee Guhrke's And Then He Kissed Her and Secret Desires of a Gentlemen have really simple plots but there's something in her writing that makes me so emotional... her novels -- these two in particular -- make me teary eyed... and it's wonderful.
(V Young 1:48pm September 3, 2009)

I don't always get swept away. Sometimes, I am conscious of the fact that I'm reading. Then there are those times when I'm totally swept away and begrudge intrusions - like having to eat, go to bed, that sort of thing. This just happened for me recently with a book I finished this morning, an arc of According to Jane, by Marilyn Brant. I am also finding it in Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. So far, this has been a good reading week for me!
(Margay Roberge 1:54pm September 3, 2009)

Instead of calling it my muse I call it being in the 'zone'. I can read more qiuickly and work more quickly when I am in the zone. Out of the zone I have to concentrate a bit harder to fight the outer distractions of life to get things done.
(Gigi Hicks 2:08pm September 3, 2009)

I read many different kinds of books, the ones I usually get lost in, are ones where I become the character. Becoming that character in my mind is the best escape. Perfect and Paradise by Judith McKnight are very good escape books. Your book Broken wing was another story I lost myself in. Highland Rebel sounds like another, I can't wait to read it.
(Theresa Buckholtz 2:14pm September 3, 2009)

I love me some highlanders and I would love to read this book. It sounds awesome.
(Gail Hurt 2:31pm September 3, 2009)

Paula, you are in good company, and may I say, they are all featured in Highland Rebel

Vikki I am the same. I love a good movie, but nothing can take the place of a good book

Thanks Marjorie and Gail. If you like romance and adventure in the Highlands, I think you'll love Highland Rebel

Armenia it can't be beat. For me a good read is like a mini vacation (without the cost, hassles and line-up at the airport)

Roberta thanks for reminding me. I have heard some great things about that book. I'm adding it to my TBR list.

Hi V! Well when a book moves you to tears you know it's an involving and powerful read. One of the many things I'm enjoying on this tour is finding new books to add to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing.

Oh Margay I know what you mean and I hate it. Sometimes the story just isn't grabbing me and sometimes it's me. There's just too much on my mind to let me relax and settle in and do the story justice.

Hi Gigi, being in the zone works beautifully. I think athletes go there as well when everything's humming just right.

Theresa thanks for the kind words, and for another recommendation for the reading list. The first book I remember being a character in was the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I eve sat in the cloths closet while I read part of it...just in case.
(Judith James 2:53pm September 3, 2009)

I have read books that capture you and won't let you go until the story is done. Authors that have had that effect on me that I can think of off the top of my head are CL Wilson, Julie Garwood's historicals, Shannon Hale and Nalini Singh.
(Cherie Japp 2:53pm September 3, 2009)

Some books you can read and you're like"OK" and then there are the other ones that pull you in and don't let go until long after your finished.
(Elizabeth Parzino 2:58pm September 3, 2009)

I call it being in the zone. When it happens, it is the most satisfying feeling in the world.
(Phyllis Lamken 3:19pm September 3, 2009)

I occaisionally feel that 'buzz' when mowing the lawan-something so pleasurable to me,it can be done without thought!
(Dawn Raymer 3:44pm September 3, 2009)

I have often felt the way you
mentioned when reading a book
that has really grabbed me-as
if I had fallen into the
pages. I am seeing the cloudy
sky and feel the wind whipping
my hair about my face. At
those times I don't feel that
I am reading a book but living
it. It is a most satisfying
feeling.
(Lisa Richards 3:47pm September 3, 2009)

nothing like a good historical romance to make everything go away...
(Sandy Haber 4:01pm September 3, 2009)

I think I've always liked reading so much because it takes me to other places. Allows me to see in my mind what I won't see in person. Experience things I will never do.
(Linda Henderson 4:08pm September 3, 2009)

i enjoy reading about my Celtic heritage I so miss my homeland I am sure highland Rebel will take me back to my minds eye....I will add this to my list.
(Ann w 4:29pm September 3, 2009)

Cherie thanks for your comments. I've heard great things about Branded by Fire.

Elizabeth I think that's a very good point, the ones that pull you in tend to linger with you after.

Phyllis and Dawn, zone or buzz, it's kind of hypnotic or trance like isn't it? But in the one you are meditating and in the other you have gone to another world.

Lisa you describe it perfectly! I want to read what you're reading.

Couldn't agree more, Sandy.

Linda I love fantasy novels for just that reason.

Ann- I know it took me there, I hope it does the same for you.
(Judith James 5:25pm September 3, 2009)

I expect to be lost in another world when I read. I immerse myself into the story. If I can't find myself being drawn in by the end of the first page then I know it will not happen for that particular book. That does not mean it's a total loss just that I am outside reading in. One of my favorite books to be lost in is a classic: Gone With The Wind.
(Mary Preston 6:24pm September 3, 2009)

Judith, I've never read The lion,the witch and the wardrobe, though I've seen the movies a few times. That story reminds me of when I was much younger, I loved the little house series so much. I put pillows under my blanket at night and took a flashlight to my closet , so I could continue reading while everyone was sleeping. I laugh at some of the drastic measures I took all for the love of a good book.
(Theresa Buckholtz 7:20pm September 3, 2009)

I get lost in a book that is full of imagination and suspense and just plain good story; I see myself as the heroine and try to imagine what I would do in her shoes. And if by chance I don't get tat feeling I'm probably not enjoying the book.
(Diane Sadler 7:22pm September 3, 2009)

I love your article, and totally agree! I tried Astral Projection, but fell asleep. When My Muse visits, I am in another world, another time, and it didn't cost a thing! If only I can write it as vividly as I feel it...
(Deb Carr 7:40pm September 3, 2009)

What an interesting perspective. I never looked at it in the way before, but now that I have I see the truth in what you are saying. Congratulations on the release of 'Highland Rebel'.
(Rosemary Krejsa 8:45pm September 3, 2009)

Thanks for the interesting column and your book contest.
(G S Moch 9:23pm September 3, 2009)

Once had a teacher that told me I lived in a fantasy world becae of the books I was reading. Didn't faze me at all. Still reading the same type of books 40 years later!
(Teresa Ward 10:01pm September 3, 2009)

Books have always been a pure form of
escapism when reality is less than
perfect.
(Sue Ahn 10:44pm September 3, 2009)

Anything to do with Scotland, brogues, kilts and those furry purse things has my vote for a good read. I've been getting lost in books for years.
(Alyson Widen 11:57pm September 3, 2009)

I always marvel at how an author's, or probably any creative, mind is different from my own. Even my mother, who was definitely more creative than I, had a whole different way of thinking than I do. It sounds so fascinating--a whole story in itself.
(Sigrun Schulz 12:38pm September 4, 2009)

Mary that's a great expression, on the outside reading in!

Theresa yes! Is it like hiding in the closet to eat cookie? There are far worse addictions.

Dianne I do that in horror movies. I'm one of the ones shouting NO!! Don't open that door!

Deb, it’s wonderful isn't it. It would be great if they could bottle it, though we'd all be walking and driving in a trance. Maybe better to be firmly ensconced in a chair at home.

Thanks for the kind words Rosemary. I'm pretty excited about it

GS thank you for stopping by, and good luck with the contest!

Teresa! I've heard that before too. Looks like it didn't do us any harm :)

Seung, you are right, and not all escapes are so harmless or occasionally teach you something new.

Alyson, it's my understanding that those sporrans often carried a small flask of whisky among other necessities. I hope you get lost in Highland Rebel

Sigrun, I don't know if it's different or more like a muscle that grows as you use it. I do know my brain just cringes when asked to do any math other than add subtract and multiply.

Bridget, I'm glad you think so and thanks for stopping by

I'd like to thank Fresh Fiction for hosting me and all of you for the interesting comments, observations and recommendations. I had a great time being here, I wish you all the best, and for those who enjoy history adventure and romance, I hope you have a similar experience when you read Broken Wing :)
(Judith James 8:43am September 4, 2009)

OOOOPS! I do hope you have a similar expereince if you read Broken Wing, but if it's the Highlands and adventure and romance that calls to you, that you'll find in the pages of Highland Rebel :)
(Judith James 8:46am September 4, 2009)

What a great description of how you get caught up and can so vividly see/hear/feel the scenes as you're writing them. Thanks to great writers such as yourself, readers can escape much the same way. My husband, who only reads the newspaper :) - can't understand how I can become so completely engrossed in a book, nothing at all like passively watching tv. I love it when a writer can TRANSPORT me with only words; it is an art and truely a gift. Thank you.
(LaRonda Atchison 12:54pm September 4, 2009)

I think we are blessed to have so many great authors that are such great stoy tellers that you do enter the story - cheer with their achievements and cry at their sorrows.
I wish I had that ability but as I don't I just try to read as many books as I can.
(Barbara Hanson 1:06pm September 4, 2009)

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