In Greek mythology, a Muse was one of the many daughters of
Zeus. They presumably inspired the creative arts. I’ve read numerous articles
about how a writer needs to find the perfect environment and tools to be
inspired. As if a private place or the right pen or cool brand of laptop could be a Muse.
I’m not buying it.
All you need is a cup of coffee within easy reach of your
right hand. As you type away and get stuck, you simply reach out, take a sip,
and by the time you unconsciously set the cup back down, you’re ready to type
again. Coffee is a magic elixir. When you really get stuck, get up off of that
chair and pour yourself another cup. Writer’s block will evaporate by the time
you pour a new cup and do the other three things you told yourself you’d do the
next time you got up.
I hate to think how much coffee I’ve drunk while writing. Nine books, three ghostwriting assignments, magazine columns, journal articles, and blogging.
That’s probably enough coffee to fill a reservoir. Speaking of filling a
reservoir, coffee also gets you up and moving to relieve yourself. It’s hard to
be creative when you’re static for too long of a period. Coffee keeps you moving
in more ways than one.
