Creating and the Creative Muse

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better. – Andre Gide

Anne Rice said that she hadn’t intended to have Lestat be the main character of her series, but the character insisted. Another author, a friend of mine, has had voices in his head offering suggestions about interesting ways to take his story. Michelangelo (I believe) said that when you sculpt and elephant, the elephant is already there in the block, and you remove everything else.

God, Muse, Higher Power, Divine Inspiration, Inner Creator, whatever you want to call it, there is something within you or outside of you that creates, not just art and poetry, but new creations, new businesses, new ways of thinking and solving problems. The less you insist on editing and criticizing and trying to conform to what you think others would insist upon, the better.

Many great ideas have died with their originator because the person didn’t think anyone would listen. Or they took the idea and changed it so it would become “acceptable”. Or they saw it as wonderful but didn’t think of themselves as good enough to carry it out.

Not every idea that comes to you will be right for you and the world as it is. But most of them will be. Take your ideas, your creations, your wonderous thoughts, and make them real. Whether it’s a book, a painting, a business, or just a new way to live your life and treat those around you, be willing to listen to your creative muse and create something amazing.