I’m reading a page-turner in my writing room when I hear conversations below me in the muddy track called “my driveway.” Nobody ever ventures up this mountain besides the solitary UPS driver, and this sounds like a crowd. I peek out the window.
Muses. Lots of muses. What the…?
They fall silent and, as one, swivel to stare at me. Expectant. It appears a decision has been made.
One of them breaks from the pack, and I can’t help but groan. The Mercenary Muse (once subcontracted by my Bossy Muse) starts up the rain-slick stairs.
I open the door and look up, way up. The muse is a hulk, and he smells like a battlefield after a month long campaign. He bares his teeth in a sneer as if I’m the one who needs a shower.
“Where’s my regular muse?” I ask.
“In the ocean.” He tracks muddy prints on my floor and sits on a granite throne that appears in front of my couch. “She’s trying out your next book.”
“Oh really?” I arch my eyebrow and get a little huffy. “You’d think the author would have a say in the next story. What is she, a pirate or a mermaid?”
“A sea witch.” His grin is disturbing, though not as horrifying as his skimpy little outfit. I wish he’d close his legs. Yeesh. “I’m the Ferryman,” he adds.
My eyes snap up, and I blurt out a laugh. “Oh, no, you’re not.”
“Don’t defy a muse.” He glowers through the warning. “I am the Ferryman.”
“Gah!” I lean into his face, nose to crooked nose, angry enough to risk his breath. “No chance, big guy, not unless you submit to a complete makeover. Otherwise, forget it.”
“You’re the author.” He settles back in this throne with a smug smile and picks something from his teeth.
I wrinkle my face and cross my arms like a petulant… author. A Ferryman? And a Sea Witch? Am I actually considering this? I want to throw up but change the subject instead, “So, who are those muses, and what do they want? Don’t tell me they want scenes in the next book.”
He grunts to the negative. “They want some publicity for their authors, and I told them you’d help.”
My eyes narrow. “How?”
The brute leans forward, elbows on his knees. I’m tempted to hand him a toothbrush and bottle of mouthwash. He ignores my grimace. “They’re going to have conversations with their writers, and you’re going to reblog the posts.”
I tap a finger on my lower lip, considering the idea. The last time my blog friends joined in was a blast. And wonderfully creative.
I extend my hand. “Agreed.” We grasp each other’s forearms like warriors, and I squeak as my bones grate together.
“Agreed.” He lets go and heads for the door. “And I want your plot outlined by the end of the month.”
“But… but I’m not done with my reading challenge and now…”
If looks could squash me like a bug, I’d be plastered to the wall. He stomps down the stairs and joins the other muses. His throne fades away, and I peer out the window as the crowd disperses into the rain. I better get a post ready.
Here are the rules: (prompt now closed)
Post a conversation with your muse on your blog and link back to this post or leave a link in the comments. Don’t have a muse? Just open the door and see who shows up.
No word-limit and keep it family friendly. Include an image of your muse if you’re inclined (with respect for copyrights, please). I’ll reblog all posts received before December 1st. Thanks for playing… Meet the Muse!
Myths of the Mirror 
[…] ice cream loving muse, Allie’s caffeine addicted muse, Moka Chino, and Diana’s foul mercenary muse. We have quite a motley crew, some of whom I’ve borrowed in past episodes and added my own […]
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Oh, I’m curious to see what this is about. Those muses are always entertaining. I’ll be right over!
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Well, here’s my tardy contribution: https://cathum.wordpress.com/2020/12/07/the-bargain/
Thanks for the prompt, and the special extension. It was a lovely challenge.
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Thanks for playing, Cath. Much appreciated!
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[…] he leapt out from the challenge set by Diana Wallace Peach, for bloggers to share dialogues with their muses, after her deadline. Luckily, Diana is a […]
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Hi, Diana. Well, I wasn’t going to write anything in response to this prompt but my muse had other ideas. 🙂 Here it is. https://jansikesblog.com/2020/12/05/my-persistent-muse/
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Awesome, Jan. I’m scheduling the last three posts (the stragglers – lol) for Tuesday. Great story and I’m happy to add it in!
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[…] Diana, who has a much more intimidating muse. Sorry I’m […]
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I’m too late for your prompt, but if you’re willing, I’d love some help boosting my countdown .99 offer on Miss Liv Book I that I announced with my petticoat muse. OR just enjoy the post for a giggle, since you so kindly inspired it: https://misslivadventures.com/2020/12/04/an-a-musing-offer/ If you do choose to boost, probably on or after Dec. 6 would be best for your readers so they could get it right away if interested. Thanks for considering it, Diana! If you think your audience is Mused Out, I get it and no worries. 🙂 – Sheri aka KJQ
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I’m happy to share, Sheri. The last official muse post is tomorrow, and I think everyone needs a breather. That said, I’ll share this one during your sale ( I’ll tack on my ML review too to give it a boost. 🙂 ) Congrats on being so close! ❤
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Thank you!!! I got so much satisfaction from getting the ARC done that it made me feel finished, so it was tough to go back to it. But I’m motivated again. So glad you gave me this muse idea to make a fun way to get back to it and ‘get ‘er done.’
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My pleasure. I’m excited for the book!
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I just got another late one, Sheri, so I’m going to add yours and hers to the reblog schedule. Yeesh, writers! Lol! I’ll share on Monday.
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[…] is my reply to a writing challenge hosted by Myths of the Mirror. It was simple: Post a conversation with your muse. It made me have to think long and […]
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Thanks for adding to the fun, LK. I’m heading over to read!
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[…] Thanks to D. Wallace Peace for extending her challenge for a few extra days – and if you want to join in – go here […]
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Thanks for tapping into your muse for a conversation! I’m heading over to read. 😀
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Hi Diana, I wasn’t sure if I could play but my muse helped after my break.
https://theshowersofblessings.com/2020/11/30/my-multitasking-muse/
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I was so glad to see your post, Miriam. Just in time. I hope you had a wonderful break. Welcome back!
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[…] have a post to write for Diana’s prompt,” my muse […]
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Thanks so much for playing, Miriam. You made it! I’m heading over to read. 🙂
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Loads of fun, Diana, although I’m going to have to pass this time, (I just pubbed SW today!) But I’ll join in next time. Terrific fun. Right now I’m still riding a high over finally (!) publishing that book. Thanks so much for all you did. ❤
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Oh, Awesome. I just posted my November Book reviews, but I’ll add SW 1 and 2 to my first December batch (in about 10 days). Just got my copies! They look great.
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Fabulous, Diana. I’m sorry to have missed this. But then, my muse is always running just a little late.
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I would love to meet your muse. Never really too late if you feel inclined to have a conversation. They are fun to write and read. I have about 5 more days of reblogs for this batch, but then will accept stragglers for sharing in January. 🙂 Happy December!
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I’ll bear that in mind. Thank you for the extension!
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Had to chime in – five more days you say?
Right on so I will go and write on about the muse – have a good day
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Yes, please. Officially the prompt/challenge is done, but I’ll pepper in some muse posts that straggle in. 🙂 I love these.
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Thanks and I have read a bunch but plan to read many more because they are so insightful – I started my post this morning but had to pause and will get back to it soon
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Ha ha! What fun! Here’s my link: https://facetsofamuse.wordpress.com/2020/11/28/return-of-the-muse/
Have a great weekend, Diana!!
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That was a fun read, my friend. I’m looking forward to sharing. I’ll trade my mercenary for your muse any day. Lol. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing!
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[…] blog-writing, fantasy novelist buddy Diana Peach from Myths of the Mirror has invited her visitors to write a short story about our […]
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Awesome, Julie. I’m heading over!
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[…] Author, Diana Peach, has challenged her writer friends to share a little about their muse. You can join in here: https://mythsofthemirror.com/2020/11/20/meet-the-muse-prompt/ […]
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Thanks so much for playing, Robbie. Yay! I’m heading over now to read. 🙂
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[…] Meet the Muse (prompt) This a fictional exchange close to real as all are with our muse – posted in response to the prompt from D Wallace Peach ‘Meet the Muse’ The references to the London stations, Embankment and Kings Cross relate to poems in ‘Shorts – a take on poetry’ – a bit of fun to figure out which one’s. […]
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Yay. So glad you decided to play along, Eric. I’m heading over to read. 🙂
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A fantastic post, great to meet your muses and to also get others to think about where their inspirations arise from and to give us an intro as well.
Especially in a year such as this, it is important to let our muses run free in our minds 🙂 Cheers to a great weekend ahead.
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Thank you for stopping by to read. I’ve enjoyed every post. It’s fascinating to me how artists find inspiration and motivation. And how they view and edit their work. I love learning about the creative process. Have a wonderful weekend, full of the creative spirit. ❤
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What a fun read!
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Thanks so much for reading, Jada. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Do you think you’ll give it a try? Have a lovely day and Happy Writing. 🙂
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Love the challenge! I’ll do it. 🙂 Well, I’ll start after the holiday. It’s been a while since I had an excuse to lay back and do nothing. I need it.
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That sounds great L.K. I’d love to add you conversation to the list. I hope you had a wonderfully peaceful holiday. It’s my favorite one of the year. Happy Writing!
(Oh, and your link isn’t working, so I can’t visit you. Take a look at your gravatar link and if you need help updating, I can give you the instruction – just let me know. Currently your link is l.k.latham.com)
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Hey Diana, here’s mine
https://wordeologist.wordpress.com/2020/11/26/forgotten-muse/
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I loved it, Jude. How wonderful! I would love to read more about this muse. Thanks so much for playing!
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[…] Meet the muse prompt […]
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This is so interesting
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Thanks for stopping by to read. Feel free to join in too. Have a lovely day and be well. 🙂
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Hahaha! That was very funny. What a fab idea, getting writers to write about their muse(s). I’d do one, but I’m wallowing in creative commitments. We are in a lockdown here, so, I took on a lot of projects. Too many. Lol, I’ve been commissioned to draw a Frankenstein head. I guess if you want a really great portrait of Frankenstein, just ask someone who draws gowns.
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LOL. Busy is good, Resa, though a Frankenstein head?? That does seem like an odd request. But creative talent is creative talent. Thanks for stopping by to read. I’m glad you got a kick out of the post. 🙂 ❤
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Glad to see you busy again, Diana… Hope you like my muse!
https://jenanita01.com/2020/11/25/muse-less/
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Yay! I’m so glad you played along, Jaye. I’m heading over to read. 🙂
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[…] now and then Diana Wallace Peach talks about her muse. In fact, she has more than one. She gets other authors talking about […]
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Thanks, Teagan. I’m so intrigued by your monster muse! Keep that guy outside and Happy Writing, my friend. Hugs.
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[…] D. Wallace Peach shared a highly entertaining conversation with her muse, and invited us all to do likewise. I lamented that, sadly, my muse has gone missing. But, as I went on a desperate search for Mr. Muse, I began to wonder if he had indeed gone missing, or had he simply become neglected? […]
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Awesome, Jess. Thanks for sharing your muse hunt. Lol
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Diana, I do love reading about your muses. I’ve always said that I don’t seem to have one… but your remark about opening the door to see what was there had an impact. Here’s a link to my post — although it won’t be live until Wednesday, midnight Eastern.
https://teagansbooks.com/2020/11/25/wednesday-writing-meet-the-muse/
Thanks for doing this. Hugs on the wing!
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That’s awesome, Teagan. Yay. I’m so glad you were inspired to play. I saw that the post is up and I’m heading over to read. 😀
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Diana, I posted my Meet the Muse conversation on my blog site Can you believe I made a typo in your website address when it was published? Corrected it immediately on the site. Thank you for starting this fun challenge. Meet My Muses Lydia and Lilly at
https://cerobinsonauthor.com/2020/11/24/meet-my-muses-lydia-and-lilly
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Wonderful, Christine. I’m so honored that you decided to play. I’m heading over to read. 🙂
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Awesome. Thanks so much, Diana. 📚🎶
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I do love it when Julie Holmes does this. Y’all are so fun and creative. 🙂
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Thanks, Betsy. I’ve been following Julie for years and years and have always enjoyed her muse posts. Her muse is much more appealing than mine (looks good and smells good and he calls her “love”). I’m a little jealous. Lol. I’m glad you enjoy the fun. Thanks for the visit!
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I do love men with accents. 😉
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Lol. Me too.
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And Happy Thanksgiving!
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And to you too! Thanks! 🙂
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Yikes! I mean we can have more than one use? Oh my, the one I have now is about all I can handle. But here you are with a sea witch and a Ferryman (I have a feeling I’m supposed to know what a Ferryman is but I don’t…). I blogged about my muse about a month ago. Can I include the link to that? But if not that’s OK. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you squirm under your Ferryman- that is some skimpy outfit!! 🤩
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LOL. I had to mention the skimpy outfit, Pam, and the way he’s sitting. I have a vague idea of who the ferryman will be, and he’s not going to be this muse (at least not without some modification. 🙂
And I’d be happy to share your link, Pam. I remember the post and it would fit perfectly with the prompt. I’m heading to your place to grab it now. 🙂
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You are soooooooo, well, just fabulously wonderful.
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Diane, I am in a tizzy, my heart is all aflutter. I have met a new muse and I think she could be the one.
See Speed Dating with a Muse
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Lol. I’d been meaning to do another one of these for a while since the muses seemed to have developed lives of their own and continued to appear on several blogs. So fun. I’m just thrilled that you joined in. 😀
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[…] Note: D. Wallace Peach (a fabulous writer and wonderful person) has challenged us to write about our muses. See Meet the Muse (prompt) […]
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Yay! I was hoping you’d find this post. Heading over to read. 🙂
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[…] Thanks to Diana for the nudge to go looking for my missing muse. She and her muse have a tortuous relationship, which apparently works well for both of them. Her mercenary muse is a foul smelling hunk with serious control issues. May your relationship be long and ornery! If you want to join the hunt for our missing muses, please visit Diana’s hilarious prompt called Meet the Muse. […]
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Yay! I was so happy to see this. Heading over to read, Brad. 🙂
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[…] was written as a response to D. Wallace Peach’s Meet the Muse. I’ve never thought much about my muse before, but I guess it’s probably a stodgy old […]
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My Muse is home. Here is the link Diana:
https://balroop2013.wordpress.com/2020/11/23/i-cant-be-shackled/
Many thanks for the inspiration.
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Thanks, Balroop. It’s all lined up for a reblog tomorrow. 🙂
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Thank you Diana 😊
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[…] thanks to Diana for the inspiration, initiated by her muse. Click here for the rules and have fun with your […]
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Yay! I’m so happy that you’re playing along, Balroop. I’m heading over to read. 🙂
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[…] Meet the Muse (prompt) […]
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Thanks again for sharing the post!
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Awww this is very interesting Di..😍😍😍
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Thanks for stopping by, Mich. I’ve got a few takers who are going to introduce their muses to us. I’ve enjoyed the creativity. Have a lovely day, my friend, and stay safe. ❤
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I don’t think I have a muse – but maybe I should take your suggestion about opening the door and see who shows up. Maybe they’d keep me on track. Looking forward to this!
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It would be interesting to see who shows up. Our ability to give life to the characters in our books and make them real applies to muses as well. You might be surprised. If you decide to play, have fun. 😀
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I enjoyed the short read and look forward to the read and maybe I will get a muse??
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Your muse is out there somewhere… just open the door. I’m glad you enjoyed this and hope you play. Have a great day and stay safe. 😀
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Hahahaaha love this!! Your Discipline muse sure is a surly bloke 🙂
My conversation would be a little one sided I’m afraid; my muse is AWOL.
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I think a lot of our muses have been AWOL, Jess… one reason why the timing seemed good to have a “conversation.” If yours refuses, you can always have a chat with the mercenary muse. After all, he’s a mercenary! Happy Writing, my friend. 🙂
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Chuckle! I’ll try and find my muse and play along 😉
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Totally up to you, but I’d love to share whatever you come up with. 😀
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