“What are you doing?” she asks.
“Making lists.” I look up from where I’m slouched on the sofa.
“Procrastinating.” A hand on her hip, my muse mugs a dark-eyed, straight-lipped face that fully expresses her annoyance. She’s dressed like a forest nymph with twigs, pinecones, and fireflies in her hair. Winter’s snowflakes cling to her midnight dress, and a white owl blinks at me from her shoulder.
“I’m trying to get organized for the new year.” I toss my notepad aside, and before I can stop her, she snatches it up and starts flipping through the pages.
“You had a sorrowful few months, and I’m sympathetic, but the new year has started, and books don’t write themselves.” The owl steps from her shoulder onto her forearm, and with a sharp lift of her wrist, she sends it up into the cabin’s beams.
She sinks down on the couch beside me, rustles the crimson autumn leaves along her hem, and puts her grass-stained feet up on the coffee table. A pencil appears behind her ear that she uses to critique my ideas. “What’s with all these non-writing items?” She starts crossing them off.
“Not everything can be ignored indefinitely.” My protests slide from her skin, and I shrug. I’ll just tack those items on the end after she leaves. “I have a lot of my mom’s keepsakes to distribute, photo albums to consolidate, and my dad needs more of my time now. I haven’t vacuumed in a month.”
“Pfft. Housework.” She scratches that one out so hard the paper tears. “Just don’t get it dirty.”
Obviously, the muse hasn’t ever lived in a house. “I think a schedule might help me feel less overwhelmed.”
“Fine. Here’s one I recommend.” She rips a page from the notebook and hands it to me. “You get one day a week for non-writing activities. Sunday. The rest of the week, if you’re not with your father, you’re mine.”
I stare at the blank paper as black ink spiders from one corner to the other, creating a calendar complete with to-do items. She’s revamped my blogging schedule, dedicated a half-day for marketing, and blocked off chunks of time to write. There’s fine print along the bottom and a place to sign my name. “Is this a contract?”
“I’m a busy muse, and I’m not going to waste my time with undisciplined authors.”
I don’t argue and sign my name, figuring I’ll try it. She tears the calendar in half, and somehow we each end up with a full copy including my signature. “When do I start?”
“Tomorrow.” She rises from my sofa. Spring petals flutter to the floor from her cloak of moss. The snowy owl wings to her shoulder. “You have work to do on your new book.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Which is?”
She smiles. “The working title is The Weaver and the Autumn Prince. I’ll leave the outline beside your laptop. Happy New Year.”
She winks at me and vanishes in a swirl of snowflakes and white feathers. I study the calendar, vaguely hopeful.
***
Apparently, I’ll be blogging on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with Saturdays reserved for sharing community blog posts and blogger books. Friday is marketing day. Comments are welcome, as always, and I’ll continue to reciprocate as well as visit all the blogs I enjoy.
And best of all, five days a week have a 4-hour slot set aside for writing.
.
Myths of the Mirror 
A delightfully creative and lovely way to greet the new year, Diana. May it be filled with love and light. 💜
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Thank you, Carol. My muse usually knows what I need for the new year, and it was an opportunity to take a deep breath and prioritize the important things in life including my creative time. I hope your year is off to a positive, peaceful, and loving start. ❤ ❤ ❤
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What a purely delightful and fun way to plan your year! I really enjoyed reading this 🙂
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I’m so glad you enjoyed my visit with my muse. She’s bossy, but always knows just what I need. And I’ve been sticking with her plan… mostly. It feels so good to be writing again, even though my days feel just as busy. Lovely of you to stop by. Have a great week, my friend.
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[…] Happy New Year from the Muse […]
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Thanks so much for sharing the post. I’m delighted that you enjoyed my bossy muse. 😀 Happy Writing!
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Sounds like an amusing Muse!
Have a great writing year ahead, Diana!
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Thanks, my friend. I’m trying to follow the muse’s schedule, and it’s mostly working. Lol. There’s never enough time in the day for everything I want to do. Boredom is a foreign word around here, that’s for sure. Thanks for the visit, my friend. ❤ ❤
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Agree, there is never enough time.
The best part of your Muse’s schedule was ripping up the housework. Right on!
xoxo
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🙂
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I like your muse, she sounds like the professors that pushed me the most.
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She is rather pushy, but somehow it always works for me. Funny thing that. So far I’ve done fairly well with sticking to her plan. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. May your muse be kind (and a little bossy) this year. Happy Writing.
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Happy new year.. Hope it a great year for you..
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Happy new year. THanks for stopping by
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Sounds like you’ve got a great plan/schedule set in place. Five days with four hour slots for writing! Lucky you!
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I used to write 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, Betsy, so this doesn’t feel like a lot to me. But it’s better than nothing, which is what I’ve been averaging for months. I’ll take it. Thanks for the visit, my friend. Happy Writing!
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Wow! I guess perspective makes a big difference, huh? Well, happy (shorter time) writing! 😛
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Happy New Year, Diana! Your muse is so right, books don’t write themselves indeed. It’s what I’ve hearing from my end, too. 🙂 All the best with your creative projects, my friend.
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Ha ha ha. Your muse is telling you the same? And yet you’re finding your voice and writing. I hope your new year is peaceful and joyous and full of wonderful inspiration. We need a pause from the chaos to breathe and create. Hugs, my friend.
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Now you’ve done it. My muse woke up, grabbed my calendar and threw it at me! Damn. I’m like, “what the hell, it’s only the 7th. I’m still in my pajamas from New Years.” I think she might be a distance cousin once removed from your muse? I stayed strong. You’d be proud. I conceded to working on my novel twice a week, blogging once a week, and showering when needed. Love the way you think Diana, write, and inspire others! Hugs, C
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Ha ha ha ha. I love that. My muse is looking very smug too. (And I’m still in my pajamas, by the way). So far so good with my schedule, granted it’s only been 3 days. It feels good to be writing again after a long hiatus. Glad you were inspired, Cheryl. Happy Writing!
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Happy New Year, Diana!! I smiled the whole time while reading this post. Your writing always captivates me and brings my heart joy. Your muse is quite bossy but effective. 😂 I could use her in my life! I’m happy that you are pushing through the pain of the past few months and setting time aside for a new book. Yay! You inspire me very much. I hope the year ahead brings you oodles of love and magic. 🥂❤️
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Thank you for the lovely comment, Tanya. It’s always so wonderful to see your name and smile show up. My muse is pushy for sure, but she always seems to know just what I need. And for two days, I’ve been writing again. I hope you’re well and enjoying life and finding time for some creativity of your own. I miss your updates, but totally honor your path, my beautiful friend. I wish you a bountiful new year full of love and happiness. ❤ ❤
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Thank you, Diana. I read your comment a couple of days ago, and it inspired me to write a blog post. Thank you for your unwavering support and continual inspiration. I’m feeling alive and full of hope once again, and did it ever feel good to put it into words. I have not written anything in over a year. Thank you for this gift. I wish all the same for you in the year ahead – I have a feeling it will be great for both of us. ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you, Tanya!! I’m so glad you’re feeling good and hopeful about the new year. And if I inspired a new post from you, well then, my job is done for the week. Ha ha! I’m going to hop over and read it. I’m writing again and it feels good to settle into a routine. Giant hugs and keep smiling. ❤ ❤
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I’m so happy you are writing again, Diana. The world needs your words. ❤️
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❤
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Your muse if very wise! Happy New Year!!
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Thanks for reading, Ann. My muse always seems to know what I need. I’ve been writing again, and it feels good. I hope your holidays were blessed and wish you a beautiful new year. Hugs.
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🙂 Diana, I think I’ve fallen for your muse 🙂
The line that sold me “…and puts her grass-stained feet up on the coffee table… She starts crossing them off.” No nonsense, and her attitude is one we should all listen and aspire to. It may not be writing, but simply taking advantage of the time we have and make great use of it. Look forward to reading both your new ideas and writing, and if you can stick to your new contract 🙂 Happy New Year, and wishing you the best in ’23!
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My muse always seems to know what I need, Randall. She’s a creature of the woods, has her priorities straight, and holds me accountable to my dreams while she grounds me. Her visits always leave me feeling balanced. So far so good on her plan though it’s only day 2. 😀 Thanks so much for the visit. How lovely to wish you a bountiful new year full of wonder and adventure. You’re an inspiration. Hugs.
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Hi Diana, your new book sounds interesting. How nice of your muse to give you an outline. All the best with your bread blogging schedule.
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Thanks, Robbie. Yes, that outline will come in very handy. My muse is a keeper. I hope you had a lovely holiday and wish you and your family a year of excellent health and much happiness. Hugs.
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Thank you, Diana. Sadly,it hasn’t started well and my husband is in Intensive Care in hospital. He is doing a bit better today, but needs treatment for at least a week in ICU.
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Oh my goodness, Robbie. I’m glad to hear he’s doing better, but what a difficult start to the year. Your family has been through so much, and I’m guessing you’re the backbone that holds everyone up. Sending love and light and hopes for a very speedy recovery. You’re in my thoughts, my friend. ❤
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Thank you, Diana. Indeed, how I react impacts everyone else so I must always be as calm and controlled as possible with my mom and the boys. His slow improvement is continuing, small steps forward each day.
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Diana, the very best for you and yours in 2023. I also wanted to let you know I read The Necromancer’s Daughter over the holidays and loved it. Wish you continued success!
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Yay! Thank you, Bruce, for letting me know you enjoyed the book. That’s really a thrill. And thanks for the new year’s wish. I’m sending much success, good health, and happiness right back at you. 🙂
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Happy New Year dear Diana. Your muse is awesome and beautiful. She is a little bossy but helpful too. I loved her looks too. Keep giving 🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Thanks for dropping by, Kamal, and for your kind comment. My muse has started me writing again and I’m grateful. I wish you a wonderful new year, my friend. ❤
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That is so nice to hear Diana. You are always welcome. Wish you too a great year ahead. Lots of love and light 💕💕😊😊
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Happy new year, Diana! Your encounters with the muse are always so amusing and inspiring. Give her my regards and tell her I love the idea of The Weaver and the Autumn Prince.
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Thanks so much for dropping by, Basilike, and for your fun comment. My muse is a challenge, but she usually knows just what I need. And her outline was very helpful! I have to run out to see my dad, but I’ll be by later to see what you’re up to. Happy New Year, my friend. ❤
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I enjoyed this!
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Thank you, Helena. I’m so glad you stopped by and enjoyed the post. It’s only been one day, but the muse’s schedule is working. 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful new year.
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And the same to you! So glad that the muse’s schedule is working!
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It’s great to have a muse with organizational qualities, lol. I love the image you created and the teaser for your WIP 🙂
Best of luck with the new calendar, I hope it works for you.
By the way, housework is overrated ( says the girl with cobwebs for a shawl, lol)
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Ha ha ha. When my grandson was about 3, he said our house was “spooky” (a few cobwebs, I’ll admit). The muse has me on track and today I actually opened up Word and wrote. Yay! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, Jacquie. Here’s to a Happy New Year full of creativitiy. 🙂 ❤
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I hope you enjoy this new writing adventure, Diana! And find some time to do those other things…
I’m back to working on Miss Liv with enjoyment and gusto. 😀
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That’s great to hear, Sheri. I’m ready for another Miss Liv. 🙂 My muse has me scheduled and I stuck with it today! Lol. Day 1 complete. Now to keep it up. 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful holiday and wish you a happy new year full of writing!
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Sounds like you have a definite plan, Diana. I cracked up when your muse said she doesn’t waste her time on authors who are not self-disciplined. 🙂 I actually shudder at the world. I with you the very best in the year ahead and look forward to whatever you create!
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Thanks, Jan. I’ve been completely undisciplined lately, distracted and unfocused. But Day One of the muse’s plan went well and I wrote for about 4 hours. It felt good. 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful set of holidays and aren’t too worn out. Happy New Year!
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I just read my comment and shuddered at the typos. 🙂 World was supposed to be word. There is a missing word following I AM with you….. Good lord! You’d think I’d learn to look at them before I hit the send button. 🙂
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Would you believe I didn’t notice one typo! My brain just reads right over them. Thank goodness for editors! Hugs.
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My dear friend, your muse knows you well – although a bit of a cheek to call you ‘undisciplined’! 😀 In the midst of emotional turmoil and helping your father I am more in awe of you than ever as you take up the start of your latest book. I LOVE the title and the generated image – and how kind of your muse to leave some info for you!!
Seriously, Diana, wishing you peace and harmony this New Year and as ever may it be filled with an abundance of creativity and writing. Hugs xx❤️
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Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment, Annika. My muse knows just what I need and today I was back to writing after months of nothing. It felt good. I don’t know if the title will stick, but it’s a good start. I hope we both can smile and look forward to a bountiful new year full of joy, good health, and creativity. Huge hugs to you and yours, and Happy Writing!
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What a muse, Diana! She’s a tough one. Happy New Year.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jennie. The muse has always been focused, which I sorely need these days. I’m looking forward to a day of writing! Wishing you a lovely new year full of wonder and adventure. ❤
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My pleasure, Diana. Happy New Year!
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She’s a tough one, Diana. You know, if you could talk your muse into doing the housework, you’d have even more time to write. Maybe it’s worth a try?
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Ha ha ha ha. A muse that does housework? I like that idea, but I have a feeling it isn’t going to fly. Great to see you, Teri. I hope your holidays were fabulous and wish you a wonderfully creative and successful new year. ❤
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Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year, Tessa. I feel like I’ve been offline forever, so great to see you. I hope your holidays were amazing and wish you a marvelous new year. ❤
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Happy new Year, Diana.
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Thank you, Mick. Lovely of you to stop by. Wishing you the very same. We could all use a happy and peaceful new year.
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We certainly could.
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Can’t wait to see what happens with you and your muse this year, Diana xx
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Thanks for dropping by, Toni. The muse and I have plans, but you know how best laid plans go. Wishing you a wonderfully creative new year, my friend. Happy Writing!
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