RE: "false voice" - - At 9 years old, I had my first one-act play onstage in NYC. Though performances ran for months, my parents did not attend. (My "stay at home Mom" had no workplace to go to.) The "false voice" whispered, "See! Your family doesn't care. Your family is not impressed. Why not do something that would impress them?" However, every seat was taken. Strangers applauded. The lesson I took from this experience, an elementary schoolgirl, was that a young dramatist needed more than an audience of TWO. Which would I have preferred: only Mom & Dad in the audience - - - or an auditorium of New Yorkers? 🎭 I can still hear my first ovation! 🎭 👏
The real muse to me is the most beautiful, stubborn, demanding companion. She is bold but believes in you and expects nothing less. She holds your hand and releases it, hides and cannot be chased, announces herself boldly like a bolt of lightning at any hour no matter the weather. But in her own/your own, crazy journey you two go on together, something you've never imagined before is achieved. The loveliest joy achieved... The earned creation.
I have struggled to reject the fake muse several times in my life. I chose research scientist over the more respected and easily understood job of medical doctor, to the dismay of many. I chose writing science fiction and fantasy stories instead of "serious literature." I chose to be a speculative poet when many don't even know what that is or refuse to read it (and tell me so) because that's not real science fiction writing. I chose to reflect positive Black futures in my writing that embrace the Black diaspora instead of giving the white heteronormative oppressors the negative Black stereotypes they crave.
The idea that it's more achieveable to be an astronaut than a writer XD
Hahahahaha! Right? I think there were 3 presidents in the room too.
RE: "false voice" - - At 9 years old, I had my first one-act play onstage in NYC. Though performances ran for months, my parents did not attend. (My "stay at home Mom" had no workplace to go to.) The "false voice" whispered, "See! Your family doesn't care. Your family is not impressed. Why not do something that would impress them?" However, every seat was taken. Strangers applauded. The lesson I took from this experience, an elementary schoolgirl, was that a young dramatist needed more than an audience of TWO. Which would I have preferred: only Mom & Dad in the audience - - - or an auditorium of New Yorkers? 🎭 I can still hear my first ovation! 🎭 👏
You always say exactly what I need to hear at the time. Thank you for your inspiration!
The real muse to me is the most beautiful, stubborn, demanding companion. She is bold but believes in you and expects nothing less. She holds your hand and releases it, hides and cannot be chased, announces herself boldly like a bolt of lightning at any hour no matter the weather. But in her own/your own, crazy journey you two go on together, something you've never imagined before is achieved. The loveliest joy achieved... The earned creation.
I have struggled to reject the fake muse several times in my life. I chose research scientist over the more respected and easily understood job of medical doctor, to the dismay of many. I chose writing science fiction and fantasy stories instead of "serious literature." I chose to be a speculative poet when many don't even know what that is or refuse to read it (and tell me so) because that's not real science fiction writing. I chose to reflect positive Black futures in my writing that embrace the Black diaspora instead of giving the white heteronormative oppressors the negative Black stereotypes they crave.
I want to meet that teacher and shake her! I have at least two fake muses, but I’m kicking their butts!