Wining and Dining the Editor, by Paul Sigurdson The doorbell chimed just as Jake pulled a steaming pot off the burner. He pointed at a scruffy dog under the table. “Be good! I’ll be back with our guest.” The dog watched as steam billowed upward and filled the kitchen with an aroma of herb and spice. His tattered bone tasted hollow by comparison. “Have some wine,” Jake said, striding into the kitchen. “I’ll get the stew.” His editor followed, carrying herself with an easy authority. Susan poured the drinks, sat down, and unfolded a linen napkin. “I enjoyed your article... it’s in the running for the winter issue.” Grinning, he set the tray on the table; then his mouth dropped. A foul bone bobbed up within the stew — an image of literary rejection. Susan leaned forward. At the last moment, Jake lunged for the ladle, grabbed it, and dunked the bone with a splash. “Allow me!” he cried. Hesitating, he wondered if she suspected anything. As he served, his movements cast an illusion that veiled the bone; the threat lurked behind bowl, ladle and lid —dormant it hid. At last, they settled into a leisurely meal, relaxed by wine and conversation. Then she reached for seconds. Jake winced. Bumping his glass, dark liquid spat at Susan. Horrified, he sprang to his feet. The tablecloth pulled with him and the tray crashed to the floor. Jake sighed, hopeful that his secret was safe. Elsewhere, the dog gnawed on his bone, enjoying the taste of herb, spice and everything nice.

Paul Sigurdson writes from Plano, Texas. He is interested in flash fiction and short stories, and is a member of an online writers group.

The muse is a common topic of conversation among writers, but difficult to find a concrete definition for this important force that makes the words sing on a page like a perfect symphony written by unseen angels. The Greek Mythologies say that Zeus had nine daughters who were called The Muse. One of those daughters, Clio the "Proclaimer," is the muse of history and is often seen sitting with a scroll and accompanied by a chest of books. She has been credited with introducing the Phoenician alphabet into Greece. There were other Muse Sisters who inspired folks to dance until death and sing until throats collapsed. Whether we believe in spirits, the writing muse is real and important to those of us writing manuscripts, though I don’t think we want to write until our fingers fall off! Nevertheless, we’d like to write with inspirational flow all the time. But the muse is fickle. The muse for writers is the inspiration with which we can sit down and write with continuity and discharge that makes our hearts tell us, “Great job!” And we know that we have done our best. Like any other kind of inspiration, the muse is based on a type of spirituality. It’s sometimes fleeting, and needs encouragement, care, and nourishment. How can the muse be fed so that it will be our companion? This type of inspiration must be invited in different ways. 1. You can put in favorite music that causes your feelings to percolate. Your workspace must be uncluttered from all things un-writing related, like bills, toys, anything that could interrupt your train of thought. Flowers, plants, favorite pictures on the wall, your space decorated in a pleasing manner, quietness, and a thoughtful attitude can all help the muse to feel invited. Turn off the ringer on your phone. 2. You should always take care of yourself. Take a break from a couple hours of writing to stretch, get a drink, and go for a short walk. If you are feeling good physically, it goes a long way toward your general feeling of well being so the inspiration won’t have to fight for room. 3. Plan your time to write around other family activities and other things like housework and playing taxi so that you have a determined time slot to spend at your computer uninterrupted. 4. Take some time to sit and look at your surroundings. Take in the smells, let your self become taken away by the music you have playing, take a few cleansing breaths, and remove all other clutter from your mind. Meditate on your story, the characters, and where they will go in their world. Allow yourself to be taken away into your story’s fantasy world as if angels are beside you, cheering you on. 5. Daydream about the day when you get a letter in the mail from your agent telling you a major publisher is interested in your book. How will you feel? What will you do to celebrate? Dreams are what make our realities. The Muse, as a type of spiritual entity, needs nourishment and surroundings that are inviting to its presence. By being sensitive and conscious of your space, physical well-being, and feelings, escaping from all other worldly concerns, the Muse will become your friend who will sit beside you as a partner in all of your writing endeavors.

Copyright 2005, Jillanne Kimble

**Jillanne Kimble is a partner in Kimble McKay Literary Arts Group; a company that helps emerging writers become published authors. Website is http://www.kimblemckay.netfirms.com You may email her at jakimble@direcway.com for information on how to submit chapters for a free, no obligation analysis.

You bet it does! In fact, it may have a number of clogged areas that are preventing you from producing clear copy. When I first joined a writers’ group, I critiqued with various people, but never made a commitment to meet with them on a regular basis. I thought I could do this alone. I felt protective of my work-in-progress. I didn’t want to take time away from my own writing to critique someone else’s story. I had myriad excuses, but the biggest one stemmed from fear. The fear that someone would say my writing was terrible. My fear was not unfounded. After I met my critique partner, I gave her my manuscript. I didn’t recognize it when it was returned. Corrections and deletions noted in bright red ink now riddled the once, neatly typed pages. She also left phone messages to inform me that she had torn apart another one of my chapters. I dreaded returning her calls. I felt humiliated. I began to think she didn’t like me. I thought she was trying to hurt my feelings rather than helping me with my writing project. At one point, I had had enough. I didn’t write for a long time because I was devastated. “I’m fooling myself,” I said. “I can’t write!” The truth is, I can write. I just needed help with the technical aspects of this wonderful craft. I’m so thankful I overcame the urge to lay down my pen. Through her toughness and outright bluntness, I’ve developed a thicker skin. Something I’m told you must have in this business. Now I look forward to her suggestions. I understand my mistakes. With a conscious effort, I’m learning to avoid the errors that often plague the beginning writer. I’m also being rewarded by having my chapters returned to me with less red ink strewn across them. I’m sure some people do come across incompatible critique partners. I thought mine was one of them, but I realize now what a blessing she truly has become. Receiving praise is equally important as receiving constructive criticism. I now work to overcome the criticism and the compliments make me more determined to forge ahead. I do listen to my heart. If I feel something must stay, I will keep it whether or not I’ve been told to delete it. If I love a scene, I may rephrase it, but I never delete it entirely from the story. The whole critique process is like a cleansing routine. It can only aide in the prevention and elimination of those writing blemishes. I believe having a critique partner is like having a dermatologist. They’re beneficial in helping to clear up any imperfections. However, you must shop around and find the cleansing routine that works for you. If you find yourself becoming irritated, find another “dermatologist” and move on.

Note: I wrote this article several years ago, but thought it may help those who are thinking about joining a critique group. My critique partner went on to publish seven novels. I, on the other hand, stopped writing full-length fiction to pursue other ventures. I’m back now and my critique partner has generously agreed to assist me with my current project. I’m eternally grateful, especially now since she has deadlines to meet. Older and wiser, I now look forward to her deep cleansing routine of my manuscript.

On this end note, I just want to say thank you to everyone! I hope you've enjoyed the summer and you've all been writing from your heart. Next month I do plan to have more sites for you to check out. So stay tuned. If you ever have a question about your writing, I'd be happy to help you. If I can't answer, I'll find someone who can! Just send me an e-mail. Best Writing Wishes,

Sandy