BRIDGET WHELAN writer

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Stevie Smith explains why she didn’t write when she was happy – Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)

Muses

Why does my Muse only speak when she is unhappy?
She does not, I only listen when I am unhappy
When I am happy I live and despise writing
For my Muse this cannot but be dispiriting.

Stevie Smith ‘My Muse’ (1964)

photo credit: The Three Muses via photopin (license)

10 comments on “Stevie Smith explains why she didn’t write when she was happy – Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)”

  1. judithbarrow1
    August 30, 2015
    Judith Barrow's avatar

    Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: and commented:
    Drowning not waving!

    Reply
  2. Ann Perrin
    August 30, 2015
    Ann Perrin's avatar

    Yes rings truex

    Reply
    • bridget whelan
      September 3, 2015
      bridget whelan's avatar

      I wonder if most poets feel the same – happiness drives the muse away. (So writers’ block = happy times)

      Reply
  3. annabellefranklinauthor
    August 30, 2015
    annabellefranklinauthor's avatar

    My Muse only speaks when I’m fairly content, otherwise she sulks!

    Reply
    • bridget whelan
      September 3, 2015
      bridget whelan's avatar

      So, it’s a good sign when you’re lyrical…

      Reply
      • annabellefranklinauthor
        September 5, 2015
        annabellefranklinauthor's avatar

        Certainly is! I have a black book for ranting in, but the writing isn’t fit to be read by anyone else!

  4. dixonl2014
    August 30, 2015
    dixonl2014's avatar

    I think that when we are feeling blue, we need a friend to talk to and for writers, that means picking up the pen to sort out the emotions. The good thing is that our readers have moments of melancholy too and many can appreciate our musings. Lynn M.

    Reply
    • bridget whelan
      September 3, 2015
      bridget whelan's avatar

      I’m guilty of writing a lot of bad poetry full of teenage agnst (many, many years ago) and I think it can be a way of dealing with our darkest moments. Good therapy too because, as you say Lynn, to write you have to sort out what you feel, maybe get a better understanding of why this bad time has happened…And if you can do that and write GOOD poetry written with emotional maturity – whatever your age – then the result is very powerful.

      Reply
  5. dixonl2014
    September 4, 2015
    dixonl2014's avatar

    So true, Bridget

    Reply

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