Articles
I have had several writing-related articles published. Please read on for
a brief list of them, along with a short sample...
*Writer's conferences are educational, fun--and expensive. Learn how you
can maximize the resources available at your next convention by turning them into a saleable
interview. "Prepare for a Profitable Conference" was published in the May, 2001 issue of
Writer's Digest.
*Does music play an inspirational role in a writer's life? How can music help writers escape
from "conflict limbo?" Inspired by my background as a piano teacher and performer, I explored these
questions in "Finding Your Musical Muse," which appeared in the Winter, 2001 issue of Yellow
Sticky Notes.
*Here is a sample of one of my articles as first printed in the October, 1999 issue of the
Heart of Denver Romance Writers newsletter, The Heart Beat of Denver.
Which Muse Do You Choose To Use?
by Barbara Zukowski
According to Greek mythology, the muses are demi-goddesses or inferior divinities - nine beautiful,
young, artistic and immortal virgins, who are able to inspire intellectual endeavor and creativity in
artists. The fruits of nine nights of love-making between Zeus and Mnemosyne, or Memory, they
originally lived wild on Mt. Parnassus until tamed by Apollo, thereafter becoming his eternal
companions. Each one of them a divine singer, they presided over thought in all its many forms.
Barbara Keiler, in her 1999 RWA Conference Special Luncheon speech put it more simply, I suppose, when
she called our muses, "those psychological sluts."
All righty then. Who are these elusive nymphs? And do we want them near our loved ones, let
alone in our writing world?
Calliope - muse of epic poetry and eloquence. I imagine we’d all love to express emotions
vividly and in an unforgettable manner, so I’ll hang on to this one.
Clio - muse of history and epic poetry. You historical writers probably want to bump bustles
with this little lady.
Erato - muse of erotic poetry. Definitely a keeper. ‘Nuff said.
Euterpe - muse of lyric poetry and rapturous music. Anything having to do with the word
"rapturous" gets my vote.
Melpomene - muse of tragedy. Let’s not go there. But if we must, may we keep it confined
within the pages of our stunning stories.
Polyhymnia - muse of religious poetry and harmonious song. Isn’t this simply divine? There’s
even one especially for you inspirational writers.
Terpsichore - muse of dancing and choral song. A good partner to celebrate with after hours
of rapturous (I really like that word) writing.
Thalia - muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. Did you hear the one about the guy who ...?
Urania - muse of astronomy. Paranormals? Time travels? We’re talking about the science of
heavenly bodies here. Hubba, hubba.
So there they are. The nine muses, in alphabetical order. Mix them up, use them sparingly, or
use them often. But always, always use the word "rapturous" whenever you can. I mean it.
The Rapturous End.
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