Wednesday, October 04, 2006

The Profitability of Killing One's Muse

For anyone who has read this blog for any length of time, it is no secret that I have long coveted the Alpha Smart. I have wanted one for a couple of years, but the pocketbook just refused to relinquish the necessary cash.

So when I saw the contest being held over at Writer Unboxed, I had a gut feeling this was my chance. And anyone who knows me knows that when my gut speaks, I listen. The contest asked you to submit what made you an unboxed writer. I thought about this for a few minutes. Being a plotter, not a panster, makes me a pretty conventional individual when it comes to my writing. So what was it that made me unboxed? Where did I step outside the safety zone, fly off into the creative ether?

Then a conversation Maxx and I had had about her wayward muse came back to me and I realized something. I had killed mine. Being a big fan of reliability and a bit of a single-minded workhorse when I wanted to accomplish something, I had grown tired of waiting for my own fickle muse to show up. So I killed her off. I wasn't sure if this was "unboxed" or just plain crazy, but I sent in my submission anyway and had a good feeling when I did.

The good feeling held true, and yesterday Kathleen and Therese emailed me to say I had won the Alpha Smart 3000. And a box of Godiva truffles. Picture if you will the happy dance I did in my pod when I got that email. My hands clamped over my mouth to keep me from screaming, my feet pounding the carpeted floor. It probably looked as though I was in the throes of a apoplectic fit. I didn't care. I was the proud new owner of my very own Alphie.

The announcement and my entry are over at Writer Unboxed. Check it out. They have a great blog for anyone who hasn't visited.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Way to go, Kelly! Loved your entry (hmmm, got me thinking about killing off my own muse) and big congrats on winning the AlphaSmart. Oh, and the Godiva chocolate too. Yum!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, congrats! That chocolate looks awesome!!

Oh...and the AlphaSmart is pretty cool too. ;)

Still feel bad for your muse, though...

Unknown said...

Congratulations Kelly! I'm wish I could kill off my muse some days. She isn't very consistent either. :)

I wonder if that is a federal offence?

Melissa Amateis said...

I was so excited when I saw you won. SOOOOO cool!!! Congrats! (Loved your entry, too!)

Tess said...

Congrats again, Kelly!!! Fantastic news :-) My first set of AAA batteries went for three years. And I only changed them cause I was worried they might corrode in there, rather than because they died. The AS is fantastic. I've used mine in so many places :-)

Shelli Stevens said...

I am so happy for you, Kelly! You rock!!! Congrats :)

Anonymous said...

Three cheers, Kelly! I love the entry. Especially the appearance of Persistence at the end!

Anonymous said...

Kath and I are thrilled that someone who really wanted the Alphie won it! CONGRATS!

Oh, p.s., I bought 2 boxes of those truffles, because, ya know. :) And I can tell you, they are scrumptious. I've exhibited applause-worthy self control too, saving one only as a special reward!

Christine Wells said...

Fantastic news, Kelly! Congratulations, I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.

Anonymous said...

Way to go!!!! :)

Dixie Belle said...

Congrats and I loved your entry. It is so true. Can't depend on the muse.

MJFredrick said...

Ooooh, congratulations!!!!! Enjoy your Alphie! I've had mine for 3 years and have yet to replace the batteries.