Am I driven by my muse...or by the mainstream?

I've often heard from friends and family the question: How do you pick what to write about? Do you write from inspiration with the book being something you'd read...or do you write for the more mainstream fiction reader?

This may seem to be an obvious question, yet there are ways to muddy the waters with it. Are they referring to blog posts? Books? Articles? Being aware of exactly what the question refers to is helpful, but still can leave one unable to answer it.

Every time I hear this question, I am left with the urge to laugh wildly and a little manically. After all, as an artist, how do we decide what we are going to do? Explaining how I write is like asking how someone studies.

In all honesty, the answer is the same regardless of what the asker's intent is. For myself at least, I write what I am driven to. Be it a blog post, an article, a vlog, or a novel.

The topic isn't decided as one would decide whether to look at this or that, but rather what my muse is calling on me to do. I keep several notebooks on hand, as well as paper and pen all over the house, and vehicle, because I often times will get an idea while I'm doing the regular tasks we all do.

Keeping track of the ideas my muse hands out is an excellent way to ensure my creativity is flowing. An abundance of plot ideas, notes, and character information is very good. Still, it does mean as an author I have a decision to make. Beyond just which project to work on, but to actually decide how to write is a key point.

Muse it up or mainstream it down. Do I stay true to myself and my writing creativity or do I write for the more mainstream ideology? Every author must make that choice, for myself, writing within the mainstream has always proven to be a challenge. I can't find it in me to write what I'm told. I want to be free to express myself, to explore the world as I see it. Does this set me apart from others? Maybe, though I can't speak for another.

I'm happy being able to write as my Muse directs me. Writing is intensely personal and as long as my readers are enjoying what I am putting out, then I consider this to be a success.

May the muse be with you!