[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some of my best story ideas have come to me on days when I cleaned stalls. It didn’t matter if it was -20 real temperature (gotta love brutal Iowa winters) or 90 degrees with 90% humidity. The act of cleaning stalls, something that’s a concrete, physical act with clear accomplishments, pulls me out of the worry/incessant thought part of my brain and into the creative side of it. For some people that’s housework. For me, it’s horsework.
Those who grew up horse crazy and remained horse crazy don’t need me to explain the allure horses have. How they ground you in the immediate moment and mirror back your thoughts and fears. Even if you think you’re there in the moment, fully present and aware, if some part of you isn’t, horses will tell you. Sometimes their clues are subtle. A shift of their body language, a slight tension in their muscles. Other times, it’s as forthright as buck or shy under saddle, or a hoof on a foot. If you’ve ever tried to move a 1000-lb creature off your foot, one that has learned to lean into pressure…that’s a lesson in and of itself.
For writers, and it doesn’t matter what you write, I find that the horses tap us innately into our muse, into our creativity. They demand we stay as present in the moment as they are; horses only live in the moment. They may have memories, good or bad, but they don’t fret or worry over something. They simply react to how you present to them right there, right now. A large part of finishing your book, publishing it and putting it out in the world, is getting out of your own way. Telling those voices to be quiet, be still, and be grounded right where you are.
In my Horse Wisdom blog series, I’ll be sharing lessons from my herd. They are, after all, the driving force of what I write (equestrian women’s lit and romance, not to mention the unicorns and magical equines who gallop through my fantasy. They’re my muse and my editor, my taskmaster and my consoler, and it’s time that they shared their wisdom with you.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag color=”orange”][vc_column_text]Are you wanting to share your book with the world? Feel as if you need more clarity and guidance on how to tap into the story waiting to be told? I help writers overcome life’s curve balls to create the book of their dreams. One that can touch readers and change hearts. Sign up below to be the first to hear about Unbridled Authors, my program to help you overcome fears and frustration as you gallop towards your dreams.[/vc_column_text]
