CREATIVE PROCESS — THE MUSE

The Muse Behind the Story

INSPIRATION IS THE THING …

Preface

The inspiration for the first of my published short stories came from research into rituals that celebrate the summer solstice.

I became fascinated by a photograph showing long, colourful ribbons (‘clotties’ or ‘clooties’) trailing from a tree. Were they there just for decoration or was there more to it? After a little investigation, I found that wishing tree rituals are commonly held in May or June, particularly in parts of Ireland and Cornwall, where believers inscribe wishes onto ribbons and ask for blessings from nature, saints, or goddesses.

I began to think of the rituals we hold throughout the year and their purpose. Whether a summer solstice or a snowbound December, we re-enact rituals season after season. I decided I wanted to write a story centered around the wishing tree ritual. I had my main character in mind, a young widow who was grieving the loss of her husband. What if I introduced elements of the supernatural? What would be the effect on my character and her situation? From this spawned the first tale in my short story collection.

Story Extract

I’ve discussed the inspiration, here are the goods!

Extract from Levana’s Wish by Susi Moore © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

It was late in the evening as I joined my sisters to gather round the gnarled yew tree at the rise of the meadow. On this eve of solstice, we were to lament over those loved and lost and seek exultation. I thought of my husband, Auric, and remembered our first encounter, another solstice, long ago. We had fallen in love, taken our vows and nothing would part us. Except, he was gone and I was lost. My fingertips caressed the talisman around my neck which contained the lock of his hair. I sighed and caught the eye of the Elder Sister. Only one of our sect would be chosen tonight, and her gaze rested on me.

In preparation, we inscribed our desires onto many silk ribbons. They were pinned to the phosphorescent lanterns suspended from the canopy above. My hair, dark with henna, was wreathed in crimson anemones and trailing broom purples. My robe, falling in layers to my bare feet, was woven through with horsetail and comfrey. Each adorning bud and herb had been selected for their powers of rejuvenation.

The skies darkened and torches were lit. The pungency of the spirit energies stole through the night breeze as our lamentations in song and verse commenced. The ribbon lanterns burned brighter, casting oscillating shadows around us. We remembered those loved and lost. Then it was time. The vessel was passed to each of us, and we took deep mouthfuls of its blood-potent liquid.

Extract from Levana’s Wish by Susi Moore © 2015. All Rights Reserved. First published (2015) to Amazon. No part of this work or publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

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