Drake The Duck Muse

Writers the world over will tell you that they follow their Muse when they create.  For some, that means staying connected to the mechanics of storytelling.  For others, it means aspiring to tap into some near-spiritual energy that leads one to write words that are worthy of reading.  For others still, it means emulating the work of famous writers who’ve “done it right”.

For me, following the Muse means holding courage.  Drake, a little invisible Mallard Duck with orange feet and bright blue tints in his feathers, represents my determination to reach beyond myself and tap into the stories that live in my world every day, without fear of people thinking I’m nuts.

Storytelling is a pursuit that often takes me outside of myself.  It can be a bit startling and intimidating sometimes.  Yet with Drake sitting on my shoulder, I feel I have a partner in this odd journey, and the isolation of seeing the world differently from nearly everyone else around me disappears.  With Drake, I can find the courage to take ownership of my creativity and allow self-doubt to take a backseat, as I swim deep into the pond of creation.

I thought the best way to honor that process was to give Drake the lead with our collection of short stories, "A Duck Quacks".  So often, story ideas materialize out of thin air.  I can’t rationally explain where they come from or how I’m able to convey them. There have even been days that I’ve spent time writing, then look at the results and honestly don’t remember how I came to the words.  I know there is something inside me that makes it all work.  I’ve named that something, Drake.

Why is Drake a Duck, you ask?  Well, when I was younger, the voice of my creativity wasn’t always very clear.  Sometimes it sounded like a voice under water.  At seven, it seemed logical that the voice was a Duck, talking to me while diving for food in the pond.  Since that time, Drake and I have, and do, talk often.

Regardless of whether you believe in the notion of a Muse, or the idea that there is an inner voice that speaks to creative people, leading them to do the work, the concept is very real to me. 

So, this is my Thank You to Drake.  I wanted to acknowledge a little covert Duck who lends me the courage to share my imagination on the page, and not quit… even when other people don’t hear the little quacker.

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Drake's Author Affirmations

Drake's hope is that these tiny quackings of support will help you to combat the evils of imposter syndrome and remind you that you're not swimming alone in the publishing pond.

Click the arrow to slide through all the affirmations, and be reassured...

Drake believes in you and your stories!

Drake adds a new affirmation to our Facebook page every day, so be sure to bookmark it,

and check back often. Below, are a few of his strongest reminders to embracce your writing journey where you are, as you are.