Honey bee walking on honeycomb

Be Mused by Susan M. Brackney

Inspiration, practical writing tips, and encouragement for artists, writers, and creative spirits.


Susan M. Brackney is a freelance writer, beekeeper, and the author of the The Lost Soul Companion books and Plan Bee, an illuminating guide to the mysterious and always-buzzing world of bees.


All the Lonely People

Solopreneur isolation and socializing tips.


California Dreamin'

Creativity, inspiration, and the Golden State.


Claiming Your Copyright

How the copyright process works.


Before It All Comes Crashing Down

Managing creative overwhelm.


Creativity and Poverty

Struggling with money?


Five Steps to Unsmothered

Struggling to stay creative?


Happy and Productive?

The creative paradox every artist faces.


Hiding Behind Wordsworth?

How to handle doubters.


Just Keep Pushing Already

Creative funding ideas.


Lost: One Muse; Juicy Reward Offered

How to get your creative muse back.


Make Genghis Proud

Focus, finish and boost creative productivity.


Many Hands Make … Well, You Know

There are not enough lifetimes for me to accomplish all of my creative goals.


One Poet, Many Possibilities

Everyone thinks I should write cards or put together a book. I don't have a clue if they really are worth pursuing or if people are just being kind.


Preserving the Artist's Mystique: Don't Bother

I was thinking of putting parts of my artist's sketchbook online at my art website, but my friend thinks that this would be a mistake.


Tick, Tick, Tick Save Time, Make Time Priorities, Grasshopper

How to balance needs of creative expression with demands of full-time jobs, family, spouses, exercise, etc.

Putting Off Those Pink Slips

Whenever an editor rightly or wrongly criticizes me, I fall apart and question if I am doing the right thing.


Some Refreshing Honesty in Order

As a supposedly creative person, I am stuck feeling that everything I do is wonderful AND that everything I do is crap.


Retraining the Brain

Some think that creativity is inherited, while others believe that we can be taught to be creative.


Self-Discipline: a Science and an Art

After my "work day" I feel drained and unable to apply myself towards creativity.


Finding the Side Door to Success

I love my day job as a postal carrier, but would like to make a living from my creative talents.


Time to Start the Freedom Fund

I can't figure out what to do with my life. Nothing I do seems to satisfy me.


Stuck in the Middle

For the past year I've been writing a book. As I come toward the middle of the book in its revisions, I'm getting stuck.


The Day the Music Died

Seems like whenever I write music, my songs/compositions never get finished!


Your Parents are Right (Sort of)

My parents are concerned that I won't be able to make a living as an artist, and they're encouraging me to be more "practical."


Will She be a Zombie on Paxil?

Could you explain how well Paxil works, and what the side effects are?


More Be Mused

Happy and Productive?

The creative paradox every artist faces.


Hiding Behind Wordsworth?

How to handle doubters.


Just Keep Pushing Already

Creative funding ideas.

Copyright ©2000-2026 Creativity-Portal.com