I recently heard an episode of Radiolab that discussed ways people make deals with themselves, be it to quit smoking or accomplish a goal. A segment with Eat. Pray. Love. author Liz Gilbert dealt with the idea of creativity as an external force and how an artist/writer/musician can negotiate with that. She speaks of the muse in the same way as Tori Amos, that being the art form as living being or as a force seeking an entrance into the material world. It makes a lot of sense. How else can you explain how great ideas are born out of nothing. Check it out here.
David Welling 