writing - Live Life Well

3, September 20233, September 2023

Throw your heart over the wall

Building a strange new world is a great way to get your creativity juices flowing. It’s so liberating to exist in a space where your imagination knows no bounds. You don’t like it? Fine! Change it. And change yourself in the process.

Dystopias are where you can venture into the unknown and stare at the future or the past. Imagine exploring all the possibilities – because you can.

This is where speculative fiction and art intersect. Dystopian landscapes challenge our perceptions of reality and ignite our creative spirits. In many respects, every work of fiction depends on creating a dystopia. Even the most mild romance novel relies on a created world. And opera – people burst into song at random moments. Continue reading “Throw your heart over the wall”

2, September 20232, September 2023

Procrastination, ADHD, and creativity

Sad dog longing for walk
Creative people are not immune from flat days. Days when staying bed seems too much. But for some people, procrastination is more than putting things off until tomorrow. Procrastination numbs their lives leading to heart-break, depression, and worse.

Taming procrastination is possible – let’s look at ways to find solutions. It demands digging into the root psychological dynamics that add to this behaviour.

Procrastination often emerges as a way to cope with anxiety or fear of failure. This way of coping can result from perfectionism or feeling overwhelmed by the task (or tasks) at hand. Some day, the simplest routines like walking the dog feel impossible. Continue reading “Procrastination, ADHD, and creativity”

31, August 2023

Sex Magic Unlocks Creativity

Sex Magic is a major creative force.

There’s a secret force hidden within the greatest creative works. It’s an energy that transforms and transcends the ordinary. It propels and lifts artistic work the humdrum to extraordinary heights.

Enter sex magic — an enigmatic term that evokes curiosity and raises eyebrows. It’s a phenomenon woven into the fabric of nature itself. Its potent life force in all living beings, from tiny insects to accomplished artists.

We’re enchanted with flamboyant peacock displays and the intricate dance of the fireflies. The pursuit of a mate sparks a transformation – no-one is exempt from the call. It’s a primal connection to the universe’s abundant possibilities. Continue reading “Sex Magic Unlocks Creativity”

21, August 2023

Making changes: From Freelancer to Employee

Embarking on a creative freelancing journey can be an exhilarating experience, filled with dreams of independence and artistic fulfilment. Yet, not all paths unfold as expected. If you find yourself transitioning from freelancing to seeking traditional employment, know that you’re not alone, and this shift doesn’t diminish your creativity or worth. It’s a chance for growth, learning, and a renewed perspective on your creative journey.

Initially, freelancing might have seemed like the perfect platform to showcase your talents and carve your niche. However, challenges in client acquisition, inconsistent income, and the business side of things can sometimes overshadow the creative joy. As you reflect on this transition, remember that setbacks are part of any creative venture. They don’t define your artistic abilities or creative potential.

It’s okay to feel a tinge of embarrassment or uncertainty as you consider traditional employment. But rather than letting this emotion overshadow your next steps, use it as a driving force for self-discovery and reinvention. Remember, your creative skills and experiences gained during freelancing are invaluable assets that can enrich your new professional endeavours.

Here are a few strategies to embrace this transition: Continue reading “Making changes: From Freelancer to Employee”

31, July 2023

Rising Above the Shadows: Navigating Creativity After Bad Experiences

Dear Creative Souls,

Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and for us, the artists, creators, and visionaries, it can be especially tumultuous. We know all too well the weight of past bad experiences that can cast a shadow over our creativity. Whether it’s emotionally destructive employment situations, challenging clients, or loss-making contracts, these experiences can dim our creative light. It can feel like a lonely world, and frankly, it sucks.

I don’t mean it to sound cliché, but in the midst of darkness, there is always a glimmer of hope. As creative beings, we possess an innate resilience that allows us to rise above adversity and find inspiration even in the most challenging circumstances. Here are some empowering ways to navigate the aftermath of negative experiences and reignite your creative spark: Continue reading “Rising Above the Shadows: Navigating Creativity After Bad Experiences”

28, July 2023

How much of being a successful creative is luck?

Being a successful creative is a combination of talent, hard work, and luck. While there is no denying that luck plays a role in any success story, it is important to remember that luck is often created by the individual.

Here are some of the factors that contribute to being a commercially successful creative: Continue reading “How much of being a successful creative is luck?”

27, July 202327, July 2023

The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity

It’s crucial to remember the importance of your mental well-being. In the middle of the pressures and demands of our daily lives, there’s a magical realm that can soothe the soul and heal the mind – art. Engaging in creative endeavours holds profound benefits for your mental health. Let’s explore how art can become your therapeutic sanctuary. Continue reading “The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity”

4, July 202321, July 2023

Unlocking the Flow: How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Your ideas matter (write them down)

Writer’s block is a pain, right? It’s that feeling of staring at a blank page, unable to put your thoughts into words. It can be frustrating and discouraging, but it doesn’t have to stop you from writing.

There are a few strategies that can help you overcome writer’s block and get your creative juices flowing again. Here are a few of my favourites: Continue reading “Unlocking the Flow: How to Overcome Writer’s Block”