creative writing | creative life
In many ways, the world before C19 feels dull, harsh and STUCK. Why? Because it feels like now, finally, after the brutal and wildly complex lessons of the virus, we are shaking off a shitload off shackles. We are shaking off complacency. And ignorance. And arrogance. Consciously and with vigour. Ordinary, good-hearted, fed-up people AND …
Something I've noticed during C19 is how difficult it is to put yourself in the shoes of others. Ironically, when something hits us globally it's really, REALLY hard to think globally. We're all in this together. But also. We're not. Each of us is experiencing the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns as individuals. Our worlds …
Continue reading "Thoughts on C19: Are we in this together— or not?"
Twenty-one Reasons Not to be Visible (These are only some of the ones I've used but, hey, we don't got all day.) I’m too old I’m too fat I'm not cool, hip or trendy I’m not creative enough I’m not successful enough I’m not wealthy enough I’m not clever enough I’m not articulate, qualified, educated …
Ever since I started coaching aspiring and established authors and illustrators over at girlandduck.com, I've been saying the same thing: This is a personal development bootcamp, honey! Remember when Goldie Hawn joined the US army in Private Benjamin? She thought it would be a lark. Maybe they'd do a little stretching, some 'jogging' (remember jogging?), …
Continue reading "Writer? Illustrator? Six reasons you’re in a personal development bootcamp"
My Depth Year is about noticing the everyday and acknowledging what goes on. This afternoon in the space of ten minutes, I saved a lizard from drowning in my watering can, buried a dead bird in the fairy garden and planted a row of black hollyhocks at the foot of a fallen mulberry tree. So …
Creative writing is tough. Sometimes all we need is a tiny nudge to make us chuck it in. If you're looking to bail but need more than a hall pass, here are some tried and tested, totally legitimate, OUTS. Great excuses. Guaranteed to save face. Your face. 1. If you get published you might have …
I run a business. It's called girl & duck. It feels weird to call it a business. I didn't know you could love a business. But I do. I adore it. I'm obsessed with it. When I'm creating stuff for girl & duck, I'm in my genius zone. (Have you read that book? The one …
Continue reading "How I started an online business. And accidentally created a thriving community"
If you write for kids, you'll be asked to visit schools from time to time. Some authors relish this and seek it out. Others find it exhausting. If you're an introvert, like me, you might find this side of things gruelling. Remember, being an introvert has nothing to do with self-esteem and shyness. It just …