The Creative Instinct

When it comes to your creative output, if you want to be loved, learn to be loathed.

I had a bit of a revelation the other day, courtesy of the Daily Mail (and I don’t say that often). My dear mum-in-law handed me one of their give-away CDs, full of rock anthems which she […]

What do the following have in common?

The short story competition entrant whose story is expensively bound and beautifully printed on the finest paper
The budding DJ who has spent 10 grand on kit he has no idea how to use
The con man dressed impeccably in a Saville Row suit in order to gain the confidence of […]

Here’s a simple, harsh truth - if your art, writing, music (or whatever your own creative shtick is) doesn’t demand almost instant attention, it will be passed over by just about everyone.
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Have you ever wondered if all the stories sent in to short story competitions get read?
I’ll give you the answer - NO!
How about films […]

In my previous post I talked about the way that unfettered ‘butterfly’ creativity can impede your growth and success. If you want to develop your creative muscles and give yourself the best chance of getting noticed you need something else, something more. This is what I call Courageous Creativity.
Courageous creativity is about maintaining your focus […]

Here’s the scene:

Walking slowly down the corridor of Doncaster Infirmary – because I’m accompanying my 83 year old mother-in-law, Vie, to her appointment for her gall stones – that is – getting rid of them. (Yes, I know it’s an exciting life, but somebody’s got to live it)

The walls are lined with colourful […]