In 2007, I spent a lot of time with members of Team GB while they prepared for the Beijing Olympics. Here’s what Mo Farah taught me. And how it might apply to your creative work. thecreativelife.net/what-olympic...

What Olympic athletes can teach creatives - The Creative Life

Olympians train hard. But they also rest deeply. Creative work needs a similar balance. Where are you skimping on rest?

thecreativelife.net

Every August on my summer break, I have to learn this all over again. Work is so much a part of my identity, and so ingrained. So this week, I'll mainly be reading. To stop myself drifting back to the computer to do just one more thing (then another). Who are you when you're doing nothing?

Comedy: James Acaster He performs his entire new stand-up show as his own tribute act. It’s as beautifully constructed as always – and very, very funny.

It's hot, so I hope you're able to take some time out this August. We all need to play, as well as work. Stuck for ideas? Here's a list of 100 play date ideas to start you off: thecreativelife.net/100-ideas-fo...

100 Ideas For Play Dates or Artist Dates - The Creative Life

Play is essential for creative thinking. But as adults, we can forget how to play. So here are 100 ideas for creative play dates

thecreativelife.net

Event: Most Wuthering Heights day Pure joy last Sunday as thousands of ladies in red (and a few gentlemen) dance Kate Bush’s moves on the harbour arm at Folkestone in this annual celebration of her debut hit.

Work is important. But so is play. Even for adults. thecreativelife.net/adults-need-...

Adults still need play. Especially creatives. - The Creative Life

Adults still need play. It helps us relax, think more creatively, be more productive. But also... it's fun. And we all need more of that!

thecreativelife.net

If you want to write, read. If you want to make art, go look at art. If you want to play in a band, go to gigs and listen to all the music you can. If you want to make films, watch them. Over and over. You can learn a lot at school. But you also need to learn from the greats in your field.

Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Novel: Katabasis R F Kuang is a brilliant weaver of worlds, playing intelligently with language, literature, maths and physics. This follows two Cambridge students of advanced magick who go to Hell. Literally.

10 More Books for Creatives: My second list of books to help you with inspiration, overcoming blocks - and just knowing that others share your challenges. Are your favourites here? And what have I missed out? thecreativelife.net/more-books-f...

More books for creatives - The Creative Life

Books to make you more creative, help with blocks and fears – and just make you feel less alone.

thecreativelife.net

Kate Bush embracing imperfection. She's talking about music, but as always, what is true for one type of creative work is true of all the others. PS. July 26 is Wuthering Heights day in Folkestone, in which thousands of women in red dance Kate's moves on the harbour arm..

Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Comedy: Madeleine Brettingham Her show Legend finds humour in difficult material - being raised by an alcoholic single dad - with real style. A rising star, she’ll be at The Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh. Go if you can.

How to find your direction, in work and life. Hint: despite the advice in self-help books, it’s very rarely about following your passion.

How to find your direction, in work and life - The Creative Life

Life is rarely linear. If you're not sure how to find your direction, just act, try something. The dots will join up, eventually.

thecreativelife.net

David Hockney was such a wonderful example of a creative life well lived. He stayed curious right to the end. I love this quote from him. It's not just about painting, I think. It's true of all creative work.

Creative professionals: want some free coaching? Come to my Zoom session, In The Room. Bring your questions, anywhere you're feeling stuck or could use some support. You'll get advice and resources from me – but also the collective wisdom of all the other creatives in the room. 👇

What are the best tools for writers in 2026? I update this post every year. It’s a subjective list, and of course you don’t need any fancy kit to start writing: a pen and paper or your phone will do nicely. But here's what I'm currently using:

The best tools for writers in 2026 - The Creative Life

All you really need to write is a pen and paper. But this list of tools and resources for writers will help you do more – and get paid more.

thecreativelife.net

No one likes to fail. But it's an essential part of the creative process. Let go of perfectionism. Make more, care less. This is not a recipe for disaster. It's the only way to make the brilliant work you want to make.

Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Art: Lindsey Mendick The Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate becomes a Twin Peaks set in this eerie, atmospheric show by the brilliant British sculptor and ceramicist. It’s on till August 30. Go!

I get a lot of questions about the tools I use as a writer, self-published author, and coach with a weekly newsletter about creative process. So I’ve made a list of all the things I use regularly. Big caveat here. YOU DON’T NEED FANCY KIT TO WRITE. 👇

Inspiration doesn't always appear when you need it. But if you get to work, at least it knows where to find you.

Sunday celebration. Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us I’m probably the last person on earth to discover Last Dinner Party’s joyous cover of the Sparks track. It seems to have been part of their live set for ages.

can’t believe a narcissist is being so publicly humiliated by a reflecting pool

It's easy to put off creative work. To say you don't have time. But if it's important, you need to make the time. Here's how.

Make time for the work you want to do - The Creative Life

"I don't have time" is the modern mantra. But if creative work is important to you, then you can make time. Here's how.

thecreativelife.net

Feeling stuck? What is true for writing is true for any other creative work. Take a break. (But not a distraction.) Create the space. And be patient.

Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Music: You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love Intelligent pop album from Olivia Rodrigo. Sweet, with sharp edges – and a surprise guest vocal from Robert Smith.

Everything you’ve ever created is an asset. Even if you don’t own the copyright (and please try to), you can still use it to promote your work. If you do own it, you can recycle, reissue, repackage it any way you want. Here are some suggestions.

Use your creative assets - The Creative Life

Whatever you create - art, craft, music, film, fashion, writing - is reusable content. So use your creative assets. Make them work for you.

thecreativelife.net

How do you master any creative field? You do it, badly. Then you do it again. And again. And again. Do your reps. Take care of the quantity, and the quality will show up too... eventually.

Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Film: Backrooms Chiwetel Ejiofor lends gravitas to this low-budget horror debut by 20-year-old director/writer Kane Parsons. An embittered salesman finds a strange, secret labyrinth behind his furniture showroom.

How to make an extra 10k or more from your creative work. Notice your limiting beliefs around money, and start playing big. thecreativelife.net/how-to-make-...

How to make 10k more from your creative work - The Creative Life

Make the time and space to dream big and create a premium, VIP offering. And notice when you keep yourself small.

thecreativelife.net

Creative work is hard. And scary. Every time you start, the inner critics start their carping. It's no wonder we procrastinate. But you know what's worse? Not doing it. Better to try and fail than to keep putting it off. And spend your final years wondering about what could have been.

Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Film: Nouvelle Vague Richard Linklater’s loving homage to Breathless follows Jean-Luc Godard while he makes his debut feature, recreating classic scenes as it goes. Slightly pointless – but utterly charming.