The Time is Right Living a Creative Life

Like those days in school where we're asked to write about what we did over vacation, John and Kevin discuss what they learned last year about their own creativity, and how they plan to apply those lessons this year. This is an activity every creator should do. By reviewing and evaluating what's working and what isn't, we move our creativity forward and keep the energy flowing. When the flow isn't there, it could be because we haven't dropped habits that hold us back. Oh, and you get your money's worth in this episode. It's a long one, so grab a favorite beverage and pull up a comfy chair... Resources for Creativity: John's resource is How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy. A book John describes has having three halves. Kevin suggests exploring your family artifacts. Those items, letters, and photos from previous generations. Note: book links are affiliate links to bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores everywhere, including Modern Folklore Bookstore.

Like those days in school where we're asked to write about what we did over vacation, John and Kevin discuss what they learned last year about their own creativity, and how they plan to apply those lessons this year. This is an activity every creator should do. By reviewing and evaluating what's working and what isn't, we move our creativity forward and keep the energy flowing. When the flow isn't there, it could be because we haven't dropped habits that hold us back.Oh, and you get your money's worth in this episode. It's a long one, so grab a favorite beverage and pull up a comfy chair...Resources for Creativity:John's resource is How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy. A book John describes has having three halves.Kevin suggests exploring your family artifacts. Those items, letters, and photos from previous generations.Note: book links are affiliate links to bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores everywhere, including Modern Folklore Bookstore. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Do you get distracted by your creativity tools? Do you put off your creative work because you haven't found the perfect tools? Do you argue online about your favorite tools? In this episode, we talk about these concerns and how to work through the temptation and get to work.A Resource?Neither of us read this book, but it appears useful. Unclutter Your Mind: 500 ways to Focus on What's Important by Donna Smallin.Book links are affiliate links to Bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Do you get distracted by your creativity tools? Do you put off your creative work because you haven't found the perfect tools? Do you argue online about your favorite tools? In this episode, we talk about these concerns and how to work through the temptation and get to work. A Resource? Neither of us read this book, but it appears useful. Unclutter Your Mind: 500 ways to Focus on What's Important by Donna Smallin. Book links are affiliate links to Bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores.

This episode is a little more personal for us. We dig into how we each have managed our creativity while dealing with unexpected and emotionally difficult times. Each creative deals with this in their own way. There is no single best approach other than to use or perform creative work in the manner that serves you best. Creativity can be a therapeutic benefit, but it can also cause anxiety and stress. Knowing yourself and "going with the flow" of what feels best, being open to change, accepting setbacks, etc. is probably the only guidance we can give. But if you've ever struggled with being creative while facing life's biggest challenges, give this a listen. You're not alone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

This episode is a little more personal for us. We dig into how we each have managed our creativity while dealing with unexpected and emotionally difficult times. Each creative deals with this in their own way. There is no single best approach other than to use or perform creative work in the manner that serves you best. Creativity can be a therapeutic benefit, but it can also cause anxiety and stress. Knowing yourself and "going with the flow" of what feels best, being open to change, accepting setbacks, etc. is probably the only guidance we can give. But if you've ever struggled with being creative while facing life's biggest challenges, give this a listen. You're not alone.

In this episode, John and Kevin discuss whether creatives should focus on making weaknesses stronger or double down on our strengths. How do we even evaluate what a strength or weakness is? Should we label something as a weakness? We each want to improve in our craft, but what's the best way to frame how we do that?ResourcesKevin suggests reading Cory Doctorow's article about how social media platforms change over time. Why they always (so far) serve the owners and never (so far) their users or the content creators in the long run. Read it here.John recommends a strengths and weaknesses listicle from Elite Daily. The presentation undermines the message, which isn't actually wrong, but sounds like it is. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

In this episode, John and Kevin discuss whether creatives should focus on making weaknesses stronger or double down on our strengths. How do we even evaluate what a strength or weakness is? Should we label something as a weakness? We each want to improve in our craft, but what's the best way to frame how we do that? Resources Kevin suggests reading Cory Doctorow's article about how social media platforms change over time. Why they always (so far) serve the owners and never (so far) their users or the content creators in the long run. Read it here. John recommends a strengths and weaknesses listicle from Elite Daily. The presentation undermines the message, which isn't actually wrong, but sounds like it is.

In this episode, John and Kevin discuss why taking a break or slowing down our creativity can actually make us more creatively productive. Taking the time to consider our work: the content, techniques, and approaches, even our mindset, will benefit our overall effort.The need to rechargeFirst Ideas: taking time to think of and generate better ideasLiving—experiencing life, which fuels creativityBonus! Stay tuned for a special, surprise ending.Resources:Kevin suggested The Art of Slow Writing, by Louise DeSalvo - not just for writers. DeSalvo discusses the idea that our best work comes when we've taken our time to let ideas filter to us. First blush ideas are the easy ones. Lots of examples of famous books that took years not just to write, but for authors to figure out what their story idea was about.John suggested Laura Veirs's Kaleidoscope Creativity Cards. Draw three cards and put them together as a creativity prompt.Note: Links to books are affiliate links to Bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

In this episode, John and Kevin discuss why taking a break or slowing down our creativity can actually make us more creatively productive. Taking the time to consider our work: the content, techniques, and approaches, even our mindset, will benefit our overall effort. The need to recharge First Ideas: taking time to think of and generate better ideas Living—experiencing life, which fuels creativity Bonus! Stay tuned for a special, surprise ending. Resources: Kevin suggested The Art of Slow Writing, by Louise DeSalvo - not just for writers. DeSalvo discusses the idea that our best work comes when we've taken our time to let ideas filter to us. First blush ideas are the easy ones. Lots of examples of famous books that took years not just to write, but for authors to figure out what their story idea was about. John suggested Laura Veirs's Kaleidoscope Creativity Cards. Draw three cards and put them together as a creativity prompt. Note: Links to books are affiliate links to Bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores.

The Lemon Juice EpisodeThis episode features an interview with singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Dany Horovitz. Possibly the voice of his generation. Dany talks about practice, process, and the importance of community and collaboration. He also recommends living life! You can find Dany's music wherever you prefer to listen. Dany's links: https://lnk.bio/danyhorovitz Resources:John read Embrace Your Weird by Felicia Day and highly recommends it.Kevin suggested starting a Creativity Journal. He keeps multiple: poetry and nonfiction ideas and thoughts, a reading journal, a story journal, and a work diary. Here are a couple of resources to get you started:*Book links are affiliate links supporting the Modern Folklore Press bookshop. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

The Lemon Juice Episode This episode features an interview with singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Dany Horovitz. Possibly the voice of his generation. Dany talks about practice, process, and the importance of community and collaboration. He also recommends living life! You can find Dany's music wherever you prefer to listen. Dany's links: https://lnk.bio/danyhorovitz Resources: John read Embrace Your Weird by Felicia Day and highly recommends it. Kevin suggested starting a Creativity Journal. He keeps multiple: poetry and nonfiction ideas and thoughts, a reading journal, a story journal, and a work diary. Here are a couple of resources to get you started: *Book links are affiliate links supporting the Modern Folklore Press bookshop.

In this episode, John and Kevin dig into how the pursuit of perfection in our creative work can hold us back. They discuss how and when perfectionism can manifest during the creative process and ways they have overcome the pitfalls.ResourcesPsychology Today primer on the psychological definitions of perfectionism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/perfectionismMindful Art Studio: How Perfectionism is Killing Your Creativity:https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-perfectionism-is-killing-your-creativity/Psychology Today: Getting Creative by Striving for Excellence Vs. Perfection:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-innovating-minds/202110/getting-creative-striving-excellence-vs-perfection This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

In this episode, John and Kevin dig into how the pursuit of perfection in our creative work can hold us back. They discuss how and when perfectionism can manifest during the creative process and ways they have overcome the pitfalls. Resources Psychology Today primer on the psychological definitions of perfectionism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/perfectionism Mindful Art Studio: How Perfectionism is Killing Your Creativity: https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-perfectionism-is-killing-your-creativity/ Psychology Today: Getting Creative by Striving for Excellence Vs. Perfection: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-innovating-minds/202110/getting-creative-striving-excellence-vs-perfection

This month we explore how boredom and tedium can help with the creative process. Do you get your best ideas while washing the dishes or walking the dog? There's a reason for that.Our minds need to associate freely between ideas, thoughts, and memories. But when we consciously try to direct our attention to create, often the associations don't come. Science says we often need to be distracted just enough for the creative mind to shift into gear.Resources:Why Being Bored May Not Be Bad: A StudyArticle: The Unexpected Value of Boredom for Well-Being and CreativityBored and Brilliant, by Manoush ZomorodiCreative Quest, by Quest LoveKevin suggests: Read a memoir written by a creator, artist, writer, comic creator, etc. Not a biography, and not ghost written, but a personal memoir by the creator. Reading about the lives of other creatives can unlock your own. If you need an example, I recommend Upstream by poet Mary Oliver.John Recommended: The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick RubinNote: book links are affiliate links to Bookshop.org via Modern Folklore Press. Bookshop and Modern Folklore Press support local, independent bookstores. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

This month we explore how boredom and tedium can help with the creative process. Do you get your best ideas while washing the dishes or walking the dog? There's a reason for that. Our minds need to associate freely between ideas, thoughts, and memories. But when we consciously try to direct our attention to create, often the associations don't come. Science says we often need to be distracted just enough for the creative mind to shift into gear. Resources: Why Being Bored May Not Be Bad: A Study Article: The Unexpected Value of Boredom for Well-Being and Creativity Bored and Brilliant, by Manoush Zomorodi Creative Quest, by Quest Love Kevin suggests: Read a memoir written by a creator, artist, writer, comic creator, etc. Not a biography, and not ghost written, but a personal memoir by the creator. Reading about the lives of other creatives can unlock your own. If you need an example, I recommend Upstream by poet Mary Oliver. John Recommended: The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin Note: book links are affiliate links to Bookshop.org via Modern Folklore Press. Bookshop and Modern Folklore Press support local, independent bookstores.

In this episode, we're joined by Dewi Hargreaves, who is an author and artist. He shares his creative mindset and process, and his journey to living a creative life. You can find him here.Resources MentionedEmbrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity by Felicia DayYou're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost): A Memoir, by Felicia DayThe Artist's Way, by Julia CameronJohn is reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin but has not finished it yet.Find Your Prompt! If you're stuck or just looking to do something new, find a resource for prompts in whatever creative endeavor you do, and unlock your creativity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

In this episode, we're joined by Dewi Hargreaves, who is an author and artist. He shares his creative mindset and process, and his journey to living a creative life. You can find him here. Resources Mentioned Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity by Felicia Day You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost): A Memoir, by Felicia Day The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron John is reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin but has not finished it yet. Find Your Prompt! If you're stuck or just looking to do something new, find a resource for prompts in whatever creative endeavor you do, and unlock your creativity.

Going deeper into the idea that process is more important than outcome. Why valuing, even honoring, the creative process is so important to our creativity. The post Episode 18: Valuing the Creative Process first appeared on Epos.

This month, we go deeper into the idea that the process is more important than the outcome. We discuss why valuing, even honoring, the creative process is so important to our creativity. We explore the significance of practice, experimentation, and intention. Also, why it's important to create our creative spaces and time.For a creative: if time is money, then process is the currency and the outcome is what you've purchased.Resources MentionedThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronThe Slowdown podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

For the final episode of the year, we did not really do a year in review. Or maybe we did. The post Episode 17: Not Really The Year In Review first appeared on Epos.

The last episode for the year was supposed to be a review of our favorite books about creativity. That didn't work out so well. But we did look at what inspired us and what we'll be doing in 2023.Resources MentionedThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronThe War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven PressfieldA Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker Ezra Klein Show: This Conversation About the 'Reading Mind' Is a Gift This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

This time, John and Kevin discuss finding creativity. Finding a creative path in the first place, or finding our way back to creativity. Recent years have been both a boon and a bane to creative work. We offer some thoughts and ideas for getting going or getting going again, and why you should.Resources:John is reading: Essentialism by Greg McKeownThe Science Behind CreativityThis article summarizes some of the science around creativity: https://extension.sdstate.edu/mental-health-and-creativityOne article talks about the benefits of Expressive Writing.https://www.psychreg.org/expressive-writing/We might not think of journaling as creative, but it absolutely is.So is knitting, for example:https://www.mhanational.org/blog/mental-health-benefits-knittingAnd, we discussed why creativity is important in Episode 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Finding a creative path in the first place, or finding our way back to creativity can be difficult. We talk about ways to get in or get in again. The post Episode 16: Finding Creativity first appeared on Epos Books.

In this episode, John and Kevin discuss sharing our creativity. Not just posting a picture on social media or putting something up for sale, but sharing our process. Or even sharing the activity itself and discoveries we make along the way. How do you share creativity?Resources MentionedFiguring by Maria PopovaCognitive Surplus by Clay ShirkyVenus Theory, Musician and YoutuberMary Spender, Musician and YoutuberShow Your Work, by Austin Kleon Inspired to Write, Instagram account by Amie McNeeReading Glasses Podcast with Mallory O'Meara and Brea Grant.Are you a creative with an interesting story about finding your way to a creative life? Would you like to share it through our podcast? If so, tell us about yourself here. Don't forget to rate and review The Time is Right podcast on your favorite platform. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

John and Kevin discuss sharing our creativity. Not just posting a picture on social media or putting something up for sale, but sharing our process. The post Episode 15: What Happens When Sharing Our Creative Work first appeared on Epos Books.

Jordan Duncan is a multi-creative writer, poet, editor, blogger, and more. She's half of the Coffee Book and Candle blog duo. You can find out more about her and her work at Twitter and Linktree, and her poetry here: Quill and Crow Publishing. Creativity Resources Mentioned:Dan Koboldt: Putting the Science in Science FictionAudacity: free audio editingDavinci Resolve: video editingMovavi: audio and video editingCanva: Image editingGimp: photo manipulationAffinity: photo editingPhotoshop Lightroom (mobile): photo editing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Interview with Jordan Duncan, a writer, poet, editor, blogger, and half of the Coffee Book and Candle blog duo. The post Episode 14: Interview With Jordan Duncan first appeared on Epos Books.

Marijah V. is a writer, poet, editor, photographer, musician, adventurer and all-around creative. Marijah joined us for a conversation about creativity and how her various outlets have grown and changed. She's a firm believer in putting your creativity out into the world because you will receive more than you give.You can learn all about her at her website: marijahvwanderlust.com or Instagram or Twitter.Resources mentioned:Virtual Reality: Oculus (Now called Meta Quest) with travel apps to explore the world you can't visit.Marijah V. Wanderlust photos, volunteering opportunities, and more.A Field Guide to Getting Lost, by Rebecca Solnit. Essays on finding yourself by allowing us to lose ourselves.Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver. Poetry as Essay. She discusses feeding creativity by finding a quiet place that speaks to you and just notice the details. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Marijah V. is a writer, poet, editor, photographer, musician, adventurer and all-around creative. The post Episode 13: Interview With Multi-Creative Marijah V. first appeared on Epos Books.

Feeling like a Creative fraud. In this episode, John and Kevin discuss the times they've experienced this and what they've done to cope with and these periods. The post Episode 12: Who's the Imposter? first appeared on Epos Books.

Are You a Creative Fraud?Some refer to this as Imposter Syndrome, but that can be a serious condition, and while it doesn't have an official diagnosis, psychologists treat it seriously. Untreated, the effects can be devastating. If you believe your condition is serious or chronic, seek a professional therapist.What we're talking about are the feelings creatives get periodically where we believe our work doesn't stand up to that of others or the vision we set for ourselves.Feeling like a Creative fraud.In this episode, John and Kevin discuss the times they've experienced this and what they've done to cope with and get beyond these periods.Resources Mentioned:Skill Share Guide: Creative Imposter Syndrome: How to Beat Feeling Like an Artistic FraudTime Article: How to Deal with Imposter SyndromeAPA Article: Feeling Like a FraudPsychology Today Article: Imposter SyndromeAn Introvert's Guide to Beating Imposter Syndrome This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Interview with Kristin Osani who is a queer writer who lives in Kyoto, Japan where she works as a freelance Japanese-to-English video game translator The post Episode 11: Interview with Author & Translator Kristin Osani first appeared on Epos Books.

Kristin Osani is a queer writer who lives in Kyoto, Japan where she works as a freelance Japanese-to-English video game translator when she's not wordsmithing, working on nerdy cross-stitching, or cuddling her two cats (three if you include her husband).Her fiction has appeared in FlashPoint SF, the Arcanist, and Ghost Orchid Press's Beyond the Veil: Supernatural Tales of Queer Love anthology.Kristin's website is https://www.kristinosani.com/Kristin shared her experience with creativity through her work as a video-game translator, her writing, cross-stitching, and drawing.Kristin's creative resources:For writers struggling to create protagonists well: The Protagonist Problem.Brandon Sanderson's Creative Writing Lectures on YoutubeEllen Brock's YouTube channelWriting Excuses PodcastSave the Cat!, by Blake SnyderTake Off Your Pants!: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing, by Libbie HawkerThe Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface, by Donald MaasWonderbook: the Illustrated Guide to Creating Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeerThe Nebula Conference is a great place for SFF writers to connect and learn.John suggested The Listening Book: Discovering Your Own Music, by W. A. MathieuKevin mentioned** the book The Lady from the Black Lagoon, by Mallory O'Meara **Actually, Kevin mis-titled the book repeatedly in the episode. That's what happens when you don't look at your notes.

Author, artist (painting, NFT, sculptor), musician, and teacher Jonathan Hansen, aka Johan Michaels talks about all things creative. The post Episode 10: Interview With Multi-Creative Jonathan Hansen first appeared on Epos Books.

This time we're joined by author, artist (painting, NFT, sculptor), musician, and teacher Jonathan Hansen, aka Johan Michaels. We talked about deciding which creative endeavor to pick up when he has so many, creative energy, his influences, writing, and music. Jonathan also talked about NFTs as a creator.Jonathan's website: https://johanmichaels.weebly.com/Resources we mentioned: A good video explaining NFTsPexels is a resource for royalty free videos.Distrokid is a service that distributes music to all the major platforms, like Spotify and Apple.Steven King's On Writing is a good resource for writers.Fabula - storytelling cardsNFT Marketplaces you can browse: OpenSea and ObjktAlso, take a walk when the going gets tough, and keep a creativity journal. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Before writing, Geoffreyjen was a scientist. He draws on experience in astrophysics, artificial intelligence, design, disability studies & performing arts. The post Episode 9: Interview with Author & Creative Geoffreyjenn Edwards first appeared on Epos Books.

We continue our interviews, this time with Sci-Fi author Geoffreyjen Edwards.We get into many aspects of creativity, including collaboration and how challenging yourself by going big rather than going home can be a successful creative strategy.Before becoming a science-fiction writer, Geoffreyjen led a successful career as a full-time scientist. Indeed, he populates his world-building by drawing on experience in fields as diverse as astrophysics, artificial intelligence, geomatics, design, disability studies and the performing arts. Plenum: The First Book of Deo, is his first published novel. Dr. Edwards lives and works in Quebec City, Canada, and has published smaller pieces in both English and French. He also is a fashion designer. Look him up at http://www.geoffreyjenedwards.com.Our Resources Mentioned:Kevin talked about Art Breder: a site for making art cooperatively with artificial intelligence.John suggested everyone bring and use their phone's recorder to capture notes and ideas in those hot moments they occur. Also, a towel.Geoffreyjen mentioned a site for ongoing conversations called Infinite Conversations. They are also running a publishing cooperative called Cosmos Coop. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Lily Hammer (aka Kate), is a writer, drummer, photographer, and all around creative. She talked about her approach to creativity. The post Episode 8: Author & Multi-Creative Lily Hammer Interview first appeared on Epos Books.

Our first interview with someone who isn't us! We spoke with Lily Hammer (aka Kate), a writer, drummer, photographer, and all around creative. She talked about her approach to creativity, and how her creative efforts and interests have changed over time. She also shared how creativity helped her cope with a dark time in her life. How placing creativity at the forefront helps her be the hopeful and creative person she is today.You can find Kate (Lily) on her website, Twitter, and Instagram.This week's creativity resourcesKate mentioned a TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson during the interview. She also suggested the book Deep Work by Cal Newport.John talked about the book Silence by John Cage.Kevin recommended the poet Joy Harjo's body of work. Poetry, essays, and flashes of memory. You can sample her work here and her books are here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Kevin talks about why he writes and what happens when he lacks creative focus. He also discusses taking his creativity full-time. The post Episode 7: Interview with Poet & Author Kevin J Fellows first appeared on Epos Books.

In this episode, John interviews Kevin about his creativity.Kevin talks about why he writes and what happens when he lacks creative focus. He discuses taking his creativity full time and his other creative outlets, like playing guitar.Our interviews highlight people, famous or not so famous, living lives focused on their creativity.Creativity Resources:Kevin suggests using podcasts and searching often. We often forget that people publish new ones all the time.John recommends Get Back, the Beatles documentary by Peter Jackson on Disney+. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Our first Creator Interview. Composer & Musician John M. Davis talks about his music, and why having a creative focus is important. The post Episode 6: Interview With Composer & Musician John M. Davis first appeared on Epos Books.

In this episode, Kevin interviews John about his creativity.John talks about why he focuses on music, and why having a creative focus is important to him. He also discusses other creative endeavors, such as photography, and doing creative work with his partner.This is the first in a series of interviews with people living creatively. Our goal is to highlight people (famous or not) living creative lives.Creativity Resources:John and Kevin unknowingly shared the same resource. (Something incorrectly attributed to great minds thinking alike.) But the unanimous recommendation is: The Marginalian by Maria Popova. Maria shares posts two to three times a week about creativity, love, poetry, science, philosophy, and really captures the essence of living a creative life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

John and Kevin discuss creativity as a process rather than an outcome. Every creative person produces finished work from time to time. For each creative work, however, there is a process. The post Episode 5: Creativity as a Process, not an Outcome first appeared on Epos Books.

In episode 5, John and Kevin discuss creativity as a process rather than an outcome. Every creative person produces finished work from time to time. For each creative work, however, there is a process of continuous learning and improvement that goes into it. They discuss the importance of a growth mindset and being open to viewing each work as a step along the way of a much longer journey.The guys also talk about studies done in the 1960s that show we are all born creative and we can recapture that creativity at any point in our lives.ResourcesMuch of the material for this episode was drawn from an article by James Clear: Creativity is a Process, Not an Event. Check it out on Jame's Clear's site. Jame Clear and the hosts also discuss a landmark study done by George Land and Beth Jarman in 1968. Click here for an article and TED Talk on this study.The Funniest Joke in the World (you'll know why we sent you here)Kevin brought Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind by Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire. If you want to understand what being creative does to our brains and bodies, this is a great resource.John introduced the book Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon.Kleon's book discusses many of the same subjects as the hosts do in the podcast but puts a great deal of emphasis on learning from, and emulating, your influences as a way to help find your own voice. In turn, Kleon discusses the value of learning from the influences that inspired your creative heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Everyone benefits from belonging to a creative community. This episode discusses ways to find your tribe and why doing so is important. The post Episode 4: Finding Your Tribe first appeared on Epos Books.

Kevin and John discuss finding community as a creator, or “finding your tribe” as it's often referred to. Stressing the value of finding people who do creative work similar to the work you do.Everyone benefits from being able to bounce ideas off other creators, both in your own discipline and in other disciplines. The guys talk about how both online and face-to-face interactions can really help develop your craft, find connections, and generally feel you are part of a community.ResourcesKevin introduces two books by Natalie Goldberg that were invaluable to him when he was getting started as a writer: Writing Down the Bones, and Wild Mind. He found both books very helpful in getting started and feeling less self-conscious about writing and sharing his work.John brought up Oblique Strategies by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt. Oblique Strategies are a set of physical or virtual cards with prompts for creatives to think a little differently when stuck for ideas. Available as Physical Cards and as an app for both iOS and Android. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Getting into a creative practice requires making choices about how we spend our time and build up creative energy to motivate ourselves to get started. The post Episode 3: Time to Make Creative Choices first appeared on Epos Books.

Kevin and John talk about getting into a creative practice requires making choices in how we spend our time. But before doing that, they discuss how to build up your creative energy to motivate yourself to get started, enabling you to prioritize your creative endeavors over things that might bring you less value and enjoyment. Finally, they discuss some strategies you can implement to find more time and focus more on your creative work.ResourcesJohn has been reading The Creative Habit: Learn it and Use it for Life by choreographer Twyla Tharp. There's a lot of tough love in this book, but she lays out the kinds of things you need to do to make creativity a habit, not just an occasional activity. This book is particularly à propos for this episode as she goes into a lot of the same topics we talked about today.Kevin has been reading Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind by Scott Barry Kaufman. It's a fascinating, deep dive into how creativity works in our brains.Kevin also mentioned the Netflix series Shadow and Bone and talked about how, as a writer, he was inspired by the setting, costumes, and world building. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com

Getting StartedKevin and John talk about giving yourself permission to center your life around creativity and prioritize your creative self-expression. That means allowing yourself the time but also allowing yourself the space to learn and grow and occasionally fail. They also talk about a willingness to be vulnerable, and how the rewards outweigh the risks. ResourcesJohn recently read The Artist's Journey: The Wake of the Hero's Journey and the Lifelong Pursuit of Meaning by Steven Pressfield. I found the idea was a simple one: the life you've lived so far is your hero's journey. When you're ready to write, paint, make music, or whatever your form of expression, your artist's journey begins. All your experiences, trials, tribulations, and joys will fuel your art. I had always dabbled in music making but only started composing consistently and with intention relatively late in life. I found the idea that all my experiences and hard won life lessons up to that point prepared me to make art that was more real and “authentic” to who I am, very compelling. Check out Steven Pressfield's website for more details.Kevin shared some YouTube creators who show off the things they're making and their processes. He highlighted three in particular that share their work, warts and all, including their failures.Simone Giertz, the maker of her own Tesla truckEvan and Katelyn who will try to make anything even if they don't have the right toolsMark Rober, the maker of the Amazon porch pirate glitter bomb This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit timeisrightpodcast.substack.com