Ep. 41. Tools & Technology We Use in Our Creative Lives
The Art of Creative Living Podcast
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Ep. 41. Tools & Technology We Use in Our Creative Lives
In this episode, writer Beth Cregan and I dive deep into the various tools and technology we use to support our creative lives. From good old-fashioned analog tools like planners, notebooks, and index cards to cutting-edge digital apps, software, and AI assistants, we cover a wide array of resources that help us organise, plan, create, and track our creative projects.
Episode Show Notes
Beth shares her adoration for the Eden Planner and Creator's Friend planners, which allow her to masterfully manage her month, week, and daily tasks. She also discusses the immense benefits of using index cards for organizing ideas and scenes, as well as mini pin-up boards for crafting mood boards and visual inspiration galore.
I talk about my reliance on digital tools like Trello for mapping out my week, Notion for writing and content creation endeavors, and the game-changing Vellum for formatting my manuscripts with ease. Apps like the fabulous ProWritingAid for editing and the ever-so-handy Readwise for importing and arranging my Kindle highlights also make an appearance.
Both Beth and I explore the fascinating world of AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Canva’s image generator, delving into how they can potentially amplify the creative process. The importance of noise-canceling headphones and binaural beats for cultivating a focused, flow-friendly environment is another key topic.
Time Stamps
00:00 Welcome
00:29 Diving Into the World of Books: What We're Reading
05:57 Exploring Creative Tools: From Old School Planners to Digital Apps
25:05 The Power of Software in the Creative Process
26:51 Navigating the World of Writing Software
28:26 Embracing AI and Other Digital Tools in Creative Writing
36:25 The Final Touches: Editing and Formatting Tools for Writers
39:28 Grammar, Punctuation, and the Personal Touch in Writing
40:59 Beyond Writing: Video Editing and Podcast Production Tools
41:38 Exploring Innovative Tools for Content Creation
42:35 Harnessing Kindle and Readwise for Enhanced Reading and Research
43:06 The Love Affair with Kindle: A Deep Dive
48:37 Noise Cancelling Headphones: A Game-Changer for Focus
50:34 Binaural Beats: Boosting Creativity and Focus with Sound
58:53 Creative Tools and Apps for Productivity and Inspiration
01:09:37 Embracing Traditional Methods: Index Cards and Pin-Up Boards
Resources Mentioned:
Creator's Friend planners and notebooks
Microsoft Word - (Read aloud function, track changes & review function)
*Note: There are affiliate links in this list to products I use and recommend personally. This means that I receive a small percentage of sales at no extra cost to you and in some cases, you may receive a discount for using my links. I only recommend services I believe are great for Creatives!
Other Links
The Vital Spark by Lisa Marchiano
Lady Elliot Island Art of Creative Living Retreat Information
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Supportive Creative Community:
You are warmly invited to join my supportive online space, the Creative Hearts Community, where Creatives regularly connect through activities like writing sessions, virtual creative retreats, and engaging in enlightening conversations about the creative process. They build each other up, cheer each other on, and find inspiration to carve out time to prioritise creative expression and self-care.
We also have a whole library packed full of recorded workshops and guest teachers for you to explore, be inspired by, and follow along with in your studio or creative space.
Acknowledgement of Country
I’d like to pay deep respect to the Juru people of the Birri Gubba Nation as the traditional and ongoing custodians of the land where I record this podcast today and acknowledge their incredible, strong and ongoing connection to the lands, waters and community.
I thank them for the custodianship, care and love they have given to this area, extending from the mountain ranges right out to the Great Barrier Reef. I thank the Elders, past and present and the entire Juru and neighbouring Bindal communities for the generous contributions and care they give to this region.
I celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture, rich with storytelling, art and creative practice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
~ Nicola Newman
I’d like to pay homage to the traditional and ongoing custodians of the land on which I live and work, The Bunerong people of the Kulin Nation. I feel tremendously grateful for their strong culture of storytelling and the spirit of place I find in my favourite place to write, Rickett’s Point. This part of the bay is a haven for bird and marine life - blue wrens, parrots and black swans. I thank the Elders, past and present and the whole Wurundjeri community for the valuable and generous contribution they make to this region.
~ Beth Cregan
We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. And we extend a special welcome to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who may be joining us today.
Always was, and always will be Aboriginal Land.
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About the Hosts
Nicola Newman is a creative business coach, award-winning artist and creative living mentor. As host of The Art of Creative Living Podcast and founder of the Creative Hearts Community, Nicola’s passion is inspiring and supporting Creative Hearts to build loving relationships with themselves, express their creativity, trust their inner wisdom and carve out a life that’s personally meaningful and fulfilling to them.
She offers multiple resources for educating, inspiring, and supporting Creative Hearts. You are invited to take her free Creative Archetype Quiz, join her free Art of Creative Living mini-course, sign up for her Inspiration Letters and nurture your creativity through her online courses, coaching programs and retreats.
Nicola’s creative business coaching is tailored to support sensitive, heart-led creatives to develop, grow, and expand their creative offerings. Her approach is to embrace gentleness, playfulness and self-care to navigate self-doubt and instead cultivate deep self-trust so you can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together your body of work, make money doing what you love and leave a creative legacy you’re proud of.
Beth Cregan
Fourteen years ago, Beth Cregan, an experienced teacher, combined her passion for creativity with her love of writing to launch her business Write Away With Me. Since then, her high energy workshops have inspired thousands of young writers to find their voice, stretch their writing skills and connect with their inner storyteller!
Beth presents writing workshops for young writers and adults alike, both in Australia and internationally, as well as professional development workshops for teachers and school communities.
Her first book, Time to Write: A Powerful Writing Practice for your Classroom published by Amba Press ( 2021), recognises that writing is a dynamic, essential life skill. It’s packed full of strategies, resources and hands-on activities to bring writing to life in our schools!
Beth lives in Melbourne, Australia and when she is not writing or teaching, you’ll find her reading, painting, rummaging in her veggie garden or hiking in a forest somewhere, hugging trees.
For more information about working with Beth, visit: Write Away With Me
Connect with Beth Cregan on:
Instagram: Write Away With Me
Facebook: Write Away With Me
Linked In: Beth Cregan
