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.

Let's delve into the 'messy middle' of creative projects! Join Beth and me (Nicola) as we discuss our personal experiences and strategies to push forward.

We delve into self-awareness including understanding one's own personality traits and energies which helps in personalising the creative process. Beth explains how having a clear vision of the final outcome can keep you motivated. We emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising the creative process.

We also discuss the significance of remaining flexible and adaptive, and how sideways movement can be an integral part of the process, with challenges overcome often leading to substantial periods of rapid progress. Other aspects covered are the importance of self-compassion, embracing a sense of safety, understanding life circumstances, celebrating small wins, and wisely investing in skills and supplies that make the process easier.

Welcome to another episode of "Nic and Beth’s Creative Chats" with your hosts, Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan.

Join us for a meaningful conversation about the nature and importance of solitude, loneliness, and the creative process. Through the lens of Nic's sailing life, we explore the intricate balance between solitude and the potential for loneliness that creatives often encounter with their work.

We delve into some of the struggles that are integral to our creative lives - from confronting the omnipresent fear of failure to navigating uncertainty without a roadmap!

Yet, amidst these challenges, we discover that staying connected to ourselves and our work fosters self-trust, stamina and authenticity. This discussion is a compassionate guide for creatives facing the challenges that arise in the creative process.

Welcome to another episode of "Nic and Beth’s Creative Chats" with your hosts, Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan!

Today, we're on a journey to uncover ways to nurture a deep and meaningful relationship with your creative self. Nicola and Beth open up about their personal reflective practices, anchors, and the daily rituals that keep their creativity flowing. They share how journaling becomes a supportive companion in their creative processes from morning pages to evening reflections.

This episode goes deep into the significance of values and core desires, serving as the guiding compass that shapes and evolves your creative journey over time.

We'll also dive into mindfulness practices in action – from gardening to sketching, along with Nic's 'Intuitive Pause', designed to ground you in the present moment. Anticipate a delightful blend of laughter, inspiration, and practical tips to elevate your creative living adventures.

Join your hosts Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan as they unravel the transformative experiences of creative retreats. Beth, fresh from her solo writing retreat, and Nicola, having just hosted her second group artist retreat, delve into the rich tapestry of insights gained from both personal and group immersive escapes.

In this episode, discover the power of solitude as Beth shares the revelations from her latest solo writing sojourn. (Spoiler alert – it didn’t go exactly to plan!) Beth shares her honest experience of dealing with fear, her inner critic and creative resistance as well as tips for how to plan your own solo retreat. Nicola, with her pulse on the communal spirit of artistic gatherings, provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of hosting retreats—fostering joy, connection, collaboration, and the magic that happens when creative minds converge.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of a new series on The Art of Creative Living Podcast, "Nic & Beth's Chats about Creative Living."

Join us, your hosts Nicola Newman, an artist and creative mentor, and Beth Cregan, a writer and educator, as we dive headfirst into the world of creative living.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our unique friendship forged through a shared passion for creative expression.

From the genesis of our individual creative journeys to the moments of inspiration that fuel our work, we invite you to join us in celebrating the joy and complexity of the creative process.

Whether you're an artist, writer, or simply someone interested in the joys of creative living, this episode sets the stage for a series of insightful conversations that will inspire, enlighten, and perhaps even spark your own creative flame.