Join Maggie Smith, a renowned poet and author of 'Dear Writer,' as she redefines creativity beyond traditional artistic boundaries. She shares insights on nurturing creativity amidst chaos, emphasizing the importance of intuition and listening to one's inner voice. Maggie discusses overcoming creative blocks, balancing information consumption with personal wellness, and embracing playfulness in the process. Learn how to find joy in creative expression and the value of community in artistic growth, all while maintaining a sense of hope in a noisy world.
01:03:42
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Everyday Creativity
Many people mistakenly believe they aren't creative because they don't produce art.
Maggie Smith argues everyone is creative, especially in problem-solving and brainstorming.
insights INSIGHT
Information Overload
The constant influx of information, even positive content, can be overwhelming.
Filtering through this noise is crucial for focusing on what truly matters.
insights INSIGHT
Informed Action
Simply knowing about negative events isn't enough; action is necessary.
Balancing staying informed with self-care and creative work is crucial.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Dear Writer, Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life
Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith's "Dear Writer" offers insightful advice and encouragement for aspiring and established writers. The book delves into the creative process, exploring themes of inspiration, overcoming self-doubt, and finding one's unique voice. Smith shares practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives, from structuring poems to developing compelling characters. The book also emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and trusting the reader's intelligence. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their writing skills and navigate the challenges of the creative journey.
How a Little Becomes a Lot
How a Little Becomes a Lot
Eric Zimmer
Candide
François-Marie Arouet
Voltaire
Candide, written by Voltaire, is a satirical novel that critiques metaphysical optimism, particularly the philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. The story revolves around Candide, a naive and optimistic young man who is expelled from his home after an illicit affair with the baron's daughter, Cunégonde. Candide and his companions, including his tutor Pangloss, experience a series of horrific events such as wars, earthquakes, slavery, and other atrocities. Despite these hardships, Pangloss persists in his belief that 'all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.' The novel ultimately concludes with Candide and his friends settling on a farm in Turkey, where they find happiness by focusing on practical, everyday tasks rather than philosophical speculations. Voltaire uses satire to lampoon various aspects of 18th-century society, including science, philosophy, religion, and government[2][3][5].
Factfulness
Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
Hans Rosling
Ola Rosling
Anna Rosling Rönnlund
In 'Factfulness,' Hans Rosling, along with his son Ola and daughter-in-law Anna, addresses why people systematically get answers wrong about global trends. They identify ten instincts that distort our perspective, such as dividing the world into 'us' and 'them,' the influence of fear-driven media, and the misconception that most things are getting worse. The book argues that, despite its imperfections, the world is in a better state than many believe and provides a framework to see progress clearly by focusing on facts rather than biases.
In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overwhelmed, unsure, and not feeling particularly inspired. And we tackle a bigger question: How do we keep creating when the world is so loud and we’re so tired?
Key Takeaways:
Insights on creativity and the challenges of staying inspired in a chaotic world.
The role of intuition in the creative process and the significance of listening to one’s inner voice.
Balancing the need to stay informed with personal well-being and mental health.
The concept of hope in creativity and the idea of being a “possibilist.”
Practical advice for overcoming creative blocks and finding inspiration.
The value of feedback and community in the creative process.
The relationship between restlessness and creativity, and how it can drive artistic growth.
Embracing playfulness and curiosity in creative endeavors.
f you enjoyed this conversation with Maggie Smith, check out these other episodes:
The One You Feed 
