

505 - How Demystifying Your Craft can Enhance the Magic with Maggie Smith
19 snips May 14, 2025
In this engaging discussion, poet Maggie Smith, known for her impactful poem 'Good Bones' and her book 'Dear Writer: Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life,' shares invaluable insights into the creative process. She emphasizes that creativity is a skill accessible to everyone, not just a gift for the chosen few. Maggie explores the importance of patience and the interplay between inspiration and craftsmanship. She also addresses the dual nature of creativity, highlighting how both praise and critique can fuel artistic expression.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Creativity Is Both Magic and Craft
- Creativity involves both magic and craft working together.
- Treating art solely as magic limits who can create, ignoring the necessary work and craft.
Read Widely to Enrich Creativity
- Read widely and absorb diverse art to enrich your creative work.
- Avoid isolating yourself; engage with culture to fuel your creativity.
Personal Experience Shapes Art
- Unique personal experiences shape art even if materials and education are identical.
- Creativity is about bringing yourself, not a mystical spirit, to your work.