The Hyphen: Stuck In A Creative Void During Lockdown

Hi friends—

How are you doing?

I feel like I have NO new ideas this week (slash… the past few months). Nada. Zero. Zilch. I know this happens sometimes, and is very normal but still, it is very frustrating. The reason I’ve noticed is that I am actively *looking* for a new idea. In true Big Magic style I’d love a good juicy idea to track me down and whisper itself into my ear. I wouldn’t even mind being woken up d the night.

Then, I realised something. The lack of usual stimulus. I normally get my ideas from meaningful chats, overhearing things, visiting new places, looking at strangers on the tube, aeroplanes, pubs, dinners, parties. Life outside my flat basically.

A lot of people replied saying they felt the same way — that it’s hard to find ‘inspiration’ when your staring at your own four walls all day long, but people also replied with some suggestions, so I thought I’d jot them down here, in case anyone else is feeling a bit lost with ideas and inspo right now:

• “Try some interesting non-fiction books. Favorites: The Moral Animal, Mindset, Brandwashing, The Paradox of Choice, Sapiens... That's a very random selection, but a few that got me thinking.” — Paulette Perhach

• “Turn on the radio randomly and see what comes through!’ — Julie Brixley-Williams

• “When I'm idea-less, I read — articles, books, fiction and non. Take in new shows!” — Jen Kirsch

So perhaps this means it’s time to stop actively looking for the next idea and instead sit back, switch off, and consume.

It seems very fitting then, that this week’s guest on Ctrl Alt Delete podcast is the amazing iconic Julia Cameron, creator of The Artists’ Way, a guide that has helped millions of creatives unblock their minds and create more art.

Hope you enjoy today’s newsletter. (If there’s anything you’d like me to share in next week’s newsletter, you can email me at hello@emmagannon.co.uk)

Love,
Emma xo

What’s New on Ctrl Alt Delete Podcast?

Things I consumed this week…

• Can you ever feel "ready" for kids?

• Ruby Tandoh on the art of Quitting

• Evaristo and Carty-Williams become first black authors to win top British Book awards

• In the Covid-19 economy, you can have a kid or a job. You can’t have both

• Michaela Coel’s Chaos and Charisma in “I May Destroy You”

• How to engage with life when you feel down

• How to support junior creatives with the skills they need to grow

• Ego-less: has a global pandemic and months at home humbled us?

• What the Dutch can teach the world about remote work

• Diversity efforts are failing black employees. Here’s a better approach.

• Permanent work from home is coming

• 32 unmissable audiobooks narrated by your favourite celebrities

• A podcast making queer people feel connected

In Case You Missed It ☝️

— You are invited to my online book launch for OLIVE!