
Tag Archives: creative


Brain Juice: The carpenter’s story
In mini-series called Brain Juice, I’m going to be looking at videos, music, text and tales that evoke thought and help to inspire the mind. Continue reading

Creative interlude: Writer’s Block starring Bryan Cranston
Writer’s block is something that plagues all of us from time to time – but there are ways to overcome it.
If you’re currently staring at your screen in disbelief wondering where the next flurry of words is going to come from, forget what you’re doing for a moment and watch this short called Writer’s Block starring the one and only Bryan Cranston. Continue reading

4 common grammatical blunders
Whether you’re writing a cover letter, penning your first novel or typing an email to a long-lost cousin in Timbuktu, using grammar correctly helps you make a good impression. Continue reading

Getting to know…Nicole Dieker
This week, we are getting to know freelance writer Nicole Dieker to find out more about her world. Continue reading

The procrastinator’s dream ticket
A belated Happy New Year to all.
It’s 2016 – and once again it’s time for new beginnings. Perhaps you’re finally going to throw those cigarettes in the bin, take up that death defying overseas challenge, or even finish your novel (you know, the one you’ve been working on for the past five years). Continue reading

A literary interlude: The Ant Eater by Roald Dahl
“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” – Roald Dahl
When it comes to darkly brilliant prose that appeals to both children and adults, it takes a lot to beat Roald Dahl. Continue reading

A literary interlude: Tobias Wolff
This week’s literary interlude comes from the one and only Tobias Wolff.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on 19th June 1945, this prolific writer of classic American prose is best known for his distinctive short stories and memoirs, most notably This Boy’s Life – an autobiographical tale of a gifted young man and his extraordinary existence. Continue reading

A literary interlude: Down and Out in Paris and London
Famous for literary classics including Animal Farm and the dystopian thriller 1984, George Orwell is arguably one the world’s finest ever word smiths.
The first ever novel Orwell wrote was called Down and Out in Paris in London, for which he exchanged his upper-class roots and tweed jacket for the impoverished life of a bottom feeder in two of Europe’s most cut-throat cities. Continue reading

4 brain foods to help boost your creativity
Although the stereotype of the starving artist is something we’ve all heard of, in order to produce work of any significant value (of course, there are exceptions), our brain needs fuel for the engine. In fact, brain cells rely on more food energy than any other cells in the body in order to function at its fullest.
If you’re in a creative slump and in need of a boost, here are four brain foods that will lend a helping hand… Continue reading