Creative Confessionals

In this episode, writer Amal Awad talks about the importance of understanding when a project or pathway is no longer sustainable, discussing  when you might decide to call it quits on something you once thought was a good idea. Also discussed is the importance of knowing when to take a break, as opposed to walking away altogether.

In this episode, writer Amal Awad talks about why it's useful and important to spend time with your creative projects alone before you share them with others,  to avoid depleting your creative energy or getting put off by feedback before you've even begun. She also talks about getting caught in feedback loops, and how to see rejection in more neutral terms.

In this episode of Creative Confessionals, writer Amal Awad talks about some of the practical aspects to writing a non-fiction book vs fiction, what to consider in terms of research, scope and subject matter, and how to take care of yourself emotionally when writing a book. Amal breaks down how she approached three major non-fiction works, and how both fiction and non-fiction ultimately draw from similar storytelling elements. 

In this episode, writer Amal Awad discusses what to expect in the process of publishing a book, whether it's self-published or with a traditional publishing house. After you've successfully pitched your book, what happens next? From structural edit to final proofs, how do you deliver a  book you're happy with? Amal also speaks briefly about perceptions around creative brilliance. 

In the first episode of season  2 of Creative Confessionals, writer Amal Awad talks about how creativity is a superpower, and such fulfilment leads us better than quantifiable outcomes or what is generally measured as 'successful'. Amal also offers a brief update on her own creative works since last year, including her new non-fiction book, In My Past Life I Was Cleopatra (Murdoch Books) and her new card deck The Creative's Compass - A navigation tool for creatives.

It's a two-parter this week. In the first part of this episode, writer Amal Awad offers tips for pitching to media and writing book proposals, breaking down her own approach to pitching her book, Beyond Veiled Cliches, which successfully attracted offers from a few publishers. In the second part, she talks about creative crossroads and how to navigate the path ahead when it's forked or just unclear. 

In today's episode, writer Amal Awad talks about the importance of not squandering your creative talents and urges. Creative freedom is possible, but it requires an honest approach to your pursuits and moving away from the things you think you "should" do but don't really want to. Creativity is an expression of who we are, no matter your professional and personal circumstances. 

Have you ever been at work on a project and you hit a wall? You think it's creative block, but really, you've exhausted the idea and you start to procrastinate. But it's not brew time you need - you're actually avoiding your work because you're just not that into the idea. In this episode, Amal Awad talks about creative blindspots, and how to decipher between normal procrastination and avoidance.

Perfectionism is a dirty word, but it's not always a bad thing. Just don't let it divert you from the purity of your creative work and the unique imprint you will give to it. In this episode, Amal Awad talks about the importance of creative joy and balance in your creative process, as well as offering tips for staying true to your creative path - and protecting it. Your creativity is an extension of who you are, and it deserves great care, honesty and authenticity. 

Do you feel like you love your creativity but it doesn't always love you back? In this episode, Amal Awad talks about feeling like a creative outcast, how it's a strength, and the need to be flexible in your creative path.