Creative Mindset

Welcome back to The Creative Mindset Podcast!

In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most common challenges writers face: writing the first draft. We talk about what really matters when you're drafting, how to deal with internal critics, and how to avoid getting stuck in perfectionism.

We talk about the importance of prioritising and learning to focus on what matters the most during this process, as well as a few observations about your state of mind while you are drafting.

Whether you're a screenwriter, novelist, playwright, or writing just for yourself, this episode will help you reconnect with your creative momentum and remind you what actually matters in the first draft.

For more insights about creative writing life, check out my Writing Studio newsletter:

https://www.katjacerne.si/newsletters/writing-studio/

My website:

https://www.katjacerne.si/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:45 Intro to the episode

02:44 The most common pitfall of first drafts

06:17 The role of writing craft advice

11:52 Who is watching you write?

17:34 Tools to deal with internal critics

26:33 Final thoughts

28:47 Outro

If you’ve ever tried to use affirmations and felt cringey, disconnected, or like they just don’t work for you: this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore why affirmations sometimes don’t feel helpful, what's going on when people say they "work", and two creative ways to use them that actually feel natural and empowering.

This episode is especially helpful for writers and creatives who want to shift their self-talk without pretending to believe something they don’t. No toxic positivity here, just playful curiosity and gentle mindset shifts.

Whether you love affirmations, feel weird about them, or aren’t sure if they’re for you, this episode will help you use them in a way that’s grounded, curious, and genuinely useful.

For more insights about creative writing life, check out my Writing Studio newsletter:

https://www.katjacerne.si/newsletters/writing-studio/

My website:

https://www.katjacerne.si/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:45 Intro to the episode

03:29 Three types of people when it comes to affirmations

06:37 The nature of affirmations, why they sometimes work and sometimes not

14:54 First method: Questions

24:32 Second method: Reminders

28:05 Final thoughts

29:35 Outro

In this episode of Creative Mindset, we're diving into the art of setting realistic (writing) goals.

If you're someone who keeps setting huge grandiose goals but rarely finishes them, this one's for you.

Together, we'll explore:

https://www.katjacerne.si/newsletters/writing-studio/

https://www.katjacerne.si/

00:00 Intro to podcast

00:42 Intro to the episode

04:52 Overwhelmed by too much on your plate

12:53 Meanings we attach to goals

21:40 What is “realistic”?

27:03 Final thoughts

29:28 Outro

In this episode of Creative Mindset, we dive into the common feeling of imposter syndrome. We explore what "impostor syndrome" really is at its core, when it tends to show up, and how to relate to it in a way that empowers rather than inhibits you.

You’ll learn why imposter syndrome isn’t just about self-doubt. It’s deeply tied to how you perceive others’ expectations, the roles you believe you must perform, and the tension between your real self and the version of yourself you think you “should” be.

 This episode invites you to step back into reality, let go of inner performances, and meet yourself exactly where you are without pretending, perfecting, or performing.

Can you get radically honest with yourself?

For more insights about creative writing life, check out my Writing Studio newsletter:

https://www.katjacerne.si/newsletters/writing-studio/

My website:

https://www.katjacerne.si/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:45 Intro to the episode

02:50 Understanding impostor syndrome

09:10 Obsession with how others see you

08:14 Internal roles and performances

27:32 Bonus tip: Lean into it

32:49 Final thoughts

34:53 Outro

In this episode of Creative Mindset, we're tackling one of the most common creative fears: "What if my ideas aren't original enough?" This question can paralyse artists and writers, keeping you stuck. But what if originality isn’t the golden standard you think it is? What if something else is far more valuable?

We explore:

By the end of the episode, you’ll be able to spot this fear for what it is and start creating from a place of honesty, joy, and presence.

p.s.: This episode goes very well hand in hand with my YouTube video this month, which is all about predictability in writing. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/-S9AM8emysk

For more insights about creative writing life, check out my Writing Studio newsletter:

https://www.katjacerne.si/newsletters/writing-studio/

My website:

https://www.katjacerne.si/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:45 Intro to the episode: Originality & creativity

05:26 External perspective on originality

13:25 Internal criteria & self-criticism

17:58 Embracing your voice

22:52 Final thoughts

23:22 Outro

Welcome to the second episode of the Creative Mindset podcast

In this episode, we dive into something we all experience but rarely talk about without judgment or trying to suppress it: jealousy and envy in the creative process.

Join me in this grounded, gentle invitation to explore how we can deal with these feelings with compassion and curiosity.

Envy doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or a fake artist; it is showing you something extremely valuable. Let's learn how to interpret it in a way that serves us.

In this episode:

For more insights about creative writing life, check out my Writing Studio newsletter:

https://www.katjacerne.si/newsletters/writing-studio/

My website:

https://www.katjacerne.si/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:53 Intro to the episode

05:07 Step 1: Allow the feeling

07:47 Step 2: Identify the root of envy

12:50 Step 3: Reframe the feelings

18:43 Step 4: Action steps

30:00 Bonus tip

35:40 Wrap up

37:08 Outro

Welcome to the first episode of Creative Mindset!

We're kicking things off by diving into a huge topic: writer's block. If you've ever felt stuck, uninspired, or completely unmotivated - and let's be honest, who hasn't? - join me in exploring what that's all about. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all fix, we'll observe what's going on with curiosity and compassion and peek beneath the label called "writer's block". 

In this episode:

For more insights about creative writing life, check out my Writing Studio newsletter:

https://www.katjacerne.si/newsletters/writing-studio/

My website:

https://www.katjacerne.si/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:46 Intro to the episode

02:26 Understanding writer’s block

10:00 Exploration and observation

18:45 Desperation loop and meanings

31:07 Final thoughts

34:38 Outro