Explore Resources

As I continue to explore and evolve my own creative practices and discover great tools, books, podcasts, spaces, and people (or anything else I find helpful), I will gather them and share them here. Some are useful if you’re interested in writing or podcasting, others if you’re curious about creativity more broadly and how to integrate it into your life. I’ve organised things as clearly as possible, under recommended reads , favourite podcasts etc so you can find what you need. 

Just a heads-up: Everything I include here comes from personal experience or things I’ve created myself. Some are so good I’ve become an affiliate or built a partnership with them. I’ll clearly indicate these partnerships, so you know which recommendations come with a bit of extra enthusiasm. Wherever possible I’m including external links to make it easier for you to find and enjoy them. I’m sharing what works for me, hoping it’ll help you too. Happy exploring!

Free Download

Finding Time To Write

Recommended Reads

Doing It Your Way

What Colour is your Parachute

Early on this best selling guide for career changers helped me make my switch from accountancy to recruitment. I still apply everything I learnt about myself from it today. 

Finding Your Confidence

This book by Holly Matthews is an uplifting and practical guide to building self-belief in everyday scenarios. You can also here our conversation on creativity on Episode 10 of the Creative Switch podcast  

The Success Myth

By Emma Gannon encourages you to redefine success on your own terms, empowering you to break free from societal expectations and carve your unique path in life.

Creativity

The Creative Nudge

The Creative Nudge by Kevin Chesters – Leveraging the neuroscience of ‘Nudge theory’ this guide is full of great suggestions for small practical actions you can take to live a more creative life.

Big Magic

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, best-selling author of Eat Pray Love, is her captivating take on the essence of creativity. Having been fortunate enough to attend her two day workshop of the same name, I recommend this book those creatively curious souls who want to know more about her philosophy and their own creative selves.

Writing

Into The Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them

How stories work and why we tell them by John Yorke Some stories work better than others. If you’d like to understand more about story structures and  narrative types John covers this subject in some detail using relatable and familiar examples from ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us.

The Emotion Thesaurus

The Emotion Thesaurus – is a handy tool to help you show how your characters are feeling rather than tell your reader. I have found it invaluable as a kick off point to give more depth to both dialogue and action.

Recommended Podcasts

My Favourite Podcasts

Begin Again

This is a new one. If you’re a fan of Davina McCall you’ll definitely enjoy it. Again she interviews guests who have faced significant life changes and challenges, and have found the strength and resilience to start over.

Topic: Inspiring Life Stories

The Creative Penn

Veteran podcaster Joanna Penn hosts this, arguably the most widely listened to podcast for writers. I have learnt so much here about the craft of writing and the publishing world. 

TOPIC: Writing

Creativity Found

Claire Waite-Brown hosts chats with guests from all walks of life who have found or refound their creativity across many disciplines.

TOPIC: Creativity

Shift With Sam Baker

Sam Baker former editor of Red magazine chats to women in midlife and beyond. Their conversations are highly relatable, often full of laughter, but are also frank, honest discussions providing insight and encouragement. Like sitting down for a good-old chinwag at your kitchen table.

Topic: Inspiring Life Stories

The Podcast Accelerator

The original podcast about podcasting from Mark Asquith, founder of Captivate, a.k.a That British Podcast Guy. There is so much value in this podcast, particularly if you are looking to grow or monetise. It’s where I started my learning.

TOPIC: Podcasting

In And Around Podcasting

This is Mark’s most recent podcast which keeps me up to date with the latest news in the industry.

TOPIC: Podcasting

Tools For Creative Exploration

The Five Institute Vitality Test If you love understanding personalities and are curious about yourself and where your strengths lie, and maybe even where this knowledge might take you, this free personality quiz based on the five energies of ancient Chinese philosophy will not disappoint! I can honestly say the self-understanding I gained from taking it has been pivotal in my creative journey. 

Podcasting Affiliate Links

I am a self-taught solo podcaster. I literally do everything end to end, from research, guest onboarding and management through to editing, post production and promotion. It’s a lot of work but I couldn’t do it without these two user-friendly tools. After the first season, I was so impressed with how easy they were to learn and how helpful their support and customer service teams were, I decided to become an affiliate and spread the word about their brilliance! At the same time any fees I earn go towards funding the costs of running The Creative Switch podcast. Of course there is no obligation to sign up through my links. Either way I would highly recommend them. 

Alitu for Recording, Editing and more. 

Captivate for podcast hosting and monetisation  

Coming Soon

Your Creative Pit Crew

On my own creative adventures I’ve crossed paths with some incredible people who’ve helped me along the way. From business coaches to personal development mentors and personal branding experts, these individuals have been instrumental in getting me to this point. I’ll be sharing more about each of them soon, along with links to their websites and resources.