Create Art Podcast

What is National Poetry Writing Month?

Welcome, art enthusiasts and wordsmiths alike, to another episode of Create Art Podcast! We are diving headfirst into the enchanting world of poetry as we celebrate National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo). This annual event, which takes place every April, encourages poets and aspiring writers around the globe to embrace their creativity and commit to writing a poem each day for the entire month.

The Beauty of National Poetry Writing Month:

NaPoWriMo, similar to its prose-centric counterpart National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), is a celebration of the written word and the boundless creativity that can flow when one dedicates themselves to a daily practice. Poets of all levels of expertise are invited to take part, from seasoned wordsmiths to those just dipping their toes into the vast ocean of verse.

Create Art Podcast has always been a haven for artists to share their creative processes, and NaPoWriMo offers a unique opportunity for poets to reflect on their craft. With a daily commitment to producing poetry, participants discover new facets of their writing style, experiment with various forms, and explore uncharted emotional territories.

Prompt for today

Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a platonic love poem. In other words, a poem not about a romantic partner, but some other kind of love – your love for your sister, or a friend, or even your love for a really good Chicago deep dish pizza. The poem should be written directly to the object of your affections (like a letter is written to “you”), and should describe at least three memories of you engaging with that person/thing.

Poem for Today

When You Found Me 

2 April 24 

When you found me 

I was at the ripe old age of 19 

Didn’t know my ass from a hole in the ground 

And some days I feel the same 

When I walked into that coffee shop in Abilene Texas 

And I still live there in my mind  

You welcomed me 

Gave me a start on my journey 

Made sure My Favorite Things played 

In that dust bowl of a town 

Where I thought I had landed on Mars 

And the civilization I had encountered before 

Didn't prepare me for what was ahead 

When you found me again 

As I was driving all over my hometown of Screw City 

Getting high 13 times a day 

I sat there with an old friend 

Whose feet stank of bad cheese 

Who didn’t have enough money to pay for electricity 

Who had a god that he followed religiously 

Whose sister was my next conquest 

You stood by me and made sure my car didn’t kill anyone 

Including me 

You and my old friend listened to my rantings 

As I read books from other madmen 

And found that you had found them as well 

And I wanted to emulate them 

In hopes you would cradle me in your warmth 

 

When you found me next 

I was still on the weed 

And I handed you over to my nephew 

In hopes he would surpass me 

In hopes he wouldn’t have to struggle as much 

In hopes he would be able to handle the dragon raging on the inside 

You found him, but he was too young 

And had others finding him 

Helping him tell his story 

Accompanying him through his journey 

And now in the mornings when he sleeps in after driving around all night 

I invoke you to slip into his brain and provide some sort of relief 

 

When you found me for the first time 

Before the coffee...

What is National Poetry Writing Month?

Welcome, art enthusiasts and wordsmiths alike, to another episode of Create Art Podcast! We are diving headfirst into the enchanting world of poetry as we celebrate National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo). This annual event, which takes place every April, encourages poets and aspiring writers around the globe to embrace their creativity and commit to writing a poem each day for the entire month.

The Beauty of National Poetry Writing Month:

NaPoWriMo, similar to its prose-centric counterpart National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), celebrates the written word and the boundless creativity that can flow when one dedicates oneself to a daily practice. Poets of all levels of expertise are invited to take part, from seasoned wordsmiths to those just dipping their toes into the vast ocean of verse.

Create Art Podcast has always been a haven for artists to share their creative processes, and NaPoWriMo offers a unique opportunity for poets to reflect on their craft. With a daily commitment to producing poetry, participants discover new facets of their writing style, experiment with various forms, and explore uncharted emotional territories.

Prompt for today

Today, we’d like to challenge you to write – without consulting the book – a poem that recounts the plot, or some portion of the plot, of a novel that you remember having liked but that you haven’t read in a long time.

Poem for Today

Waking to a new life 

1 April 24 

Based on Metamorphosis from Franz Kafka 

It was a day in June, 2014 

I woke up bleary eyed on a couch 

Much like other nights, but I heard some noises around me 

Noises that weren’t the Redline El 

Noises that weren’t police sirens 

Noises that weren’t cars honking 

An unknown body laid next to me 

I heard their breathing 

The snores seemed familiar from long ago 

Like I had laid with this person before 

But I didn’t know who it was 

And I sprung up 

Something inside me said there should be more sounds 

The daylight had broken 

The heat of the day started 

And I was somewhere I didn’t remember 

The air smelled different 

There seemed to be more space 

As my eyes grew accustomed to the dim light peeking through 

I looked over the coffee table 

And saw two babies 

Gurgling, happy, warm and fed 

Gently waking up, small yawns, gripping at invisible animals 

The person beside me was a lover from the past 

This wasn’t my studio on the north side of Chicago 

But I didn’t know where I was 

And a small cry broke the silence 

And a cat strolled past casually, calmly 

My instincts took over 

And I walked to the baby crying 

Hushed them, cuddled them 

And my past lover quietly watched the baby and I 

Her eyes piercing through the fog 

And welcoming me back into the world  

That we had created 

The baby was tiny, fit on my forearm, needed a new diaper 

And I took them over to the table 

A table filled with diapers and wipes 

And like an

Why You Need A Book Coach

Recently I had the privilege of speaking with Amy Bernstein, book coach and author, about what a book coach does for their clients. I was presently surprised about learning more about what how a book coach can help you in all stages of your work, not just with editing and marketing. We all need a coach in our lives to help move us along to reach the goals we want to reach, why not have someone in your corner. I hope you enjoy this talk that we had.

Amy Bernstein Bio

Amy L. Bernstein writes stories that let readers feel while making them think. Her novels include The Potrero Complex; the award-winning The Nighthawkers; Dreams of Song Times; and Fran, The Second Time Around. Her nonfiction book, Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, will be published in the fall of 2024. Amy is an award-winning journalist, speechwriter, playwright, and certified nonfiction book coach. She also teaches workshops on various aspects of the craft of writing. She loves inspiring others to unlock their inner artist and explore all aspects of writing, publishing, and taking creative risks every day.

Questions Asked

• What does an author coach bring to the game vs just an editor or a beta reader? 
• What type of training does a good author coach have? 
• Dealing with imposter syndrome, how do you deal with your inner critic? 
• How can writers balance constructive criticism with maintaining their unique voice and style? 
• How do you approach helping writers find and define their target audience or readership? 
• Can you speak about your newsletter Monster Doubt on SubStack? How do you create that newsletter and is that a strategy authors should use? 
• Any upcoming projects that you would like to talk about like a new book? 

Links for Amy Bernstein

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter/X
• Substack Doubt Monster
• Author Accelerator

Links Mentioned

• Podmatch
• Affiliate Link

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Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• IG:

Making Fun A Habit Series

30 days to add fun into your creative practice. I will be going through Mike Brennan's Make Fun A Habit workbook and help you make fun a habit. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike on my other podcast Find A Podcast About and talking about his podcast Creative Chats. This workbook leads you through steps to rekindle the fun in your life and get you in a space where you are your most creative. This is a 30 day book and I will be tackling each day as if it were a week and providing you insights on how you can use his ideas in your creative practice. Each chapter is broken up with a short story, questions to ponder, action items and tips.

I Like to Move It Move It

Dance as if no one was watching. We have heard that phrase over the years. But what if you really danced as if no one was watching? Would that help you overcome embarrassment of your skills or lack thereof? Movement in our physical body is healthy, we all need to move, but sometimes we have aches and pains that interfere with our movement, so why not try a movement class like tai chi or yoga and move your body, feel all the joints working together and then translate that into a piece you are working on, noticing how the movement in your body feels.

Question to ponder

• When was the last time you danced? What was that like?
• What would make dance or movement more fun?
• Who can you dance or move together with?

Action item: incorporate dance into your daily routine. Dance while doing household chores or on your way to the office copying machine.

Tips:

• dance flash mobs
• dance challenges
• dance workshops or classes
• dance based fundraisers

Sign Up for the Create Art Podcast Newsletter Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
• IG: @createartpodcast
• Twitter: @createartpod

Special Message

1. If you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see.
2. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.
3. I am trying to utilize YouTube more, so make sure to check out my YouTube Channel to see me doing the episodes right in front of you.

Making Fun A Habit Series

30 days to add fun into your creative practice. I will be going through Mike Brennan's Make Fun A Habit workbook and help you make fun a habit. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike on my other podcast Find A Podcast About and talking about his podcast Creative Chats. This workbook leads you through steps to rekindle the fun in your life and get you in a space where you are your most creative. This is a 30 day book and I will be tackling each day as if it were a week and providing you insights on how you can use his ideas in your creative practice. Each chapter is broken up with a short story, questions to ponder, action items and tips.

Just Doodle It!

We all do it. In a meeting or just mindlessly scratching away at some paper or napkin. Doodling is one of the best ways to start a project. There is no commitment and very little effort once you start, but it can give you a pathway to complete your projects. Just about everyone has a writing utensil and something to draw on, so don't neglect the power of the doodle.

Question to ponder

• When in your life do you remember doodling? Where were you? What was it like?
• What are your immediate objections to doodling? Write them down and then doodle around them.
• What would make doodling more fun for you? Fancy paper? Specific pens? Reward yourself after a fun doodling session with different supplies.

Action item: start doodling in your copy of Make Fun A Habit.

Tips:

• use whatever materials you have
• there are no rules
• don't be afraid to experiment
• doodle whenever you feel like it

My Doodle for the week Sign Up for the Create Art Podcast Newsletter Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
• IG: @createartpodcast
• Twitter: @createartpod

Special Message

1. If you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see.
2. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.
3. I am trying to utilize YouTube more, so make sure to check out my YouTube Channel to see me doing the episodes right in front of you.

Making Fun A Habit Series

30 days to add fun into your creative practice. I will be going through Mike Brennan's Make Fun A Habit workbook and help you make fun a habit. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike on my other podcast Find A Podcast About and talking about his podcast Creative Chats. This workbook leads you through steps to rekindle the fun in your life and get you in a space where you are your most creative. This is a 30 day book and I will be tackling each day as if it were a week and providing you insights on how you can use his ideas in your creative practice. Each chapter is broken up with a short story, questions to ponder, action items and tips.

Creating a Soundtrack for Your Practice

Questions to ponder

• What is your favorite piece of music? What makes it your favorite?
• What songs or types of music would be on your personal soundtrack?
• How would you define music that is fun?

Action item: Create a soundtrack playlist (or a few) that can help inject some fund, levity, and inspiration in your work and play. Keep it organic, adding and subtracting according to what speaks to you.

Tips: Tailor your tunes, put motivation on repeat, dissolve distraction.

Sign Up for the Create Art Podcast Newsletter Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
• IG: @createartpodcast
• Twitter: @createartpod
• PodMatch Affiliate Link

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Special Message

1. If you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see.
2. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.
3. I am trying to utilize YouTube more, so make sure to check out my YouTube Channel to see me doing the episodes right in front of you.

7 Books Written by age 16

Recently I had the privilege to speak with teen writer Asher Warren. You read that headline right, he has 7 books written by age 16. Now I don't say that to intimidate you, rather, I want to encourage you to follow your dream of writing the next great novel. Asher was a delight to speak with and is very knowledgeable when it comes to his process of writing, however, he doesn't necessarily recommend it for everyone. He does believe as I do that everyone has a book in them.

Asher Warren Bio

Asher Robinson is a 16 year old author from San Diego, California. He started writing when he was seven. He at first started by writing a bunch of short horror stories, some of which were published (not available anymore). He took what he learned from writing short stories and he used it to write a full length novel. He wrote his first novel in 2021 and it is now published. Asher lives at home with his parents, two younger siblings, and his many pets. He enjoys a bunch of other things besides writing. He likes to watch horror movies/shows, listen to funny podcasts, and he also likes to read horror/thriller novels. Asher tends to stick to writing in the genres of horror, thriller, and drama. He likes to write in a mix of the three. His two favorite to combined are thriller and drama because he can make some compelling characters in those types of stories. Asher stands for anti bullying and likes to talk about how being a teen (especially a teen author) can be very stressful.

Links for Asher Warren

• Website
• Podmatch

Sign Up for the Create Art Podcast Newsletter Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
• IG: @createartpodcast
• Twitter: @createartpod

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Special Message

1. If you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see.
2. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.
3. I am trying to utilize YouTube more, so make sure to check out my YouTube Channel to see me doing the episodes right in front of you.

Embracing the Creative Wandering: A Journey Through Artistic Exploration

From taking spontaneous walks to intentionally setting aside time for daydreaming, embrace the unpredictable nature of the creative process. By doing so, artists can tap into a wellspring of inspiration that lies just beyond the borders of the familiar. My wife gave me a box of cards for the holidays in 2022. I was puzzled because they were creativity cards and I thought, what the heck is this, I don't need them. Well, folks, I was wrong and I will attempt to do a card a week and record an episode about how I am utilizing the card I draw every week if you decide to pick up a deck and do these let me know.

Links on Wander

• Kickstart Creativity
• Bricolage: In the arts, bricolage (French for "DIY" or "do-it-yourself projects") is the construction or creation of a work from a diverse range of things that happen to be available, or a work constructed using mixed media.

Points to Consider

• Unlocking Creativity Through Wandering Discover how wandering can unlock your artistic potential. Creative breakthroughs: The surprising link to aimless exploration.
• The Power of Aimless Walks for Artists Explore the impact of spontaneous walks on artistic inspiration.
• Wandering Mind, Creative Finds Cultivate a wandering mind for a richer artistic practice.

The Kernel of Wander

Wandering has the potential to invigorate and inspire, to help us see our work in fresh or new ways.

Wander Definitions

Wander : to walk around slowly in a relaxed way or without any clear purpose or direction, to start talking about a different subject from the one you were originally discussing. Source Cambridge Dictionary

Wander Challenge

• As an experiment, abandon the table or boardroom for a walking meeting and see what happens.
• Wander into a public space - a store, a library, a post office, or even a courthouse. Be open to the creatures, characters, curiosities, and marvels you may encounter just beyond the next threshold.
• Go for a walk outside and photograph or list the natural phenomenon you come across. Become inspired by that dandelion stubbornly making space to thrive in the sidewalk crack.

Sign Up for the Create Art Podcast Newsletter Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
• IG: @createartpodcast
• Twitter: @createartpod

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Special Message

1. If you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see.
2. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.
3. I am trying to utilize YouTube more, so make sure to check out my YouTube Channel to see me doing the episodes right in front of you.

Unlocking Creativity: The Art of Translation in Your Creative Process

As artists, we often draw inspiration from various sources – be it nature, emotions, or other forms of art. The concept of translation in the creative process involves taking these inspirations and transforming them into your unique artistic language. It's about transcending literal interpretation and imbuing your work with personal meaning. My wife gave me a box of cards for the holidays in 2022. I was puzzled because they were creativity cards and I thought, what the heck is this, I don't need them. Well, folks, I was wrong and I will attempt to do a card a week and record an episode about how I am utilizing the card I draw every week if you decide to pick up a deck and do these let me know.

Links on Translate

• Kickstart Creativite

Points to Consider

• Transcending Boundaries: Whether you're a painter, writer, musician, or any other type of creative, embracing the unknown and exploring new territories can breathe fresh life into your work.
• Adapting Mediums: Explore the ways in which translation extends beyond language to encompass various artistic mediums. Learn how painters can translate emotions into color and form, writers can translate experiences into words, and musicians can translate feelings into melodies. This adaptability opens up a world of possibilities for cross-disciplinary creativity.
• Cultural and Personal Translation: Our discussion delves into the idea of cultural and personal translation, examining how diverse influences can shape your artistic voice. By incorporating elements from different cultures or drawing from personal experiences, you enrich your work with a tapestry of meaning that resonates on a profound level.

The Kernel of Translate

Translate one thing into another.

Translate Definitions

Translate : to change words into a different language, to change something into a new form, especially to turn a plan into something real Source Cambridge Dictionary

Translate Challenge

• Identify a fascinating word in a foreign language. Can you translate it into a photograph? Or even a short presentation.
• Consider that which does not translate. Find a word with a meaning that does not translate into your native tongue.
• Translate a painting into a short piece of dialogue. Or take a story from history and see if you can translate it into poetic form.

Sign Up for the Create Art Podcast Newsletter Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
• IG: @createartpodcast
• Twitter: @createartpod

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Special Message

1. If you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see.
2. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.
3. I am trying to utilize YouTube more, so make sure to check out my YouTube Channel to see me doing the episodes right in front of you.

Unleashing Creativity: Seizing the Moment

Improvisation is like the jazz of the art world – a spontaneous, unscripted dance with creativity that allows you to break free from the constraints of planning and preconceived notions. It's about embracing the unexpected and letting the artistic process guide you.. My wife gave me a box of cards for the holidays in 2022. I was puzzled because they were creativity cards and I thought, what the heck is this, I don't need them. Well, folks, I was wrong and I will attempt to do a card a week and record an episode about how I am utilizing the card I draw every week if you decide to pick up a deck and do these let me know.

Links on Seize

• Kickstart Creativity
• kairos

Points to Consider

• Seizing as a Catalyst for Innovation::Explore how seizing the moment can act as a catalyst for innovation in your artistic endeavors. Learn from the experiences of successful artists who have embraced the unexpected and turned it into groundbreaking work.
• Overcoming Creative Blocks Every artist encounters creative blocks, by seizing the challenge as an opportunity for growth.
• Embracing Imperfection: Perfectionism can be a creativity killer, by highlighting the beauty in imperfection, this podcast encourages artists to seize the opportunity to experiment and grow. The message is clear: don't be afraid to make mistakes; they might just be the stepping stones to your next masterpiece.

The Kernel of Seize

When you find the right thing to make, say, or do at just the right time, seize the moment to make it happen.

Seize Definitions

Seize : to take something quickly and keep or hold it, to take using sudden force. Source Cambridge Dictionary

Seize Challenge

• Think for a moment about kairos and how it offers an opportunity to align the why, the when, and the where of your task at hand.
• Consider the particular moment you want your work to enter. What message do you want to deliver? Who will receive it? Craft your work to fit this unique moment in time.
• Take ten minutes to scan the news of the day. What does the world need right here and right now?

Sign Up for the Create Art Podcast Newsletter Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

• Email: [email protected]
• YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
• IG: @createartpodcast
• Twitter: @createartpod

Special Message

1. If you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see.
2. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.
3. I am trying to utilize YouTube more, so make sure to check out my YouTube Channel to see me doing the episodes right in front of you.