As I've gotten older,

more experienced in my craft,

and in life,

I realise a common thread

that led me to my proudest wins.

You can achieve more than you think.

You are often already able to get there

even if you feel you are not prepared.

Taking that leap into the discomfort of uncertainty

to test the limits of your ambition,

can supercharge progress

and prove to yourself,

you are way ahead

of where you thought you were

in your development.

A level of common sense is advised here too,

because I'm not saying you should aim for the impossible,

like trying to beat Usain Bolt's 100m record

if you don't even run...

But if something aligns with your practice,

or seems like a realistic pursuit even if scary

where maybe only a few variables are challenging

like overcoming phobias or improving fitness and skills,

or more specifically, taking the next big step in your career,

then you should consider it.

They say immersion is the best way to learn,

and also a method to overcome fear,

so immerse yourself

rather than dipping your toes in.

You'll never be ready for most things,

so sporadically attempt them,

and find out for certain

who's right:

your doubts,

or you...

Creative Update

This past week has been full of ideation for my fiction work,

alongside private creative coaching and tuition,

and applying for a grant.

The latter is especially important to me

as I aim to increase literary engagement in my local area,

where there is no creative scene for the youth,

who often slide into crime.

Art can be a factor of rehabilitation in prisons,

showing how expression can quell criminal urges.

I require some funding support to realise those ambitions,

so I pray that I am able to secure this,

God willing.

Upcoming Opportunties

The Jerwood Royal Court Commissioning Scheme is an open-access national fund to unlock risk and investment in commissioning new plays.

Each year, the Scheme awards six annual grants of up to £6,000 each to underwrite first payments for new play commissions, supporting UK-wide theatres and producers to back ambitious new playwrights. The current round of applications is now open to joint proposals between a playwright and producing venue or company.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11TH JANUARY 2027

Driftwood Press are open for anthology submissions for short stories and poems, as well as other forms such as comic book art and photography.

Entry fee required for some categories.

DEADLINE: VARIOUS

Catch Me Next

All the best,

Bilal Psyche Akram