I found the opening scene of one my stories on a hike in the woods. I'd been struggling to find a way in to the novel... I needed something tangible, intimate, and symbolic, while also being mundane and believable, and as I wandered in nature, inhabiting the mindset of my characters, an idea drifted into my consciousness, and planted itself firmly. I may never have received the idea if not for the adventure, and this is why exploring the world can be such an invaluable source of power. When...
14 days ago • 2 min read
Never let your creative dreams die. They may lay dormant, or enjoy a snug period of slumber, but to eliminate them all together, is a mistake... Why so dramatic? you may be asking. Because creativity is one of our last remaining forms of freedom which we have full control over, once we realise its power. If we relinquish it, we lose a part of ourselves along the way. Art is often seen as a childhood memory to most, something they practiced at school as a carefree child, and slowly stopped due...
21 days ago • 1 min read
While abroad on pilgrimage in Mecca and Madinah, I had a spiritually enlightening time, and some of the best experiences of my life. I took the opportunity to learn more about my culture and faith, and visit a local bookstore for some inspiration and knowledge to inform my creative work too. I found a plethora of books that were in the exact niche I was looking for, and I added them to a reading list for my next projects. I learned that seeking knowledge is something one should do at any...
28 days ago • 1 min read
... but also know what you're doing. When it comes to tackling something you've never done before, there are many ways to approach it. Many people say just do it, and don't care about what others' may think. And while there is truth in that mindset, the sentiment is somewhat incomplete, when we apply it pragmatically. My view is that one should be well aware of the task at hand, and use trusted sources to understand what exactly is being undertaken. This could be in the form of people who've...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Some people aren't planners, but I am (a lot of the time). I like to think ahead, because I like to be forward thinking, and I think you should too, at least in some aspects. As you read this email, I'll be abroad and having an enlightening time, without any worries about life outside of my time away. I may even forget that this email has gone out. So I'm writing to you as a past version of myself, the one who is able to talk to you now, while the other self is busy. If you've seen the film...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Recently, I was reminded that one of my greatest assets is creating art. When it's all said and done, an enduring work of art outlasts us, outlasts civlisations and entire dynasties. Peep the Ancient Greek literary canon for example. Not that legacy is the point of art, rather time gives more people access to art than a single lifetime ever could. In my opnion, everyone should pursue their highest creative self, and more specifically, actualise their creative dreams, which I think we all have...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
The best way to learn, is to do. Action over perfect execution is more valuable than obsessing over something to the extent you don't even finish it. A lot of artists get trapped in a perfectionist mindset. Whether that's due to imposter syndrome, feeling inferior compared to what's already been done, or simply wanting to create something that no one has ever created before. There is a tendency for the creative-minded to be consumed with countless ideas at the same time, and a belief that one...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Last Saturday was the debut of Poetry For Justice, and I first want to thank everyone who attended, and everyone who has helped along the way. The event taught me innumerable things, about event production and coordination, and also about myself. One of the lessons that stood out, was understanding the power of community, and more pertinently the unity it brings. The evening was dedicated to social justice and art, and the story and case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. The key intention behind...
2 months ago • 2 min read
A few weeks ago, I discussed how our voices can be used to create real world change, and I echo that sentiment in today's broadcast. More potently around the idea of social justice being enacted through creative expression. We all have gifts, and sharing them with the world can have a genuine impact on others. My gift lies in writing and creativity, and I try to use it to the best of my ability, to bring awareness to different issues, that many people may overlook. For creative people, using...
2 months ago • 2 min read