Join Amie McNee from @inspiredtowrite and her writer husband James Winestock for a podcast about building a sustainable creative life. A place to take your art seriously where you can go to reflect on your journey and build a thriving creative practice.
Join Amie McNee from @inspiredtowrite and her writer husband James Winestock for a podcast about building a sustainable creative life. A place to take your art seriously where you can go to reflect on your journey and build a thriving creative practice.
Q+A ep! It just so happened to be that most of your questions were about our work and writing routines. There are also a few other Q's answered including: how exactly is making art generous, big breaks we've almost had (and why they may not have mattered anyway). Sonja, I'm so sorry, I forgot to answer your question about bilingual artists... please email us with your question again and we'll answer you.
Amie's WNYA events in England:
Oxford Blackwells Saturday 16th of August 3-4PM (tickets essential)
Waterstones Canterbury 18th of August 6:30PM (tickets essential)
Read James' Substack about the guy who steals his friend's crypto
Did you know you can buy PRINTS and ORIGINALS of Amie's love notes? Available on our website now. Stock limited to ten for each large note and fifty of each small.
We're talking:
When the internet gives you the ick
The flattening of culture by algorithms
How social media sows the seeds of its own destruction when it prioritises attention over quality
And more!
Pre-order To Kill a Queen, Amie's queer detective novel set in Elizabethan London. Remember, this is literally the most important thing you can do for an author!
Order We Need Your Art or get a SIGNED copy here
Enshittification was coined by our mate Cory Doctorow which we should have known!
Hello friends! Today we're talking about the rise of the middle class artist. Based on Amie's substack post.
Buy Amie's book for F***'s sake!
ALSO you can pre-order Amie's queer Elizabethan detective novel, To Kill a Queen!
References:
Hollywood is Broken. Can YouTubers Fix it? Colin and Samir interview Max Reisinger.
Come hang out with us as we talk shit.
Very chatty, casual episode today with lots of ranting about things like: what annoys us in the gym, whether or not audiobooks count as reading, leaf blowers and, of course, the case of the Australian bloke who got a 2-book publishing deal for being hot without having written anything.
Don't forget to check out our episode on the Bewildered podcast with Martha and Rowan on youtube or your fave podcast player
Don't forget, you can buy as many copies as you like of We Need Your Art and gift them to random strangers.
Bryan Johnson the guy who wants to live forever
I'm so sorry everyone but it's another AI episode :(Listen to us, two people who aren't experts on anything really, talk about AI, climate change, utopias, the housing crisis, Australian politics and what's wrong with the left these days.
Would love it if you bought We Need Your Art!
Things mentioned:
Review of Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
Basic Income: And How We Can Make it Happen, by Guy Standing
TikTok’s annual carbon footprint is likely bigger than Greece’s, study finds
Hank's video about the state of renewable energy
We had so much fun recording a very fancy in person episode with THE Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan!
How 'bout those production values?
Don't forget Amie's new book, We Need Your Art is out now in Hardcover, Audio, and E-book
In today's episode we discuss:
The amazing power of creativity to banish anxiety
How art and community building creates ripples that extend far beyond our personal practice and help the whole world
Why society is so afraid of art and artists
And so much more!
If you want more chats from Rowan and Martha, you can listen to them on the hilarious and wise Bewildered podcast. You can also follow Bewildered on Instagram.
We will be dropping by Bewildered soon so make sure you're following them to get the Amie and James episode!
Martha is on Instagram @themarthabeck
And Rowan at @rowanmangan
If you want to dive deeper into all things Martha Beck, you can check out her linktree, but you should really read her new book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life's Purpose! We absolutely loved it.
Join us as we remind you how important it is to celebrate your own art (coz no one's gonna do it for you!).
Fully raw ep today. No music (sorry to our composer/intro creator Matilda Eyre) I ran out of time.
The Collective is open for 5 days only!
00:00 Introduction and First Impressions of New York City01:20 The Inspired Collective Membership03:57 Challenges with Book Launch Planning05:32 Grassroots Book Events and Community Support06:17 Reflections on the Publishing Industry (oh-oh!)13:23 Celebrating the Book's Success19:30 We love our agents!20:51 Iconic New York Moments24:19 The Importance of Celebration29:36 (More) Publishing Industry Frustrations36:51 Gratitude and Farewell
BOOK OUT THIS WEEK
BOOK OUT THIS WEEK
BOOK OUT THIS WEEK
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Hat00:30 Book Tour and Podcast Plans03:05 The Importance of Art04:05 Creative Blocks and Overcoming Them12:00 Role of Patience in Creativity25:31 Art reset challenge26:10 Rice Cakes26:44 Book Promotion and Blurbs33:18 Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing36:24 Expectations for the Book43:15 Podcast Reflections and Upcoming Events
BOOK TOUR INFO
USA EAST COAST
The BookMark Shoppe Brooklyn 11th March 2025 7pm - BUY TICKETS HERE
Head House Books, Philly, 13th March 2025 6:30pm - BUY TICKETS HERE
Taylor Co Books, Brooklyn, 14th March 2025 7:30pm - BUY TICKETS HERE (just scroll down the home page!)
Morocco Bound Bookshop", 25th March - BUY TICKETS HERE
Scheltema, 5th April, 2pm - BUY TICKETS HERE!
I am going to be all up and about your business. Please stay tuned.
UNITED KINGDOMAMSTERDAMBERLIN, SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE!
00:00 Introduction 02:13 Housekeeping and Upcoming Events03:39 25 Things to Avoid 03:45 Obsessing Over Details04:57 The Pitfalls of Excessive Research09:09 Setting Unrealistic Goals10:16 Managing Expectations and Pressure15:40 The Importance of Planning16:48 Guarding Your Creative Time19:31 Sharing Ideas and Seeking Validation22:38 Avoiding Comparisons and Judgments28:32 Over-Education and Procrastination31:30 Finding Your Own Rhythm33:23 The Importance of Consistency35:16 Navigating Critique and Feedback39:14 Embracing the Challenges of Writing46:28 Balancing Creativity and Well-being50:38 Avoiding Distractions and Staying Focused58:01 The Growth Mindset in Writing01:00:26 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
USA EAST COAST
The BookMark Shoppe Brooklyn 11th March 2025 7pm - BUY TICKETS HERE
Head House Books, Philly, 13th March 2025 6:30pm - BUY TICKETS HERE
Taylor Co Books, Brooklyn, 14th March 2025 7:30pm - BUY TICKETS HERE (just scroll down the home page!)
UNITED KINGDOM & AMSTERDAM
Morocco Bound Bookshop", 25th March - BUY TICKETS HERE
Scheltema, 5th April, 2pm - BUY TICKETS HERE!
BERLIN TBA
Today we're talking to the boys! Or, given our audience demographics, we're talking to the girls and gender non conforming folks about the boys...
Buy We Need Your Art here and be our best friend forever!
00:00 Introduction and Preamble00:47 Discussing Men and Creativity00:49 Housekeeping and Personal Updates03:13 How we're trying to be less tired07:10 Book Launch and Pre-orders12:12 The Importance of Men's Art27:37 The Gendered Nature of Art and Craft27:48 Men's Role in Art: Historical Context29:13 The Struggle of Monetizing Art for men and women32:33 Cultural Influences on Art Monetisation 33:33 The Australian Male and Creativity35:10 Encouraging Men to Embrace Art40:53 Breaking Gender Norms Through Art50:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
TOUR DATES
BROOKLYN event at the Bookmark Shoppe on the 11th of March ( I refuse to bow to the ludicrous American style of writing the date)
PHILLY Event at Head House books on the 12th
BROOKLYN event at Taylor & Co on the 13th (scroll down home page and you'll find it!)
Save the date for LONDON: 25th of March at Morocco Bound
And the 27th of March at the Marlow Book shop (our local!)
Save the date for Amsterdam: April 5th, 2-3pm at Scheltema
Yes I kept Amie's preamble in on purpose because I thought it was funny!
Today we're talking about locking in, getting stuff done, and thriving as creatives. Expect a discussion about how to treat ourselves and our bodies well, not striving for perfection, and how to go from small steps to big goals.
TOUR THINGS:
We have LOCKED IN two bookshops in Brooklyn in the evenings of the 11th and 13th of March, so if you're in the NYC area, please save those dates. Plus we'll be in Philly on the 12th also in book stores. More to come as well as official links to the events.
We'll be hitting the UK hard after getting home on the 18th. So expect AT LEAST a London event and an event in the South Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire area.
Berlin will be something between the 31st of March and the 3rd of April. Amsterdam probably either the 4th or the 5th of April.
Sydney and Melbourne will happen some time between the 9th and the 23rd of April.
Sorry we can't give you more info. We are organising most of this ourselves and there are lots of balls in the air as we have to liase with each book shop individually.
We are excited though!
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup02:24 Book Tour Announcements03:54 Locking In and Productivity23:26 The Myth of the Perfect Day29:53 The Illusion of Freedom for Successful Creatives30:56 Balancing Offers and Autonomy31:24 Media Consumption and Influences35:51 The Level System for Creative Productivity38:07 Maintaining Creative Identity43:38 Navigating Different Levels of Productivity47:55 The Challenges of Professional Creativity52:45 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
We talk about ambition! How ambitious are we? Is it good to be ambitious? Is it HEALTHY to be ambitious?
Inspired by Amie's substack post.
We Need Your Art pre-order giveaway is now live! A chance to win a custom canvas love note when you submit your pre-order receipt here!
00:00 Introduction: Ambition and the Hustle 00:26 Recording Struggles and Podcast Delays 01:25 Guilt and Ambition: A Personal Reflection 02:08 The Toxicity of Ambition in Society 03:30 Money and Ambition: A Complex Relationship 05:19 Hustle Culture: Is It Still Relevant? 06:40 Historical Perspectives on Work and Leisure 12:23 Personal Ambitions and Creative Drive 18:21 Navigating Life as a Neurodiverse Individual
20:07 Facing the Fear of Misalignment 20:24 Struggles with Traditional Employment 20:58 Discovering Autism and Its Impact 21:46 Systematizing Ambition 22:47 Healthy Ambition and Personal Growth 23:39 Ambition in the Context of Capitalism 24:37 Community and Connection 25:21 Exploring Vulnerability and Teaching 30:13 Balancing Personal and Structural Ambition 36:04 Podcast Updates and Housekeeping
MORE AUDIENCE QUESTIONS PLS
00:00 Welcome to the Unpublished Podcast 01:16 Audience Questions Introduction 03:34 Multidisciplinary Creativity 16:18 Self-Publishing Insights 24:30 The Emotional Side of Money for Artists 28:56 Financial Stress and Relationships 29:24 The Myth of Pure Art 31:21 Collective Members' Questions 32:05 Balancing Work and Rest 35:43 Supporting Each Other's Strengths 42:09 The Importance of Shitty Art 53:27 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
Pre-order Amie's book here!
We don't want jobs, we want to make art! You can read Amie's viral substack article here and pre-order WNYA here.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Captain Hat
01:22 Discussing the Viral Essay on Not Wanting a Job
01:59 The Taboo of Not Wanting a Job
03:09 Capitalism and Meaningless Work
05:36 Artists and the Value of Work
15:21 Anti-Work Movement and Personal Reflections
18:44 Outsourcing Drudgery and Job Satisfaction
28:33 Middle-Class Jobs and Psychological Impact
30:08 Navigating New Territory: Vulnerability in Work Discussions
30:40 Viral Post Impact: Emotional and Psychological Strain
32:13 Criticism and Personal Reflections
33:42 Privilege and Its Role in the Conversation
39:03 Systemic Issues vs. Personal Empowerment
46:31 The Future of Work in the Age of AI
51:44 The Value of Education and University Degrees
54:31 Empowering Artists: A Call to Action
55:34 Book Launch and Community Engagement
59:03 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
WTF why is the video so bright after I export it? Y'all, video is hard!
Don't Forget to pre-order We Need Your Art, out 11th of March in e-book, audiobook, and hardback! Martha Beck, you cannot lie said this about it:
"This book is desperately needed medicine for our hearts, our lives, and our culture. I will read it over and over until its many truths sink into every one of my cells. If you have ever felt the slightest impulse to create anything, I urge you to do the same. Well researched, beautifully written, and powerfully healing, WE NEED YOUR ART is not only a great read, but a manifesto for our personal and collective freedom. Thank you, Amie McNee!"
Timestamps for the ep:
Join us as we predict creative trends for 2025! It's all speculation and probably going to be wrong... but we had fun.
Unfortunately, the video didn't work, but we will try again next week.
00:00 Welcome to the Unpublished Podcast 01:46 Why You Should Be Hopeful for 2025 01:57 The Importance of Hope in Creativity 02:41 Challenges and Pessimism in the Creative Community 06:30 Predictions and Hopes for Creatives in 2025 07:46 Building Personal Connections with Your Audience 08:05 The Rise of Micro Communities 15:48 Curating Media Consumption 20:01 The Value of Free Content 25:12 Podcast Production Costs and Realities 27:27 Competing with Industry Giants 28:53 Artists and Business 31:14 Class Consciousness Among Artists 34:00 The AI Dilemma for Artists 41:38 The Future of Human Art 52:09 The Importance of Art for Wellbeing 56:02 Final Thoughts and Housekeeping
Pre-order We Need Your Art Today and we will love you forever!
Let's go!!! Lachlan and Lachlina here getting ready to Lock In for 2025. Or are we? Come with us!
James did the mix/audio for the first time in two years. Let us know if you have any notes!
00:00 Welcome to the 2025 Intentions Podcast 00:45 Introducing the Captaincy System 01:59 Goals vs. Intentions 02:46 Balancing Freedom and Structure 03:28 The Unique Approach of Artists 04:43 Setting Realistic Goals 06:58 Navigating Uncertainty 09:55 The Importance of Consistency 15:44 Taking the Podcast Seriously 22:55 Setting Kind Goals 32:02 Reflecting on Past Goals 33:26 Reflecting on Past Goals 33:45 Achievements and Challenges in 2017 35:03 Goals for 2022 and Beyond 39:13 Setting Intentions for the Year 39:47 James' Fitness and Writing Goals 40:56 Discussing Control and Goals 48:24 Amie’s Intentions and Goals 49:46 Building Community and Creative Goals 57:41 Fostering Patience and Trust 59:27 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
Pre-order We Need Your Art now and we will be your best friend!
We're back from 3 months of family and work travel and ready to pod... just in time for the holidays...
Join us for a 15 minute cozy catchup and a little 15 minute rant about why perfect people are boring.
Preorder Amie's guide to creative living
Sign up to Amie's substack
And James'
We finished our joint novel!
We take you behind the scenes of the on and off year and a half long project. Topics:
Writing to delight each other
The importance of planning
The number one mistake we noticed in each other's writing
Dealing with conflict
And much more!
Today we're talking about money! Specifically, our own finances.
Revenue streams
Emergency funds
Retirement saving
Book advances
Taxes
And other extremely interesting things...
Amie's book, We Need Your Art, is available for pre-order. This is super important to the success of the book! Pre-order numbers directly impact how much support publishers and booksellers will give to a book. If you buy one thing from us in your lifetime, this is the one!
