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The Art of Noticing — Arts
The Art of Noticing

**A Bite-Sized Podcast that Teaches You to See and Use the Creative Inspiration That’s Already Around You** Trouble with the muse? Believe me, I get it. Even after 120 books and a show on Hulu, I have as much trouble “finding the magic” as anyone. But the truth is, you don’t need to seek inspiration because it’s already all around you … if you know how to see it. Each 10-minute episode of “The Art of Noticing” contains two parts: something small and almost random I noticed around me, then a creative lesson I made from it, like spinning gold from straw. Whether it’s something in the news, the rhythm of rain against the window, a bit of trivia, word from a friend, or some small tidbit I picked up somewhere, anything can be creative fuel if you can learn to see what’s in front of you. Nothing is ordinary. Everything is art! /// Find show notes, transcriptions, and multi-weekly blog posts at https://www.johnnybtruant.com

johnnybtruant.substack.com

Copyright: © Johnny B. Truant

Latest Episodes:

120 - All Those Post-Apocalyptic Windmills Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that on a recent road trip, as my daughter and I drove past rows and rows of massive wind turbines spinning slowly under the sun with their giant industrial shapes towering over an otherwise empty landscape, the whole scene felt oddly post-apocalyptic. Ordinary? Yes. But cool? Also yes.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that everyday scenes can take on an imaginative second life when described from an unexpected perspective. To mix things up, we writers can simply describe the mundane as if it we didn’t know what it was.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

118 - Wait, that was David Tennant? Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that while rewatching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I was shocked to realize that it was David Tennant who plays the villain Barty Crouch Jr. I know Tennant and I know Harry Potter well, so how did I miss this?

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is to pay closer attention to the familiar. Even with something you've experienced many times before, looking closer can reveal surprises you overlooked. Don't make assumptions - be an active observer.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), free nonfiction books and audiobooks, and my weekly “One-Drink Book Club” series every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

117 - How Big a Difference Personality Made Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that when I went to a sushi restaurant, the owner’s extreme friendliness made all the difference. His personal attention made the difference in a way I never see in other restaurants.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that genuine emotional connections can transform mundane experiences. Something as simple as heartfelt warmth from another person can uplift a routine interaction into something meaningful that sticks with you.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), free nonfiction books and audiobooks, and my weekly “One-Drink Book Club” series every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

116 - How Weird Feet Are Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how damn weird feet are to look at. They’re downright freaky, and yet we take them for granted.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is to defamiliarize the mundane. Look with new eyes to unearth exotic aspects in the routine. Challenge assumptions by highlighting the unfamiliar within the boring.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), free nonfiction books and audiobooks, and my weekly “One-Drink Book Club” series every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

115 - That "Being You" is the Best USP Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that being authentically yourself, flaws and all, is the best Unique Selling Proposition you can have. Your unique experiences give you one-of-a-kind stories to tell.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is to embrace your original perspective. Stay true to your authentic self, even if it’s strange or uncomfortable for you to do. Your singular view has value and sharing it creates relatable, distinctive work.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), free nonfiction books and audiobooks, and my weekly “One-Drink Book Club” series every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

114 - That My New Podcast was Better with Boundaries Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that when I tried to record an open-ended podcast, the result was aimless and unfocused. But when we restricted the time to “the time it takes to have one drink” and gave the participants specific roles, it gave needed boundaries and made the whole thing better.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that constraints breed creativity. Operating within clear limitations focuses the mind and breeds resourcefulness. Restrictions give shape and prevent sprawling, leading to more inventive outcomes.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), free nonfiction books and audiobooks, and my weekly “One-Drink Book Club” series every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

112 - How Good “Last Dance With Mary Jane” Sounds on a 12-String Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

Today I learned that after playing Tom Petty’s song “Last Dance with Mary Jane” on my 6-string guitar for years, I was shocked to hear how good it sounded on a 12-string. I don’t have to do anything special. Playing it the same just sounds … bigger and better.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the impact of changing tools or mediums as we do our creative thing. Switching from a 6-string to a 12-string guitar brought a new dimension to the same basic music, so maybe experimenting with different tools or approaches in writing can similarly expose new facets to our work.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

111 - How Surprising the Skill Gaps Are Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that the skill gap between the lower and upper levels of NCAA Division One college volleyball are larger than the gap between less competitive D2 schools and my daughter’s current national level of club play.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that all credentials are subjective, not always based on an objective standard. For writers, acknowledging the subtle but significant differences in characters' abilities adds depth to our stories. It’s reminding me to write characters with a range of competencies and growth potentials, not some fixed stereotype.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

110 - That Chick-Fil-A Changed Its Drive-Thru Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed a recent change in the drive-through setup at Chick-fil-A. They've replaced the usual hand-through windows with door-like structures, so they can step right up to the car.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the way service and design are always changing and becoming more efficient. In art, we can do the same: always finding new ways to develop our work, to get better and more optimized at it. Doing so is all about flexibility and creativity adapting our methods to better engage the audience.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

109 - That Sensory Distinctions Are (Literally) In Our Heads Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how the boundaries and separations between elements in our senses are arbitrary. in truth, it’s all just experience, and it’s our brains that insist that this is one thing or sound, and another sound is separate.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the subjectivity of perception and its use in storytelling. In writing, playing with characters' sensory experiences can really ramp up the intrigue, challenging “what reality is” in the world of a story. Keeping aware of this is really useful in genres like psychological thrillers and speculative fiction, where the blurring boundaries can create suspense and all sorts of great questions.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

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