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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:

107 - How Useful It Is to Fool Myself Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

Today I realized that I have a set of superstitious beliefs that I've learned to work with rather than against. For example, I have a habit of knocking on wood, but instead of getting all OCD about it, I’ll tell myself that one knock-on-wood can last until morning. It’s dumb, yes … but it’s also an example of using our neuroses within our rules instead of letting them control us.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the significance of personal rituals and beliefs in shaping our worldview and our art. Incorporating characters' superstitions or rituals can add cool idiosyncrasies that make them more relatable and human. These small, irrational practices reveal a lot about a character's personality, fears, and coping mechanisms.

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

106 - That I Don’t Get to Go To Six Flags Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how, as an adult, I don’t usually get to join in the fun experiences typically reserved for kids. Amusement parks, for one. My kids hit Six Flags with friends, and adults don’t do stuff like that with other adults. What gives? The fun stuff should be for everyone.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the idea of age-related themes. In writing, we can challenge the usual stereotypes about age and what’s “appropriate” at any age. In that way we can resonate with a broader audience, being more universal about desires for fun and adventure.

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

105 - How Predictable Traffic Is Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how specific the traffic patterns are on my regular drives around town. It’s all strategic lane changes, and the patterns never change.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is all about the patterns and rhythms in everyday daily life: secret, quiet patterns that we don’t normally know are there. Recognizing and using patterns in writing (in character behavior, plot development, thematic elements, whatever) can enhance coherence and flow.

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

104 - That Sticks and Vines Are Good Enough Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed while driving through rural West Texas that instead of using real fence posts, a lot of fences improvise with thick vines and branches. It’s resourceful, cost effective, and even environmental sound — and it’s a great example of an adaptive approach to everyday ingenuity.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the value of improvisation and resourcefulness in writing stories. Just as the locals used what was available for their fences, we writers can draw on all sorts of unconventional tools as well to construct our stories.

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

102 - How Annoyingly Specific My Tools Are Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that my very specific requirements for a keyboard are kind of a pain in the ass, but they’re what I need just the same. I need a keyboard that’s 1) ergonomic, 2) wireless, and 3) without that stupid number pad on the right side that nobody uses. There’s exactly ONE keyboard that fits everything, and they don’t make it anymore.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is how important it is to have the right tools to cater to our best ways of working. It’s a reminder to invest in and personalize our creative toolkit, ensuring it supports our unique process and style … but it also proves the need to be adaptable at times, because I won’t be able to buy these old, no-longer-made keyboards forever.

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

101 - That I Don’t Have a Whodunit Brain Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that even if I’m very good at story, I’m no good at following all the details in mystery movies. It’s weird, but I just don’t have as much of that analytical side to my brain.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that we all interact with and understand stories in different ways. Knowing it can influence the way we do our work, and help us zero in on what we do best.

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

100 - That If I’m a Novelist, I’M A NOVELIST Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Today I realized that my true passion and calling are as a novelist, not a scriptwriter or a movie director as I used to hope to go into someday. That might change, but for now it feels like I’m a novelist, dammit … so I’ll be the very best novelist I can be.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the importance of recognizing and embracing your real and unique calling. As creatives, we should focus where we’re best … and do the hell out of it.

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

099 - Why Novels and the Movies Based on Them Should Probably Be Different Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed the stark difference between Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining and Stephen King's version: the made-for-TV movie King made because he thought Kubrick’s version wasn’t faithful enough to the book. But the thing is, King’s movie is just plain bad … and I think it’s bad mostly because it so faithfully adapts the book.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that books are books and films are films, and I’m becoming convinced that it’s a mistake to link them more closely than “they’re just based on the same idea.” The same lesson applies across all creative work: the need to tailor content to its format, whether it's adapting a novel for the screen or modifying one for different audiences or platforms.

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

097 - That I’m Apparently Always High Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how when TV shows people being high on drugs, they show them mainly as being uninhibited … which, it turns out, is the way I am pretty much all of the time. Apparently being stoned is just being unfiltered in terms of desires, actions, and actions. I guess I’m “high” all the time.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that “drugs = fun and uninhibited” is sort of a stereotype, and that the condition and drugs don’t need to go together at all. Instead of playing with cliches, we can unpack them. This way can lead to more nuanced characters and situations: a more realistic portrayal of human experiences.

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

096 - How Much Curt Fooled Me Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how completely my friend Curt managed to fool me with an AI approximation of his voice. He sent me a demo, wanting to know if “the sound in his new office” sounded okay. Really he was seeing if I could tell the voice was fake … but I couldn’t at all.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the evolving role of AI in creative expression and storytelling. The advancement in AI voice technology offers creators like us all sorts of opportunities, particularly in areas like audiobooks, podcasts, or even adding character voices to real audio.

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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