Unpublished

Latest Episodes:

Campbell Walker (aka Struthless) on Fearing Success and Working Through Creative Blocks Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

We have the joy of interviewing, author, Youtuber, absolute legend, and receptacle of pure creative wisdom, Campbell Walker.

Topics include: how we self-sabotage when we get too close to success; how being a parent has made Cam a better creative; perfectionism; youtube; his experience writing a book and working with publishers (and the pressure of following up a successful book); his writing process; and much more!

Something I loved about this interview was Cam's curiosity about my and Amie's creative practice. We learnt a lot and you might find some of our answers to Cam's questions interesting too!

I highly recommend Cam's youtube channel. We've turned to it a lot for help on our creative journey. If you like Unpublished, you'll love Cam's videos.

You can find Cam's book, Your Head is a Houseboat: a Chaotic Guide to Mental Clarity, here. Check out the world's best reviewed goodreads page for it here.

And Cam's Instagram.

Our Favourite Modern Authors (and Why We Like Them) Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Today we're talking about authors we've enjoyed reading lately! This is not a ranked list or even an all time favourite author list. It's just a few people we've been liked recently! We go into why we like these authors, whether it matters if someone is a "good" writer (whatever that means), the joy of a great plot, how much we love a book with a strong "voice" and much more!

Stop Limiting Yourself to One Launch per Creation! Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

Today we're discussing Amie's decision to relaunch her second novel 6 months after its initial release. Sub-topics include: how the concept of a single launch is driven by legacy institutions and gatekeepers; whether a "launch week" is important; strategies we're using to launch something a second time; the timelessness of your art; the benefits you might get from doing several launches rather than one (or how your ability to sell can improve with each launch of the same product); and more!

I was really late putting this up since we're still feeling a little out of routine with the move. Hopefully you all enjoy it!

We would love if you caused some trouble and bought Amie's book.

Should we Romanticise the Creative Process? May 25, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back! We took a few weeks off while we moved country but excited to be back!

Today we're talking about whether it's possible to be too precious about our creative process or if we should be more workman-like when we attempt to make art.

Also see a life update and some ramblings on our move to England (a good 5 mins of this)!

NOTE: James is very conscious that, in this episode, he said Australia didn't have much history. This is, of course, incorrect. Australia has tens of thousands of years of history, most of which was erased by European settlers. What he meant was that we have very little visible history in our cities (due to colonisation).

Chat GPT: Friend or Foe? Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

We have another Artificial Intelligence episode. We try to address some of the concerns artists have about AI like Midjourney and Chat GPT. We discuss the dark side but also try to talk about all the cool things that could potentially come from this weird explosion of machines that can seemingly think. Sub topics include:

- Why we will probably always want to know the HUMAN story behind art and how that gives humans an edge over algorithms.

- Whether or not it's cheating to use AI to support our artistic process.

- How artists might be able to use AI.

- The ethics of using AI that has been trained on the work of artists without paying them royalties.

- The importance of speaking openly about this topic and not letting fear rule the discourse.

- Possible regulations we could put on AI to help artists.

- Building the future society we want.

And more.

Disclaimer that Amie and I are not experts on this and this are are just a collection of our random thoughts. No one knows what the future and this is a crazy fast moving new technology. We expect to be wrong about almost everything here.

The wired article mentioned.

An interesting podcast with the CEO of open AI from the Lex Fridman Podcast that you might find interesting.

Creatives Don't Always Have to be Visible Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

We're talking visibility, being seen, showing your face. The strengths and weaknesses. Why it's okay to get off social media, why great art can happen offline, whether it's possible to make money without socials, why you don't need to post everyday, and more!

Based on Amie's viral post (shared by Doja Cat no less!).

Backing Yourself, Optimism, and Self-Publishing Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

QandA part 2! Thank you to everyone who listened to last week's episode and who interacted with me over at the Unpublished insta! I'm doing my best to respond to all Dms so if you want a chat, please come on over!

Questions this week are about: Self-publishing, the craft of writing, finding a workflow that works for you, building self-confidence, writing about trauma (incl. worries about triggering your readers), vision boards, returning to creative work after a long break, changing creative disciplines, writing about struggles and pessimism/ pity porn.

Q&A: Indie Revolution, Moving Countries, Our Books, and More Apr 02, 2023

Show notes

We're answering questions from the members of the Inspired Collective (our membership program). We got so many great questions so we decided to make this part one of two!

Questions include:

What are your predictions for the indie creative scene in the next few years? How do you foresee traditional gatekeeping being further disrupted?

You interact and support so many creatives. What are the most common things that creatives seem to want answers/guidance on? And is it the "right" focus or are there themes you wish your community wanted to explore more?

Do you have any opinions (about creativity, the creative journey, etc.) or viewpoints that have changed in the last few years? What lead to that change and how did it impact your own journey?

You'll have seen a lot of creatives blossom and achieve their goals. Are there common traits or behaviour patterns you see amongst them that you think contribute to their growth? (Across creative disciplines)

For Amie: What's something you're particularly proud of or love about your latest published novel? Something maybe people haven't pointed out or commented on yet.

How do you think your move will effect your creativity/work - not just the positives, but also the potential negatives/challenges you might need to keep an eye on? & how do you hope to face them?

Do you have a recommendation on where to start? Should they be done simultaneously or separately? In a particular order to get the most benefit?

How is James' writing journey going, what is his intent for his finished books and his creative path, how he decided to abandon one novel, etc?

Enjoy!

Don't forget that Amie has FICTION you can buy. Witchy Book. Sexy-nuns Books.

Repairing Your Relationship with Achievement and Hustle Mar 26, 2023

Show notes

Amie and James talk about the way hustle culture has ruined the way we look at accomplishment, painting it as an end in itself and a moral good where it should be a journey of self-discovery and joy. They discuss: their own fears about buying into hustle culture and how a reframe can help us to achieve the things we want to achieve in a more gentle, healthy way; the joy of achievement and doing hard things; the importance of protecting your energy and feeling safe; conversely, not letting safety hold you back from your goals, and much more!

Amie wanted me to link to the wonderful Amanda Jones' IG!

Lisa Olivera on Why Making Art is Great for the World Mar 12, 2023

Show notes

Today Amie had the pleasure of interviewing the author of Already Enough, creator of Human Stuff on substack, and one of our instagram heroes, Lisa Olivera.

Topics Discussed by Lisa and Amie:

The magic of being introverted and quiet as a creative.

How to create when it feels like the world is burning

Why creativity and art is revolutionary

Creating when it isn't 'of value' to other people

How to promote your art when it feels really icky

And so much more.

You can find Lisa on instagram, substack, or her website where you can find links to buy her book!