<![CDATA[The Time is Right Podcast]]>https://www.timeisright.fmhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7SNz!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe9b3d0e2-b954-4a77-9bea-8acac6e20417_1080x1080.jpegThe Time is Right Podcasthttps://www.timeisright.fmSubstackTue, 05 May 2026 12:10:18 GMT<![CDATA[Episode 29: Setting Goals and Quitting]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-29-setting-goals-and-quittinghttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-29-setting-goals-and-quittingFri, 24 Jan 2025 10:40:52 GMTThis year, for our January episode, we allowed ourselves to admit that we sometimes, maybe, sort of, set goals. Hosts and discuss goal-setting, their successes and failures with it, and try to figure out how not to be among those throwing in the towel on Quitters Day.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

The 6 Stages of Change: Change can be *so* hard, but understanding the process may help

The One Hundred Pages Strategy for reading 100 pages a day.

Our Good Things of the month:

John Recommends the book, Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction by Gary Rogowski.

Jon Batiste - Beethoven Blues, is a take on Beethoven's classics by composer and musician Jon Batiste. Kevin suggests pairing a listen to the album with listening to this episode of Fresh Air, where Batiste explains how his work and Beethoven's intertwine in interesting, but also musically logical ways.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 28: Author Jordan Duncan Interview]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-28-author-jordan-duncan-interviewhttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-28-author-jordan-duncan-interviewFri, 15 Nov 2024 20:50:24 GMTWe’re back! And returning is a theme for this episode because also coming back for a second interview, is writer, editor, and reviewer, Jordan Duncan.

Jordan talks about the major change in her working life since the first time she spoke on The Time is Right. Mainly, she’s found a way to put more creativity into her life. She also discusses how important planning and research are for such changes.

John and Kevin also talk about coming back to the podcast after a months long hiatus.

Jordan (J.A.) Duncan: https://www.authorjaduncan.com/ on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j_a_duncan and at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_a_duncan/

Mentioned in the show:

IBPA for Independent Publishers.

John’s music on Spotify.

Jordan’s writing playlists.

Good Things:

Jordan suggested: Field Guide to the Little People by Nancy Arrowsmith. 

Kevin suggested the documentary: Squaring the Circle available (now) at Amazon and Apple. At the time Kevin watched it, it was at Netflix.

Bonus Good thing: Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here documentary.

John believes we should celebrate our ineptitude. Learn something new, fail at it as we learn how to do it. Learn and accomplish and despite early failures, you’ll earn a meaningful reward.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 27: What We Learned About Our Creativity Episode 27: What We Learned About Our Creativity]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-27-what-we-learned-about-292https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-27-what-we-learned-about-292Fri, 23 Feb 2024 09:52:00 GMTLike those days in school where we're asked to write about what we did over vacation, John and Kevin discuss what they learned last year about their own creativity, and how they plan to apply those lessons this year. This is an activity every creator should do. By reviewing and evaluating what's working and what isn't, we move our creativity forward and keep the energy flowing. When the flow isn't there, it could be because we haven't dropped habits that hold us back.

Oh, and you get your money's worth in this episode. It's a long one, so grab a favorite beverage and pull up a comfy chair...

Resources for Creativity:

John's resource is How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy. A book John describes has having three halves.

Kevin suggests exploring your family artifacts. Those items, letters, and photos from previous generations.

Note: book links are affiliate links to bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores everywhere, including Modern Folklore Bookstore.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 26: Too Many Tools Episode 26: Too Many Tools]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-26-too-many-toolsepisode-8b9https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-26-too-many-toolsepisode-8b9Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:11:00 GMTDo you get distracted by your creativity tools? Do you put off your creative work because you haven't found the perfect tools? Do you argue online about your favorite tools? In this episode, we talk about these concerns and how to work through the temptation and get to work.

A Resource?

Neither of us read this book, but it appears useful. Unclutter Your Mind: 500 ways to Focus on What's Important by Donna Smallin.

Book links are affiliate links to Bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 25: Creativity During Tough TimesEpisode 25: Creativity During Tough Times]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-25-creativity-during-tough-660https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-25-creativity-during-tough-660Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:17:57 GMTThis episode is a little more personal for us. We dig into how we each have managed our creativity while dealing with unexpected and emotionally difficult times. Each creative deals with this in their own way. There is no single best approach other than to use or perform creative work in the manner that serves you best. Creativity can be a therapeutic benefit, but it can also cause anxiety and stress. Knowing yourself and "going with the flow" of what feels best, being open to change, accepting setbacks, etc. is probably the only guidance we can give. But if you've ever struggled with being creative while facing life's biggest challenges, give this a listen. You're not alone.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 24: Creative Strengths Vs. WeaknessesEpisode 24: Creative Strengths Vs. Weaknesses]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-24-creative-strengths-vs-48dhttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-24-creative-strengths-vs-48dFri, 25 Aug 2023 05:29:00 GMTIn this episode, John and Kevin discuss whether creatives should focus on making weaknesses stronger or double down on our strengths. How do we even evaluate what a strength or weakness is? Should we label something as a weakness? We each want to improve in our craft, but what's the best way to frame how we do that?

Resources

Kevin suggests reading Cory Doctorow's article about how social media platforms change over time. Why they always (so far) serve the owners and never (so far) their users or the content creators in the long run. Read it here.

John recommends a strengths and weaknesses listicle from Elite Daily. The presentation undermines the message, which isn't actually wrong, but sounds like it is.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 23: Taking Creative BreaksEpisode 23: Taking Creative Breaks]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-23-taking-creative-breaksepisode-8b9https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-23-taking-creative-breaksepisode-8b9Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:29:09 GMTIn this episode, John and Kevin discuss why taking a break or slowing down our creativity can actually make us more creatively productive. Taking the time to consider our work: the content, techniques, and approaches, even our mindset, will benefit our overall effort.

  • The need to recharge

  • First Ideas: taking time to think of and generate better ideas

  • Living—experiencing life, which fuels creativity

Bonus! Stay tuned for a special, surprise ending.

Resources:

Kevin suggested The Art of Slow Writing, by Louise DeSalvo - not just for writers. DeSalvo discusses the idea that our best work comes when we've taken our time to let ideas filter to us. First blush ideas are the easy ones. Lots of examples of famous books that took years not just to write, but for authors to figure out what their story idea was about.

John suggested Laura Veirs's Kaleidoscope Creativity Cards. Draw three cards and put them together as a creativity prompt.

Note: Links to books are affiliate links to Bookshop.org supporting independent bookstores.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 22: Interview With Dany Horovitz, Singer SongwriterEpisode 22: Interview With Dany Horovitz, Singer Songwriter]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-22-interview-with-dany-horovitz-01bhttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-22-interview-with-dany-horovitz-01bFri, 19 May 2023 05:41:00 GMTThe Lemon Juice Episode

This episode features an interview with singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Dany Horovitz. Possibly the voice of his generation. Dany talks about practice, process, and the importance of community and collaboration. He also recommends living life! You can find Dany's music wherever you prefer to listen. Dany's links: https://lnk.bio/danyhorovitz

Resources:

John read Embrace Your Weird by Felicia Day and highly recommends it.

Kevin suggested starting a Creativity Journal. He keeps multiple: poetry and nonfiction ideas and thoughts, a reading journal, a story journal, and a work diary. Here are a couple of resources to get you started:

*Book links are affiliate links supporting the Modern Folklore Press bookshop.

]]><![CDATA[The Perfect Episode! Pitfalls of PerfectionThe Perfect Episode! Pitfalls of Perfection]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/the-perfect-episode-pitfalls-of-perfectionthe-aachttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/the-perfect-episode-pitfalls-of-perfectionthe-aacFri, 21 Apr 2023 08:08:00 GMTIn this episode, John and Kevin dig into how the pursuit of perfection in our creative work can hold us back. They discuss how and when perfectionism can manifest during the creative process and ways they have overcome the pitfalls.

Resources

Psychology Today primer on the psychological definitions of perfectionism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/perfectionism

Mindful Art Studio: How Perfectionism is Killing Your Creativity:

https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-perfectionism-is-killing-your-creativity/

Psychology Today: Getting Creative by Striving for Excellence Vs. Perfection:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-innovating-minds/202110/getting-creative-striving-excellence-vs-perfection

]]><![CDATA[Episode 20: Are You Bored Yet? Boredom as Creative FuelEpisode 20: Are You Bored Yet? Boredom as Creative Fuel]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-20-are-you-bored-yet-boredom-eadhttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-20-are-you-bored-yet-boredom-eadFri, 24 Mar 2023 08:10:00 GMTThis month we explore how boredom and tedium can help with the creative process. Do you get your best ideas while washing the dishes or walking the dog? There's a reason for that.

Our minds need to associate freely between ideas, thoughts, and memories. But when we consciously try to direct our attention to create, often the associations don't come. Science says we often need to be distracted just enough for the creative mind to shift into gear.

Resources:

Why Being Bored May Not Be Bad: A Study

Article: The Unexpected Value of Boredom for Well-Being and Creativity

Bored and Brilliant, by Manoush Zomorodi

Creative Quest, by Quest Love

Kevin suggests: Read a memoir written by a creator, artist, writer, comic creator, etc. Not a biography, and not ghost written, but a personal memoir by the creator. Reading about the lives of other creatives can unlock your own. If you need an example, I recommend Upstream by poet Mary Oliver.

John Recommended: The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin

Note: book links are affiliate links to Bookshop.org via Modern Folklore Press. Bookshop and Modern Folklore Press support local, independent bookstores.
]]><![CDATA[Episode 19: Interview with Dewi Hargreaves Artist and AuthorEpisode 19: Interview with Dewi Hargreaves Artist and Author]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-19-interview-with-dewi-hargreaves-23ehttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-19-interview-with-dewi-hargreaves-23eFri, 17 Feb 2023 11:35:00 GMTIn this episode, we're joined by Dewi Hargreaves, who is an author and artist. He shares his creative mindset and process, and his journey to living a creative life. You can find him here.

Resources Mentioned

Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity by Felicia Day

You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost): A Memoir, by Felicia Day

The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron

John is reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin but has not finished it yet.

Find Your Prompt! If you're stuck or just looking to do something new, find a resource for prompts in whatever creative endeavor you do, and unlock your creativity.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 18: Valuing the Creative ProcessEpisode 18: Valuing the Creative Process]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-18-valuing-the-creative-processepisode-c7fhttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-18-valuing-the-creative-processepisode-c7fFri, 20 Jan 2023 11:04:00 GMTThis month, we go deeper into the idea that the process is more important than the outcome. We discuss why valuing, even honoring, the creative process is so important to our creativity. We explore the significance of practice, experimentation, and intention. Also, why it's important to create our creative spaces and time.

For a creative: if time is money, then process is the currency and the outcome is what you've purchased.

Resources Mentioned

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

The Slowdown podcast

]]><![CDATA[Episode 17: Not Really The Year In ReviewEpisode 17: Not Really The Year In Review]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-17-not-really-the-year-in-c90https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-17-not-really-the-year-in-c90Fri, 30 Dec 2022 16:12:10 GMTThe last episode for the year was supposed to be a review of our favorite books about creativity. That didn't work out so well. But we did look at what inspired us and what we'll be doing in 2023.

Resources Mentioned

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker

Ezra Klein Show: This Conversation About the 'Reading Mind' Is a Gift

]]><![CDATA[Episode 16: Finding CreativityEpisode 16: Finding Creativity]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-16-finding-creativityepisode-8edhttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-16-finding-creativityepisode-8edFri, 14 Oct 2022 08:50:00 GMTThis time, John and Kevin discuss finding creativity. Finding a creative path in the first place, or finding our way back to creativity. Recent years have been both a boon and a bane to creative work. We offer some thoughts and ideas for getting going or getting going again, and why you should.

Resources:

John is reading: Essentialism by Greg McKeown

The Science Behind Creativity

This article summarizes some of the science around creativity: https://extension.sdstate.edu/mental-health-and-creativity

One article talks about the benefits of Expressive Writing. https://www.psychreg.org/expressive-writing/ We might not think of journaling as creative, but it absolutely is.

So is knitting, for example: https://www.mhanational.org/blog/mental-health-benefits-knitting

And, we discussed why creativity is important in Episode 1.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 15: What Happens When Sharing Our Creative WorkEpisode 15: What Happens When Sharing Our Creative Work]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-15-what-happens-when-sharing-b50https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-15-what-happens-when-sharing-b50Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:29:00 GMTIn this episode, John and Kevin discuss sharing our creativity. Not just posting a picture on social media or putting something up for sale, but sharing our process. Or even sharing the activity itself and discoveries we make along the way. How do you share creativity?

Resources Mentioned

Figuring by Maria Popova

Cognitive Surplus by Clay Shirky

Venus Theory, Musician and Youtuber

Mary Spender, Musician and Youtuber

Show Your Work, by Austin Kleon

Inspired to Write, Instagram account by Amie McNee

Reading Glasses Podcast with Mallory O'Meara and Brea Grant.

Are you a creative with an interesting story about finding your way to a creative life? Would you like to share it through our podcast? If so, tell us about yourself here.

Don't forget to rate and review The Time is Right podcast on your favorite platform.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 14: Interview With Jordan DuncanEpisode 14: Interview With Jordan Duncan]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-14-interview-with-jordan-953https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-14-interview-with-jordan-953Fri, 29 Jul 2022 17:53:18 GMTJordan Duncan is a multi-creative writer, poet, editor, blogger, and more. She's half of the Coffee Book and Candle blog duo. You can find out more about her and her work at Twitter and Linktree, and her poetry here: Quill and Crow Publishing.

Creativity Resources Mentioned:

Dan Koboldt: Putting the Science in Science Fiction

Audacity: free audio editing

Davinci Resolve: video editing

Movavi: audio and video editing

Canva: Image editing

Gimp: photo manipulation

Affinity: photo editing

Photoshop Lightroom (mobile): photo editing

]]><![CDATA[Episode 13: Interview With Multi-Creative Marijah V.Episode 13: Interview With Multi-Creative Marijah V.]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-13-interview-with-multi-creative-48dhttps://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-13-interview-with-multi-creative-48dFri, 15 Jul 2022 18:22:27 GMTMarijah V. is a writer, poet, editor, photographer, musician, adventurer and all-around creative. Marijah joined us for a conversation about creativity and how her various outlets have grown and changed. She's a firm believer in putting your creativity out into the world because you will receive more than you give.

You can learn all about her at her website: marijahvwanderlust.com or Instagram or Twitter.

Resources mentioned:

Virtual Reality: Oculus (Now called Meta Quest) with travel apps to explore the world you can't visit.

Marijah V. Wanderlust photos, volunteering opportunities, and more.

A Field Guide to Getting Lost, by Rebecca Solnit. Essays on finding yourself by allowing us to lose ourselves.

Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver. Poetry as Essay. She discusses feeding creativity by finding a quiet place that speaks to you and just notice the details.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 12: Who’s the Imposter?Episode 12: Who’s the Imposter?]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-12-whos-the-imposterepisode-fc8https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-12-whos-the-imposterepisode-fc8Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:00:00 GMTAre You a Creative Fraud?

Some refer to this as Imposter Syndrome, but that can be a serious condition, and while it doesn’t have an official diagnosis, psychologists treat it seriously. Untreated, the effects can be devastating. If you believe your condition is serious or chronic, seek a professional therapist.

What we’re talking about are the feelings creatives get periodically where we believe our work doesn’t stand up to that of others or the vision we set for ourselves.

Feeling like a Creative fraud.

In this episode, John and Kevin discuss the times they've experienced this and what they've done to cope with and get beyond these periods.

Resources Mentioned:

Skill Share Guide: Creative Imposter Syndrome: How to Beat Feeling Like an Artistic Fraud

Time Article: How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome

APA Article: Feeling Like a Fraud

Psychology Today Article: Imposter Syndrome

An Introvert's Guide to Beating Imposter Syndrome

]]><![CDATA[Episode 11: Interview with Author & Translator Kristin OsaniEpisode 11: Interview with Author & Translator Kristin Osani]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-11-interview-with-author-476https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-11-interview-with-author-476Fri, 22 Apr 2022 08:27:00 GMTKristin Osani is a queer writer who lives in Kyoto, Japan where she works as a freelance Japanese-to-English video game translator when she’s not wordsmithing, working on nerdy cross-stitching, or cuddling her two cats (three if you include her husband).

Her fiction has appeared in FlashPoint SF, the Arcanist, and Ghost Orchid Press’s Beyond the Veil: Supernatural Tales of Queer Love anthology.

Kristin's website is https://www.kristinosani.com/

Kristin shared her experience with creativity through her work as a video-game translator, her writing, cross-stitching, and drawing.

Kristin's creative resources:

For writers struggling to create protagonists well: The Protagonist Problem.

Brandon Sanderson's Creative Writing Lectures on Youtube

Ellen Brock's YouTube channel

Writing Excuses Podcast

Save the Cat!, by Blake Snyder

Take Off Your Pants!: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing, by Libbie Hawker

The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface, by Donald Maas

Wonderbook: the Illustrated Guide to Creating Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer

The Nebula Conference is a great place for SFF writers to connect and learn.

John suggested The Listening Book: Discovering Your Own Music, by W. A. Mathieu

Kevin mentioned** the book The Lady from the Black Lagoon, by Mallory O'Meara

**Actually, Kevin mis-titled the book repeatedly in the episode. That's what happens when you don't look at your notes. 🙄 Apologies to Mallory O'Meara.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 10: Interview With Multi-Creative Jonathan HansenEpisode 10: Interview With Multi-Creative Jonathan Hansen]]>https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-10-interview-with-multi-creative-5d9https://www.timeisright.fm/p/episode-10-interview-with-multi-creative-5d9Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMTThis time we're joined by author, artist (painting, NFT, sculptor), musician, and teacher Jonathan Hansen, aka Johan Michaels. We talked about deciding which creative endeavor to pick up when he has so many, creative energy, his influences, writing, and music. Jonathan also talked about NFTs as a creator.

Jonathan's website: https://johanmichaels.weebly.com/

Resources we mentioned:

  • A good video explaining NFTs

  • Pexels is a resource for royalty free videos.

  • Distrokid is a service that distributes music to all the major platforms, like Spotify and Apple.

  • Steven King's On Writing is a good resource for writers.

  • Fabula - storytelling cards

  • NFT Marketplaces you can browse: OpenSea and Objkt

Also, take a walk when the going gets tough, and keep a creativity journal.

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