The Creative Life Podcast

Episode 23: When to stop editing

You’ve made it to the finish line, the creative project you’ve put your heart and soul into is finally done and dusted… but the real fun has only just started. In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, Holly and Thea talk about all things editing. What do we mean by underediting and overediting? Is there a scientific method to the art of the edit? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you know when to step back from a creative piece and LEAVE IT ALONE? We delve into all these questions and more in this jam packed episode!  Also featuring: live demonstrations, novel congratulations, and the return of The Gut Instinct. Let’s dive into it! Thea’s creative shoutout: The Goblin Emperor – book by Katherine Addison  Holly’s creative shoutout: Untitled, 1986 – artwork by Keith Piper, on display at the Manchester Art Gallery

Episode 22: Finishing power

Holly and Thea are back and this time we’re talking about the creative equivalent of running a marathon… and then refusing to cross the finish line. Why is finishing so hard?!?! Why do we happily start twelve new projects but suddenly develop selective amnesia when it comes to wrapping one up? In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, we dive into the strange fear of finishing creative work — from half-written novels and “almost done” paintings to the emotional chaos of finally letting something go. Is unfinished work still valid art? (Looking at you, Da Vinci.) Is there a weird grief that comes with finishing a project… or just sweet, sweet relief? And honestly, is releasing your work into the world a little bit like giving birth?! We also share our best survival tips for actually making it to the finish line: bribing yourself with treats, relying on creative cheerleaders, embracing sheer bloody-minded determination, and learning when to stop tweaking and just let the thing exist. Plus we come up with the best idea ever to help Thea celebrate finishing the first draft of her first novel… Whether you’re stuck in the messy middle or hovering dramatically at the final hurdle, this episode is here to lovingly shove you over the line. Holly is in The Guardian! Read the article here [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/15/tinsel-to-tidewall-discarded-christmas-trees-reused-to-protect-lancashire-coastline] Thea's creative shoutout: Sophie, song by Haute & Freddy Holly's creative shoutout: The Other Bennet Sister, novel by Janice Hadlow, BBC series starring Ella Bruccoleri

Episode 21: Acting, producing and creating WITH JAMES SCHOFIELD

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, we’re joined by actor, producer (and Holly’s cousin!) James Schofield. If, like Holly and Thea, you know next to nothing about acting, then buckle your seatbelts and prepare to be enlightened! We chat to James about the importance of support from teachers early on in a creative career, how he found his current role at The Living Theatre, and the joy of finding creativity in unexpected places (who knew grant applications could be so much fun!) Also featuring: how to make friends using coin tricks, the pros and cons of drama school, and the truth behind the mysterious role of a producer… let’s dive into it!  The Living Theatre [https://www.thelivingtheatrewhitwell.org] is an open air theatre in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside. You can find them on Instagram @the_living_theatre

Episode 20: Writing a novel WITH JJ LARKEY

Grab a cuppa and join Holly and Thea on The Creative Life Podcast as we chat to indie author JJ Larkey about all things bookish! From drafting chapters on her phone whilst juggling family life, to applying to a Call for Submissions on a whim, to landing her first book deal, JJ gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at her debut novel, Royally Half Elf. We learn a few secrets of the trade such as how she ensured each of her many characters had a unique voice (plus which of her ‘children’ is her favourite) as well as why she goes by the mysterious title of ‘The Royal Archivist’... Join us in the magical community of the Crossroads (Nashville, but not as you know it) to find out more!  Also featuring: the importance of kindness as a creative, and the enchanting Grymory Piccolo’s insistence that he was NOT the character JJ initially imagined him to be. Let’s dive into it! JJ’s novel, Royally Half Elf, is available to order directly from Asteria Press [https://www.asteriapress.com/], as well as Amazon and Kobo.   You can follow JJ on Instagram and Threads @jjthewitchywordsmith and TikTok @thefaerielutearchives Buy JJ a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/jjlarkeywrites You can read more from The Royal Archivist on Substack at The Benevolently Nosey Society [https://archiveofelvishshenanigans.substack.com/].

Episode 19: Creative burnout

Holly and Thea are back with less of a bang and more of a gentle fizz… it’s the end of a busy creative year and we’re talking burnout! On this episode of The Creative Life Podcast we discuss what creative burnout looks like for us and offer a variety of helpful tips — whether you want to get straight back to creating or make the most of a full rest, we’ve got you covered!  It’s been an absolute blast sharing our creative lives with you this year, thank you for tuning in and supporting us as we’ve grown! Here’s to more adventures in the Holly-and-Thea-verse next year!