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Podcast

March 25, 2020 by Cynthia Morris Leave a Comment

How to Focus When It Feels Impossible: Stumbling Toward Genius Episode 11

In this episode of Stumbling Toward Genius podcast, I try a new format. If you struggle with focus even in the best of times, this will help you garner some focus even when the world seems crazy.

Creative FocusIn this episode of Stumbling Toward Genius, you’ll hear why I revived the podcast and changed the format.

You’ll get actionable insights into how to focus when focus feels impossible. Including:

  • What you might need to add to your process
  • A contrarian view on setting expectations
  • A couple of ways I make focus easier now
  • Creative Competency: build up your focus from zero.

Mentioned in this episode:

Omm Writer, a software that shuts down internet access so you can focus.

The Busy Woman’s Guide to Writing a World-Changing Book

Stumbling Toward Genius is written and produced by Cynthia Morris and Original Impulse. Engineering by Cynthia Morris. Show music by Evan MacDonald.

I’d be so grateful for your help with a review of the podcast Stumbling Toward Genius on iTunes.

Filed Under: Podcast

February 13, 2020 by Cynthia Morris Leave a Comment

Earn the gifts at the finish line: Stumbling Toward Genius Ep 10

In this episode of Stumbling Toward Genius, you’ll hear the story of a book I wrote that changed a life-long narrative I’d been telling myself.

In this episode I will share:

  • A lifetime obsession of mine
  • How I felt ashamed of this passion
  • The project that reversed this shame
  • The gifts that I got from this project
  • Creative Competency: stay with it to receive the gifts waiting at the finish line.

Leave a comment below to share your experience with the assignment, or any other thoughts you have about this episode.

Download this week’s assignment and keep building your creative competencies.

Email me with your experience with this week’s assignment.

Links to things and people mentioned in the show

Write ONParis travel creativity guide art writing – live, online coaching group for writers with a project beginning February 17, 2020.

Visit Paris Like an Artist 

Write Your Heart Out in Paris writing retreat and workshop in Paris. Only a few spots left!

The hotel where we stay when I lead groups in Paris is the Hotel Delambre. It’s a great location (might seem far from tourist sites but that’s a PLUS and there are plenty of metro lines to get anywhere quickly.) The staff is great here and the street is a real Parisian street, not a tourist mecca. Tell them I sent you!

Stumbling Toward Genius is written and produced by Cynthia Morris and Original Impulse. Engineering by Jason Camps of Just Launch Media. Show music by Evan MacDonald.

I’d be so grateful for your help with a review of the podcast Stumbling Toward Genius on iTunes.

Filed Under: Books for Creatives, Creativity, Podcast

December 11, 2019 by Cynthia Morris 2 Comments

I Went to Seattle to Suck This Badly?: Stumbling Toward Genius

In this episode of Stumbling Toward Genius, you’ll hear the story of how I went all the way to Seattle for an urban sketching workshop and how badly I sucked. And, how I coped with that.

In this episode:

  • How a new workshop triggered an old incompetency

    Critique time at the Seattle Urban Sketching workshop
  • How my intention saved me and allowed me to enjoy rather than deflate

Leave a comment below to share your experience with the assignment, or any other thoughts you have about this episode.

Download this week’s assignment and keep building your creative competencies.

Email me with your experience with this week’s assignment.

Links to things and people mentioned in the show

The Art of Urban Sketching

Urban Sketchers movement

Gabriel Campanario

Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School

The Busy Woman’s Guide to Writing a World-Changing Book

Original Impulse Atelier

The winning sketch from the Doctor Sketchy’s Anti-Art Sketch Up

 

Stumbling Toward Genius is written and produced by Cynthia Morris and Original Impulse. Engineering by Jason Camps of Just Launch Media. Show music by Evan MacDonald.

I’d be so grateful for your help with a review of the podcast Stumbling Toward Genius on iTunes.

Filed Under: Podcast

December 4, 2019 by Cynthia Morris 5 Comments

The Humbling Nature of Getting Feedback: Stumbling Toward Genius

In this episode of Stumbling Toward Genius, I share how a critique session completely changed the way I think about writing and creating.

In this episode:

  • What happened when I signed up for late night critique at a writing conference
  • What late night really means
  • Two valuable things I learned from the critique
  • Creative competency: compassionate regard

Leave a comment below to share your experience with the assignment, or any other thoughts you have about this episode.

Download this week’s assignment and keep building your creative competencies.

Email me with your experience with this week’s assignment.

Links to things and people mentioned in the show

Chasing Sylvia Beach

Stumbling Toward Genius is written and produced by Cynthia Morris and Original Impulse. Engineering by Jason Camps of Just Launch Media. Show music by Evan MacDonald.

I’d be so grateful for your help with a review of the podcast Stumbling Toward Genius on iTunes.

Filed Under: Podcast

November 27, 2019 by Cynthia Morris Leave a Comment

Kneel at the Altar of Your Craft: Stumbling Toward Genius

If only the glorious genius of our ideas matched our skills! But the truth is, there’s a lot of repetitive and humbling work that goes into making things.

In this episode of Stumbling Toward Genius, you’ll hear how I faced the reality of my skills. You’ll see how I took feedback that told me an uncomfortable truth about my art.

You’ll get the scoop on:

  • How being in a creative cocoon can feel great but may not yield great results
  • How to insist on constructive criticism
  • How to not let perfectionism ruin your process

Leave a comment below to share your experience with the assignment, or any other thoughts you have about this episode.

Download this week’s assignment and keep building your creative competencies.

Email me with your experience with this week’s assignment.

Links to things and people mentioned in the show

Atelier

Hoffman Process

Lamy Pens

Stumbling Toward Genius is written and produced by Cynthia Morris and Original Impulse. Engineering by Jason Camps of Just Launch Media. Show music by Evan MacDonald.

I’d be so grateful for your help with a review of the podcast Stumbling Toward Genius on iTunes.

Filed Under: Podcast

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Cynthia Morris novel Her Lisbon Colors

Creative Success Stories

"Being coached by Cynthia highlighted my unrevealed gifts. Our time together has revolutionized the way I work and lead my companies.

Her wisdom about creativity and productivity has added value to every area of my life from personal health to creativity and generating wealth.

I would have never imagined that this powerhouse of a creative would help me grow, connect to my heart and improve my companies in so many areas. Cynthia’s coaching is like supercharging a normal engine; there is no comparison."

John Marsh
Founder, Marsh Collective

"For years, I struggled with this belief that I wasn't good enough, that I wasn't a real writer, that I wouldn't be able to follow through. Your coaching and support opened something in me that had gone dormant.

With your words in my ears and my heart finding new excitement, I pushed the words across the page. My first novel is complete. You, dear Cynthia, helped me lay the dominoes. I can’t thank you enough for the motivation, the inspiration, and the reminder that I was meant to write."

Tabetha Hedrick
Author

"Cynthia has given me my writing voice. I can now say I am a writer. My newsletter readers tell me how much they love receiving it!

Cynthia has a great spark of life that just shines out. She engages in a way that encourages you to challenge yourself as a writer and is there to help pull you out if you get stuck or lost."

Ruth Dent
Artist

"Cynthia helped me drive a short story across the finish line. I recommend Cynthia if you want to learn about your own writing process in an experiential way and get practice on things like letting go of perfectionism for a greater goal."

Roseanne
Writer

"Cynthia helped me so much to develop a writing practice. I love her approach to combining creativity and action. It's gentle and effective and highly self compassionate."

Laila Atalah
Writer

"Because of my work with Cynthia, I have been able to embrace my artist's path and choose a lifestyle that truly speaks to my soul. Instead of trying to be and do everything, I now follow my true desires with courage, joy and serenity.

Cynthia is intuitive, down-to-earth, straightforward and honest. She can read between the lines, and she never lets me run away, give in and give up. Cynthia is a fabulous mentor and an amazing artist."

Maya Sofia Preston
Photographer

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