Today’s guest is Maria Bowler, author of Making Time: A New Vision for Crafting a Life Beyond Productivity, returning for a second conversation on the podcast. This episode dives deep into the realities of cultivating creativity and sustaining joy throughout a long-term project.
Maria and host Merideth share candid reflections on the emotional terrain of large-scale creative work. From the daunting moment of beginning to the pitfalls of tying your identity too closely to your art, they unpack the internal hurdles that can accompany the creative process. You’ll hear the surprisingly sneaky tactics both used to move past intimidation and complete their first books.
They explore the “messy middle” of a project—when the work starts to take on a life of its own, self-doubt creeps in, and direction can feel elusive. Along the way, they discuss how to find helpful reinforcements, strike a balance between creative integrity and marketability, and stay grounded when the finish line finally comes into view.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of practical tools—including a mantra for the long haul—and ideas for how to celebrate when your work is finally out in the world.