The Creative Process

Creativity is often mistaken for inspiration. When in reality, it is largely about persistence.

In fact, I would calculate that it’s 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.

How do you get a good idea?

I would go out on a limb here and suggest that if you ask any creative about their process, they would all agree that ideas arrive unexpectedly, but they only become meaningful through disciplined work. It’s not like you sit down at 9 am and decide to have an idea. I am certainly not of that persuasion; I keep notebooks close by because interesting observations can appear at any time. Some then sit on the back burner for years until a sudden rush makes me pick them up again.

Research, drafting, collaboration and revision all play equally important roles. Every project teaches me something new.

How do you start?

It’s unique to each of us - there’s no blueprint, and my way works for me. I've learned to just get it down. In whatever scrappy form. Do not fear imperfect first drafts. They are drafts after all and are simply stepping stones towards stronger work.

Whether writing songs, developing musicals or planning productions, my process remains the same: stay curious, be brave, get it down on paper, keep listening and never lose sight of the story.

Everything begins with the simple question: 'What truth am I trying to share?'

Creativity in lockdown

I live with a redhead - and lockdown went on for a long time. I wrote a lot during lockdown; some songs I bashed out in an afternoon, other songs I sat with, worked on and rewrote over the course of a year.