Nobody tells you this about writing. No one told me this, I learnt it all the hard way. So here it is, the tough love gentle truth combo that every first time writer deserves to know: You won’t always feel like a writer. Even when you’re writing. Even when you’re published. But you are. That feeling is lying. It's your imposter syndrome. I still suffer from it after 17 published books. But I now know to catch it when it starts and tell myself differently. The first draft will probably suck. Correction. Not probably. It will suck. That’s why it is a first draft. There will also never be perfection. But there will be rewrites and getting as close to perfection as you can. Which brings me to... You’ll rewrite more than you write. Writing is mostly rewriting over and over again until you have a million versions of your manuscript and are totally confused as to why you are doing this to yourself and that you would have been better off writing code or being a banker. Your best ideas will arrive when you’re nowhere near your desk. In the bathroom. While showering. While you're stuck in a traffic jam. When you're out on a walk. While you're falling asleep. Or even when you're asleep. Not convenient. Mostly brilliant. Some, of course, will be vampires. They disintegrate in sunlight. Feedback will sting. Not everyone will be kind. Some will be particularly nasty. But it helps you grow as a writer, but first grow a really thick skin. If you get yourself a carapace, all the better. At some point, you will hate your manuscript. It’s not personal. It’s part of the process. Take a break, then get back to it. Publishing won’t magically erase your self-doubt. That is the essence of being a creative person, a person who thinks. The one with no self doubt has nothing to offer the world except cliches. You’ll spend more time staring at your screen than typing. Don't devalue your thinking. It is an integral part of your writing process. Keep time aside just to think. You’re not alone. Writing is a lonely profession. But every single writer struggles with the dichotomy of the loneliness of the profession and the need to be part of a community. Step out, meet people, then withdraw again. That's the only way to keep going. The only way to finish writing something? Keep at it. Unfinished manuscripts are the bane of aspiring writers. It doesn't matter how good your work is if you don't put in the work to hit "The End." Which one hit you the hardest? What would you add to this list? Tag a writer who needs this reminder today. And don’t forget — you’re doing better than you think. #WritingLife #WriterRealityCheck #AmWriting #WritersOfInstagram #WritingTips #KeepGoing #CreativeProcess #ChasingCreativity #KiranManralWrites

"Some of my best ideas didn’t come while staring at a screen—they came while walking. Past a leaking tap. Or a gulmohar tree. Or just to get my steps in. That’s when the magic whispers."
— from Chasing Creativity with Kiran Manral Walking gives the brain just enough rhythm and rest to let ideas rise to the surface. I spoke about this in Chasing Creativity—about how sometimes the best thing a writer can do is close the laptop, open the door and step out for a walk.   You’re in excellent company too.
Charles Dickens reportedly walked 20 miles a day. Virginia Woolf took long rambles through London’s streets. Nietzsche claimed “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” Even Murakami blends running and walking into his writing life. So next time you're stuck for words, go take a walk. Literally. You never know when, at what point, the words will get unstuck.  #ChasingCreativity #WritersOfInstagram #WalkingWriters #CreativityTips #WritingLife #AuthorLife #KiranManral #WritingCommunity #PlotWalks

This week on #ChasingCreativity: In this episode of Chasing Creativity, Kiran Manral sits down with @poojapoddarmarwah, a prolific content strategist and author. They discuss Pooja's transition from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a successful content strategist and author with multiple books. Pooja shares her unique experiences, challenges, and the importance of continuous reinvention. She also gives insights into building a personal brand on social media and the significance of storytelling in content creation. Don’t miss her inspiring journey and practical advice for aspiring writers and strategists. Watch the episode on Youtube here : youtube.com/watch?v=ZQlBnE-F… You could also listen in on any audio platform. Produced by @bingepods

On #ChasingCreativity this week,a dear friend and author, actor, entrepreneur ⁦@Kulpreetyadav⁩ Do watch on YouTube or listen in on any audio platform. Produced by ⁦@bingepods⁩

He might have become synonymous with Roshesh Sarabhai thanks to his stint in the immensely popular Sarabhai VS Sarabhai but Rajesh Kumar is slowly and surely breaking the mould with the very interesting choices he's made in recent times. A wonderful conversation on reinventing oneself as an artist, his love for the soil and farming, his art and craft and process. Do watch on the #ChasingCreativity Youtube Channel or listen in on any audio platform. Produced by Bingepods (Ideabrew Studios) youtube.com/watch?v=XuHsifgb…

This week on #ChasingCreativity, the very very fab ⁦@ExLolaKutty⁩ on her journey.

It was a delight chatting with @paulamcglynn for #ChasingCreativity on her journey from Vancouver to Mumbai, setting up BhaDiPa, a Marathi content creation firm that has made some of the best content in the space right now. Watch it on the Chasing Creativity Youtube channel here: youtube.com/channel/UC4pTmpH… Or listen in on any audio platform. Produced by @bingepods

It was so wonderful to chat with the beauteous @mariagorettiz on her unusual career trajectory for Season 2 of #ChasingCreativity. Coming soon on YouTube and all major audio platforms. Watch this space for details. Produced by @bingepods

#ReUpping Do watch. #ChasingCreativity Season 2 goes video. Watch and subscribe on Youtube or listen in on any audio platform.

And Season 2 of #ChasingCreativity is live on @youtube My first interview with the brilliant @gulshandevaiah Discover Gulshan's unique journey from being a fashion designer to a celebrated actor, his childhood influences, challenges in unconventional roles, experiences in theatre, and the technical aspects of acting. Dive into the nuances of his characters, the significance of pre-production, and gain a sneak peek into his latest projects including #BadCop on @Disney Hotstar and the spy thriller #Ulajh. Watch it here and like, subscribe, you know the drill. Produced by @bingepods youtube.com/@ChasingCreativi…

Shot for season 2 of #ChasingCreativity today with the very acclaimed filmmaker @MadhureetaA and my darling @ShwetaRohira Watch this space for further details of when the episodes drop on @YouTube and all major audio platforms. Produced by @bingepods

And moar guests! #ChasingCreativity Season 2 on @youtube soon. Also on all audio platforms.

Recorded a special episode of #chasingcreativity with my favourite @KiranManral today. I look forward to the episode which will be available on YouTube and other audio platforms. @bingepods

The most intense conversation on creativity and the acting life with the very very gorgeous @tiscatime this afternoon for Season 2 of #ChasingCreativity. Coming soon to YouTube and all major audio platforms. Watch this space. With @bingepods

Swara Patel took to dance after her MBA and after she had her second child. An inspiring journey of how it is never too late to follow your passion. On @bingepods @spotify @ApplePodcasts and all major platforms #ChasingCreativity open.spotify.com/episode/2Uy…

Step into the vibrant world of comic book art as Kiran Manral sits down with the visionary Abhijeet Kini on this episode of 'Chasing Creativity.' Uncover the intricacies of storytelling through illustrations, as Abhijeet shares his journey, techniques, and the boundless imagination that breathes life into his characters. Join the conversation as they explore the fusion of creativity and sequential art, offering a glimpse into the mind of a true comic book artisan. #ChasingCreativity on @bingepods @spotify @applepodcasts and all major audio platforms open.spotify.com/episode/5rq…

All episodes of #ChasingCreativity here: podcasts.apple.com/in/podcas…

Sometimes it’s easy to get the creative juices flowing, and sometimes it isn’t 🤷 Dive into the creative process of artists from all spheres with the #ChasingCreativity podcast 🖌️ amzn.to/3srxFdp @KiranManral #PodForYou #PodcastsOnAmazonMusic

Absolutely wonderful conversation on the art and craft of acting with Mukesh Tiwari today. Episode coming soon on #ChasingCreativity Catch it on @bingepods @ApplePodcasts @amazonmusic @spotify and all major audio platforms

When the very fab Chef Romy Gill MBE comes into town, you arm twist her into recording an episode of #ChasingCreativity. Coming soon on all major audio platforms