Come with me on a track-by-track journey through Kentucky Queen, my first solo project in 15 years, where I share the personal, cultural, and musical roots of each song on the album. My aim for this episode was to share the stories I love to hear when I listen to a songwriter, like influences, inspirations, and anecdotes. I also share some about my process of song selection, and the musicians who helped me bring the songs to life. Whether you’re a new listener or a longtime fan, pull up a chair and settle in for a glimpse behind the scenes of writing and recording. (As well as my favorite weird method for writing songs!)

Listening/Purchase Links for Kentucky Queen

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Join host Carla Gover and Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House as they discuss the creative life. The episode explores the fears and resistance writers face, the importance of honesty in storytelling, and the impact of cultural and religious conditioning on self-expression. Silas shares his journey, experiences, and thoughts on creativity, including his thoughts on representing marginalized groups, collaborating with other artists, and much more. This candid discussion is filled with wisdom, humility, and encouragement for all aspiring artists.

Key Points Discussed:

Fear and Resistance in Writing:

1. The challenges of writer's block and distractions like social media.
2. Importance of honesty and writing stories or poems you want to read.
3. Fear as an engine that drives the creative process.

Cultural and Religious Conditioning:

1. Expressing oneself fully despite cultural and religious backgrounds.
2. Working on a novel addressing strict cultural backgrounds, faith, and desire.

Representation and Responsibility:

1. Importance of representing marginalized groups like gay Kentuckians.
2. Impact of Silas's work on young queer individuals.
3. Being conscientious and authentic on social media.

Impostor Syndrome and Humility:

1. Challenges of feeling inadequate in elite literary settings.
2. Maintaining a down-to-earth attitude despite high-profile connections.
3. Personal validation from readers vs. professional awards.

Balancing Tasks and Self-Care:

1. Juggling various activities using checklists and prioritizing tasks.
2. Importance of self-care and knowing personal limits.
3. Psychological approach to to-do lists and rewarding oneself.

Thoughts on Creativity and Art:

1. Creativity as a constant state of being.
2. Daydreaming as an essential part of the creative process.
3. The complexity and multidimensionality of personal identity.

Projects and Future Works:

1. Upcoming picture book "That Dog Won't Hunt."
2. New novel set in the early 1900s focusing on environmental issues.

Connect with Silas
Website
Instagram
Facebook

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In this episode of "What Dreamers Do," Leonie Dawson, the vibrant and successful artist, writer, poet, and illustrator from Australia, opens up about her unique journey as a creative entrepreneur.

From her time in the Australian government to her inspiring million-dollar online business and Brilliant Biz and Life Academy, you'll discover how Leonie seamlessly blends creativity with business without compromising her values and integrity.

Show Highlights:
- The beginnings of her career back in the early days of chat and message boards
- Overcoming physical health challenges while flourishing in her business and art
- Running the Brilliant Biz and Life Academy with 5,000 dedicated members
- Advocating for integrity and supporting artists and women to take up space and share their art
- Creating invaluable resources and free content on her website
- Leonie's deep admiration for the inspiring artist Sark
- Shifting mindset towards self-worth, imposter syndrome, and joy in creation
- Streamlining business and valuing happiness and work-life balance
- The power of money in creating positive change and redistribution to nonprofits

Tune in to be inspired by Leonie's radical approach to business and creativity, self-care and motherhood. Discover how she challenges self-doubt and gender limitations, shining a light for people carving their own paths in entrepreneurship and art.
Leonie Dawson is a reminder that success can be cultivated with authenticity, joy, and unwavering dedication.
Leonie Dawson is a self-taught artist, writer, and poet who knew from a young age that she wanted to make a difference in the world through her creativity. Despite growing up in a pragmatic farming family, she pursued her passion and has since become a successful and influential figure in the art and writing community. Leonie's determination and talent have allowed her to achieve her childhood dream of changing the world through her art and words.

Links from the Show
Brilliant Biz & Life Academy
Leonie's Free Resources
Website for the artist SARK

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