Never Too Late
Have you ever felt like there’s a creative dream you’ve been putting off? That deep down, you’re holding yourself back, wondering if it’s too late or if you’re good enough? These thoughts are all too common for creatives, and they were at the heart of my recent conversation with Lorraine Douglas, a fantasy author based in Edinburgh.
Lorraine shared her story of rediscovering her love for writing during the pandemic, after years of denying herself the opportunity to truly pursue it. Her journey, filled with perseverance, inspiration, and hard work, is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start.
Giving Yourself Permission
One of the most striking moments in our conversation was Lorraine’s honesty about her struggles with self-doubt. For years, she put writing on the back-burner. Instead, she explored other creative outlets, like photography and art, never quite allowing herself to follow her true passion.
The pandemic became a turning point. With her usual creative activities paused, Lorraine finally gave herself permission to write. She spoke about how liberating it felt to embrace her ideas without worrying about perfection. Her advice?
“Write for yourself first.
Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from starting.”
Finding Your Creative Rhythm
Lorraine’s journey also highlighted the importance of creating routines that work for you. As a mother and co-owner of a family business, her time is limited, but she’s found ways to weave writing into her days. Early mornings after school drop-offs and late nights with a notebook in hand have become her creative sanctuary.
What struck is Lorraine’s flexibility. She doesn’t force herself to write when she’s not feeling it. Instead, she’ll step away, find inspiration in nature, or turn to other creative outlets. This balance has helped her sustain her momentum over the years.
The Power of Community
For Lorraine, joining a writing group was a game-changer. Her group, Secret Scribes, has provided not just practical support but also emotional encouragement. Writing can be a lonely journey, and having a community of peers to critique work, share struggles, and celebrate wins has been invaluable.
This resonated deeply with me. Whether you’re a writer, painter, or entrepreneur, finding a supportive network can make all the difference. Community helps us see that we’re not alone in our struggles and gives us the confidence to keep going.
Tips for Aspiring Creatives
Lorraine’s story is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to pursue their creative dreams:
Start Where You Are: There’s no perfect time to begin. Start small, even if it’s just jotting down ideas or dedicating a few minutes a day to your craft.
Embrace Imperfection: Your first draft, first painting, or first attempt doesn’t need to be perfect. Allow yourself to learn and grow through the process.
Find Your Tribe: Seek out a community that shares your creative passion. The encouragement and advice you’ll receive can be transformative.
Be Patient: Creativity is a journey, not a race. Give yourself grace and focus on enjoying the process rather than rushing to the finish line.
Trust Your Voice: As Lorraine put it, “Get to know yourself and give yourself permission to create in the way that works for you.”
As I reflect on our conversation, I’m struck by Lorraine’s courage to finally say “yes” to her creative dream. It’s a powerful reminder that the biggest obstacles we face are often the ones we place in front of ourselves.
If you’ve been holding back from pursuing a creative goal, I hope Lorraine’s story inspires you to take that first step. Whether it’s writing, painting, or starting a business, there’s no time like the present to begin.
Click here to listen to the full conversation with Lorraine Douglas on The Art of Creative Business. It’s packed with insights and encouragement for creatives at any stage of their journey.