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Sheryl Garratt

@sherylg.bsky.social
220 followers 66 following 565 posts

Writer, and a coach helping creative professionals do their best work - while also living their best life. Find me at thecreativelife.net

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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
You're a creative. You might call yourself a freelancer. Self-employed. You're less likely to see yourself as a business owner. Try thinking of yourself that way, at least some of the time. It's a small mindset shift. But it changes everything. thecreativelife.net/stop-freelan...
thecreativelife.net
Stop freelancing! Become a business owner instead. - The Creative Life
Stop freelancing, and become a business owner instead. The only real change is your mindset - but everything changes when you take control
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Most creatives have a strong inner critic. We are constantly questioning ourselves and our work. Your critic can be a good thing, helping you improve. But you need to tame it, teach it to talk to you more politely.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Comedy: Lin Ji Hao His new show Falling From A Moon is weird, whimsical, intelligent – and very, very funny. Catch it if you can. At the risk of over-extending the astronomical references: he’s a rising star.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I've been lucky, over my working life, to meet creatives at the very top of their fields. As a journalist. And now as a coach. Here are some of the things I've learned from them: thecreativelife.net/what-ive-lea...
thecreativelife.net
What I've learned from other creatives - The Creative Life
We all have plenty to teach each other. As a writer, here's are some of the things I've learned from other creatives.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
If you really knew how much work most creative projects were going to involve, you'd never begin. No matter how experienced you are, there's always a degree of amnesia involved, a belief that this time it will be easy. Expect this part. Keep plodding on. And eventually, you'll get to the end.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Art: Anish Kapoor If you’ve never seen his work up close, this Hayward show is a great primer: blackest black optical illusions, two gorgeous sky mirrors, a lot of big red things. But I found it a little sterile.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
As a larger, working-class and decidedly unglamorous woman working in the media, I've been called all of the names. It never really bothered me. But attack one of my contributors, and I lose my mind. As this OTT tale amply illustrates.. Hear me tell Miranda Sawyer about it on Talk 90s To Me
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Just to be clear, we didn't physically break Kate. She is indomitable! This is my account of the Face cover that helped bring her to wider attention. On Talk 90s To Me, from wherever you normally get your podcasts...
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Want to hear me blathering on to the lovely Miranda Sawyer about The Face, Britpop feuds and how my long 90s party ended in a mad week with Robbie Williams? Happy to oblige. Just find Talk 90s To Me on your preferred podcast provider..
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A 10-week coaching programme for artists, writers, musicians, makers, designers, performers. And anyone who makes a living from their creative work. (Or wants to.) We meet on Zoom every Tuesday at 7.30pm UK time, in a small group of up to 12 creatives from different fields.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
If you're a freelancer and you’re tired of clients micro-managing you or constantly checking in – this might help. thecreativelife.net/how-to-deal-...
thecreativelife.net
How to deal with anxious or controlling clients - The Creative Life
We all have nightmare clients. But if you have a lot of them, it might be about your communication. Luckily, that's easy to fix.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
At the moment I'm writing about time, and how creatives manage it. Twyla Tharp's book The Creative Habit is one I go back to, over and over. She's right, of course. I don't think I'd ever have finished anything if I didn't have deadlines, people relying on me to deliver.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Director: Guy Ritchie We hoovered up season 2 of The Gentlemen this week, followed by his new film In The Grey. Both felt a bit by-the-numbers. But they’re stylish, cartoonishly violent and good fun nonetheless.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
My next programme for creative professionals starts Oct 6 at 7.30pm (UK time). Interested in joining a small group of fellow creatives from different fields? Over 10 weeks, we discuss what gets in our way – and what do about it. More information here: tcl.kit.com/group
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Feel like 2026 has shot by, and you haven't got enough done? Fear not. September is the perfect time for a reset. Make a plan, and you can still get something substantial done. And build in time for fun, too. Here's how. thecreativelife.net/september-re...
thecreativelife.net
Your September reset - The Creative Life
It's a great time to reset, make a plan – and make final third of the year really count. You can still get something substantial done!
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
What's the thing you've been avoiding? And how will you do it, this week? (My thing this week: Second draft of my new book, starting in on chapter three.)
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Comedy: Nish Kumar How does Kumar manage to be so angry at the state of the world while keeping his audience totally on-side? It's a virtuoso balancing act. His new show is fast, furious – and very, very funny.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We love the idea of the lone genius, toiling alone in their attic. But as Brian Eno points out, most innovation is caused by scenius – clusters of creatives encouraging, competing, reacting for and against each other. Where is yours? thecreativelife.net/scenius/
thecreativelife.net
Scenius: why creatives are stronger together - The Creative Life
To grow as a creative, find a scene. Or make one. Brian Eno calls this collective intelligence scenius, because we're better together
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
I loved Brian Eno's book What Art Does. If you're feeling unappreciated and like it's all a bit pointless.. Here's why creative work matters.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Novel: Homegoing Yaa Gyasi’s assured 2016 debut follows two branches of a Ghanaian family over generations in the US and Africa. Breathtaking in its scope and its language, as soon as I finished, I ordered her next novel
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Mid-way through my month off work, and already brimming with new ideas. For creatives, play isn't an added extra. It's essential, to stay inspired.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Music: Don’t You Want Me Meshell Ndegeocello and Cat Power offer a fresh take on the Human League classic from Ndegeocello’s upcoming album of cover versions.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Too busy to take a proper break? Try this. thecreativelife.net/micro-breaks/
thecreativelife.net
Micro-breaks: How to make space, even on your busiest days - The Creative Life
We all need downtime, space to rest, play, recover. But what about those days when you can't? Steal some space with micro-breaks. Here's how.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I've always loved this quote, yet I don't always live it. Take a break. Seriously. And do it regularly. It might make you work better, but that's not the point. It will definitely make you happier. And healthier.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Comedy: Rhys James His new show Chop Logic is fast, furious and very funny. Especially the descriptions of middle-class jobs. Catch it if you can.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
In 2007, I spent a lot of time with members of Team GB while they prepared for the Beijing Olympics. Here’s what Mo Farah taught me. And how it might apply to your creative work. thecreativelife.net/what-olympic...
thecreativelife.net
What Olympic athletes can teach creatives - The Creative Life
Olympians train hard. But they also rest deeply. Creative work needs a similar balance. Where are you skimping on rest?
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Every August on my summer break, I have to learn this all over again. Work is so much a part of my identity, and so ingrained. So this week, I'll mainly be reading. To stop myself drifting back to the computer to do just one more thing (then another). Who are you when you're doing nothing?
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Comedy: James Acaster He performs his entire new stand-up show as his own tribute act. It’s as beautifully constructed as always – and very, very funny.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
It's hot, so I hope you're able to take some time out this August. We all need to play, as well as work. Stuck for ideas? Here's a list of 100 play date ideas to start you off: thecreativelife.net/100-ideas-fo...
thecreativelife.net
100 Ideas For Play Dates or Artist Dates - The Creative Life
Play is essential for creative thinking. But as adults, we can forget how to play. So here are 100 ideas for creative play dates
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Event: Most Wuthering Heights day Pure joy last Sunday as thousands of ladies in red (and a few gentlemen) dance Kate Bush’s moves on the harbour arm at Folkestone in this annual celebration of her debut hit.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Work is important. But so is play. Even for adults. thecreativelife.net/adults-need-...
thecreativelife.net
Adults still need play. Especially creatives. - The Creative Life
Adults still need play. It helps us relax, think more creatively, be more productive. But also... it's fun. And we all need more of that!
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
If you want to write, read. If you want to make art, go look at art. If you want to play in a band, go to gigs and listen to all the music you can. If you want to make films, watch them. Over and over. You can learn a lot at school. But you also need to learn from the greats in your field.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Novel: Katabasis R F Kuang is a brilliant weaver of worlds, playing intelligently with language, literature, maths and physics. This follows two Cambridge students of advanced magick who go to Hell. Literally.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
10 More Books for Creatives: My second list of books to help you with inspiration, overcoming blocks - and just knowing that others share your challenges. Are your favourites here? And what have I missed out? thecreativelife.net/more-books-f...
thecreativelife.net
More books for creatives - The Creative Life
Books to make you more creative, help with blocks and fears – and just make you feel less alone.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Kate Bush embracing imperfection. She's talking about music, but as always, what is true for one type of creative work is true of all the others. PS. July 26 is Wuthering Heights day in Folkestone, in which thousands of women in red dance Kate's moves on the harbour arm..
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Comedy: Madeleine Brettingham Her show Legend finds humour in difficult material - being raised by an alcoholic single dad - with real style. A rising star, she’ll be at The Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh. Go if you can.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
How to find your direction, in work and life. Hint: despite the advice in self-help books, it’s very rarely about following your passion.
thecreativelife.net
How to find your direction, in work and life - The Creative Life
Life is rarely linear. If you're not sure how to find your direction, just act, try something. The dots will join up, eventually.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
David Hockney was such a wonderful example of a creative life well lived. He stayed curious right to the end. I love this quote from him. It's not just about painting, I think. It's true of all creative work.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Creative professionals: want some free coaching? Come to my Zoom session, In The Room. Bring your questions, anywhere you're feeling stuck or could use some support. You'll get advice and resources from me – but also the collective wisdom of all the other creatives in the room. 👇
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
What are the best tools for writers in 2026? I update this post every year. It’s a subjective list, and of course you don’t need any fancy kit to start writing: a pen and paper or your phone will do nicely. But here's what I'm currently using:
thecreativelife.net
The best tools for writers in 2026 - The Creative Life
All you really need to write is a pen and paper. But this list of tools and resources for writers will help you do more – and get paid more.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
No one likes to fail. But it's an essential part of the creative process. Let go of perfectionism. Make more, care less. This is not a recipe for disaster. It's the only way to make the brilliant work you want to make.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Art: Lindsey Mendick The Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate becomes a Twin Peaks set in this eerie, atmospheric show by the brilliant British sculptor and ceramicist. It’s on till August 30. Go!
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I get a lot of questions about the tools I use as a writer, self-published author, and coach with a weekly newsletter about creative process. So I’ve made a list of all the things I use regularly. Big caveat here. YOU DON’T NEED FANCY KIT TO WRITE. 👇
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Inspiration doesn't always appear when you need it. But if you get to work, at least it knows where to find you.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Sunday celebration. Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us I’m probably the last person on earth to discover Last Dinner Party’s joyous cover of the Sparks track. It seems to have been part of their live set for ages.
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Reposted by Sheryl Garratt
Heather Anne Campbell @heathercampbell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
can’t believe a narcissist is being so publicly humiliated by a reflecting pool
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
It's easy to put off creative work. To say you don't have time. But if it's important, you need to make the time. Here's how.
thecreativelife.net
Make time for the work you want to do - The Creative Life
"I don't have time" is the modern mantra. But if creative work is important to you, then you can make time. Here's how.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Feeling stuck? What is true for writing is true for any other creative work. Take a break. (But not a distraction.) Create the space. And be patient.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Sunday celebration Three things I’ve found interesting or inspiring this week: Music: You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love Intelligent pop album from Olivia Rodrigo. Sweet, with sharp edges – and a surprise guest vocal from Robert Smith.
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Sheryl Garratt @sherylg.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Everything you’ve ever created is an asset. Even if you don’t own the copyright (and please try to), you can still use it to promote your work. If you do own it, you can recycle, reissue, repackage it any way you want. Here are some suggestions.
thecreativelife.net
Use your creative assets - The Creative Life
Whatever you create - art, craft, music, film, fashion, writing - is reusable content. So use your creative assets. Make them work for you.
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