If you're a writer, curious about the writing world, and/or love real chats about the creative life from intriguing perspectives - this one's for you!
AJ Hardingson is a multidisciplinary author, storyteller, poet, and mum of 2. This was an incredible and thought-provoking conversation, and I'm honoured Amy shared their story and thoughts with me. We chat about:
- How being a multidisciplinary writer and pursuing unconventional pathways nurtured a unique perspective
- What to do if you don't want to take conventional / traditional paths
- The history and impact of storytelling, and what makes a good story
- Elitism, bias and stereotypes in the writing world + limitations with traditional paths
- Why creativity is a human right and should be more accessible to all
- What it's like writing their first novel
- Their experience as a mixed-race writer, and current work with the mentorship scheme Write Beyond Borders
...and much more. Could've kept chatting but currently have a time limit of around an hour for these chats - nevertheless this chat is packed with plenty of gems. I hope you enjoy!
Amy's links:
Instagram: @amyhardingson
Website: https://www.aj-hardingson.com/
Amy's blog post about Forging Your Own Path – An Accessible Self-Education Guide for Writers on the Write Beyond Borders blog
Mentioned:
Write Beyond Borders website: https://writebeyondborders.co.uk/
Write Beyond Borders Instagram: @write.beyond.borders
Arts Emergency: https://www.arts-emergency.org
Masterclass (online learning platform)

So you hate your art... what can you do about it?
I wanted to explore some reasons why you may be hating what you’re creating, and also some things to try to help you get unstuck and loving the process. Sometimes there’s a few reasons for this, sometimes it’s a simple mindset shift, but let’s just explore a few things and hopefully get to the bottom of it.
You can read the blog version here:
https://www.aliceladkin.com/blog/so-you-hate-your-art-heres-what-to-do-about-it
Thanks so much for being here! I'd love to hear your thoughts :)
Alice xo
p.s. I offer 1:1 sessions to help you untangle the spaghetti and feel excited about your business again, whilst keeping YOU firmly in the driving seat - more info here.
Instagram: @AliceLadkinArt
Website: AliceLadkin.com
Email: [email protected]

Emma Cutting is an abstract artist + writer, who describes herself as a 'logical creative', and loves finding meaning and connection in everything. Absolutely loved this conversation!
We chat about:
- The meaning + energy behind her emotive textured paintings
- How things changed when she got her own studio space
- Why being multifaceted is a human experience + the way we're supposed to be- Why the idea of business needs to change
- How being in 'survival mode' can hinder confidence + creativity
- The importance of working on your mindset as much as the art
- How life gets more fun and manageable when you realise there are no rules
This was a really fun conversation and lots stuck with me, especially Emma's advice at the end. Would love to hear what you think as always!
Emma's deets:
Instagram: @AlwaysThinkingArt
Sign up to Emma's email list
Etsy shop
Thanks so much for being here :)
Alice xo
My website
Email: [email protected]

7 top tips for multipassionate mavericks that I've learnt, utilise and seen results from. No, you don't need to niche, but yes, you may need to do things a lil differently to the generic advice! Would love to hear your thoughts.
You can read the blog version here.
Other blog posts mentioned:
Are you multipassionate... or just procrastinating?
Are you energetically aligned with your business?

Thanks so much for being here!
Alice xo
p.s. I offer 1:1 sessions to help you untangle the spaghetti and feel excited about your business again, whilst keeping YOU firmly in the driving seat - more info here.
Instagram: @AliceLadkinArt
Website: AliceLadkin.com
Email: [email protected]

Multi-passionate entrepreneur, mixed media artist and mum of 4, Brandy Fitz is a creative powerhouse and it was cool to catch up with her.
We chat about:
- Why it's important to run a heart-led business
- Authenticity on social media
- What it's like being multi-passionate + why you should embrace it
- Juggling creativity with motherhood + chronic illness
- Believing fiercely in yourself + staying true to your values
... and other fun tangents. Hope you enjoy! Would love to hear what you think as always.
Brandy's deets:
Instagram: @BrandyFitz.art https://www.instagram.com/brandyfitz.art/
Website: https://www.brandyfitzart.com/
Thanks so much for being here :)
Alice xo
Instagram: @AliceLadkinArt
Website: AliceLadkin.com
Email: [email protected]