The Jeanette Smith Interview

Summary

In this episode of Brush with Creativity, Tobin and Jeff interview Jeanette Smith, a copy editor, author, diver, and mermaid. They discuss the different ways people define and engage with creativity. They emphasize that creativity is not limited to art and can be applied to problem-solving and thinking outside the box. They also discuss the importance of listening to others and the role of copy editing in preserving an author's voice. Jeanette shares her morning routine and the challenges of being patient in the editing process. Jeanette shares her diverse background and how it has influenced her creative journey, from working in a cemetery to being a scuba diving instructor to becoming a mermaid. She emphasizes the importance of embracing different experiences and skills, as they all contribute to one's creative endeavors. Jeanette also discusses her upcoming book on mermaids and her plans to launch a self-editing course. She encourages aspiring writers to write messy and experiment, while advising aspiring copy editors to read extensively in their desired genres.

How to connect with Jeanette

Jeanette@jeanettethewriter.com

https://www.jeanettethewriter.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-writer-dallas/

Takeaways

• Creativity can be expressed in various ways and is not limited to art.

• Listening to others and understanding their perspectives can lead to fewer misunderstandings and more agreement.

• Copy editing is about preserving an author's voice and enhancing their work.

• Impatience can be a challenge in the editing process, but it's important to take the time to ensure quality.

• Having a morning routine can help set the tone for a productive day. Embrace diverse experiences and skills, as they all contribute to your creative journey.

• Write messy and experiment as a writer, and don't be afraid of rough drafts.

• Read extensively in your desired genres to gain insights into language and storytelling techniques.

• Don't be afraid to pursue new interests and hobbies, as they may lead to unexpected creative opportunities.

Titles

• Exploring the Many Facets of Creativity

• The Power of Listening and Understanding Writing Messy: The Power of Rough Drafts

• Embracing Diverse Experiences: A Journey of a Writer

Sound Bites

• "Creativity in itself is a loaded term."

• "Not everybody is creative, and that's fine."

• "Even the small things you do in this world have unseen consequences."

• "I went from that to being a sexton's assistant, which is a sexton works in a cemetery."

• "The big job I had like my first career was a scuba diving instructor."

• "I have a big tattoo of an octopus on my shoulder. I've been able to interact with them in the wild on my scuba dives."