Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity: Hugh MacLeod Interview

After I read the post, I instantly went to Amazon. I was now on a mission – I had to read this book. Why? Yes, because I like to be creative, as most of you reading this already know. But also – no one swears anymore – and Hugh goes there. A small part of me just likes it when people get the real truth out of their mouths.

Also, I recently had the opportunity to connect with Hugh directly to get his take on writing, creativity and his own favorite parts of the book.

Before I get to the book review and interview, here’s a bit about Hugh. He’s a cartoonist who initially worked as an advertising copywriter. Years before blogging became the “it” thing, he started his own blog gapingvoid.com (awesome, by the way).

Over the years, he continued to blog about his interest and expertise in marketing – fast forward to today, and Ignore Everybody, his first book, is all the rage.

Ignore Everybody isn’t about coming up with a big idea. And it doesn’t reveal the secret formula for innovation.

It is about transforming one’s mindset to think differently about creativity. For anyone. In a “keep it real” way.

Hugh’s masterful writing style instantly reflects his own creative expertise. And, the book features his cartoons (see included image).

Some reviewers have called the cartoons “racy” – if you’re ok with racy (as I am), you’ll laugh out loud. Which I did on the bus the other day when I was reading it. People looked at me. Whatever. I think they were jealous.

Ignore Everybody includes the details of of Hugh’s 40 ‘keys to creativity’ – I’ll share a few of my favorites:

1. Sing in your own voice.

2. The idea doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be yours.

3. The best way to get approval is not to need it.

4. If your business plan depends on suddenly being “discovered” by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.

5. None of this is rocket science.

And here are a few words, directly from Hugh.

**

Laura Cococcia: You started out as a copywriter, moved on to drawing cartoons and eventually it all came together at your very cool blog “Gaping Void.” Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Hugh MacLeod: No, I always wanted to be a small businessman. But writing paid the bills…

Laura Cococcia: I’ve listed my five favorite of your ‘keys to creativity’ above – though I actually like and relate to all of them. Is there one that has “stuck” with you the most over the years or made the biggest impact on your work?

Hugh MacLeod: I like The Sex & Cash Theory (Chapter 8: “Keep Your Day Job”):

“THE SEX & CASH THEORY: “The creative person basically has two kinds of jobs: One is the sexy, creative kind. Second is the kind that pays the bills. Sometimes the task in hand covers both bases, but not often. This tense duality will always play center stage. It will never be transcended.”

I think being “creative” professionally gets easier when you finally grow up, when you finally start treating it like a job, and not some kind of abstract fantasy to one day aspire to.

Laura Cococcia: Everyone always has an opinion about everything. I’ve noticed, in my short time writing this blog, that once you get it something out there (blog, idea, book, etc.), it’s open to loads of praise (which feels great) and a few “opinions” about how it can be improved. I think constructive feedback is definitely useful, but how we keep it from derailing us (and our egos) while working on our creative projects?

Hugh MacLeod: In any creative venture, there’s always going to be the opinions of others, both positive and negative. Both can be a distraction. Keeping them in perspective is really just matter of practice.

Laura Cococcia: Finally, what advice do you have for writers or other creative types looking to start their own business, writing projects, blogs, etc.?

Hugh MacLeod: Keep doing it. It’s better to write 50 words every day, than 2,000 words every month.

**

We all get stuck in the creativity quagmire sometimes. Me too. Ignore Everybody just gave me a way to think differently about how to get out of it and on with it. I’m pretty sure it will do the same for you – whether you’re an astronaut, farmer or yes, even a writer.

Check out Hugh’s site at http://www.gapingvoid.com/ to read more about Hugh and the book. And be sure to check out his cartoons. I actually just ordered some of my own business cards.

You can read more about Ignore Everybody at Amazon.com – here. And then check back with us to share your own favorites. Don’t forget.