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Creativity and the arts

Photo of two men in dark clothing sitting and smiling at a round table in a dimly lit room with glasses.

Stories and literature

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How to tell a better story

Personal stories have the power to connect, entertain, persuade. Use a pro storyteller’s tips to pick and prepare a great one

by Micaela Blei

Photo of a person in vibrant traditional attire with an orange headwrap singing on stage, another in shadow to the side.

Music

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How to get hooked on opera

Aspects of opera can seem strange. But give it a try and you’ll soon find yourself absorbed in a truly magical experience

by Alexandra Wilson

Photo of a paint colour swatch booklet with various shades of blue, yellow and neutral tones in rectangles.

Creativity

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How to use ‘possibility thinking’

Have you hit an impasse in your personal or professional life? Answer these questions to open your mind to what’s possible

by Constance de Saint Laurent & Vlad Glăveanu

Black and white photo of a boat with two people on a calm lake, branches above and clouds reflected in the water.

The nature of reality

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How to think about time

This philosopher’s introduction to the nature of time could radically alter how you see your past and imagine your future

by Graeme A Forbes

Photo of a person in a dim room holding a smartphone and a credit card, phone screen showing a betting app.

Addiction

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How to control your gambling

What’s fun at first can all too easily get out of hand. Learn the warning signs and use these tips to rein things in

by Luke Clark

Photo of two people partially obscured, with sunlight streaming through a window behind them and a thumb in the foreground.

Photography

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How to take better photos

Anyone can learn the principles that are essential to capturing quality images. Follow these tips and see the difference

by Paul Pope

Painting of a woman in 18th-century attire holding flowers by a window with a small dog on a bench.

Poetry

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How to write a love poem

Flirtatious texts are soon forgotten. Learn to express your feelings in a beautiful way that will make a lasting impression

by Dan Simpson

Shelves filled with numerous vinyl records, aligned vertically and tightly packed together, showing varied colours of spines.

Music

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How to discover new music

In a musical rut? Whatever your age or existing tastes, you can find surprise and enjoyment beyond the streaming algorithms

by James Hadfield

Music

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How to listen to, and enjoy, classical music

Whether you’re a newbie or an aficionado, these ways to navigate and approach the genre will enrich your experience

by Lawrence Kramer

Photo of an ornate underground station with arched ceilings, mosaic details pedestrians and a yellow train on the platform.

Architecture

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How to appreciate buildings

It’s easy to become blasé about the built world. Tune in more deeply and architectural adventures await around each corner

by Colin Ellard

Black and white photo of a man and woman sitting at a café table in conversation, looking thoughtfully to the side.

Film

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How to find great films to watch

Bored with Hollywood and Netflix? Becoming an adventurous and informed explorer of the cinema world is in everyone’s grasp

by Geoff Andrew

Photo of wooden bookshelves filled with books, small decor items and framed pictures in a cosy room setting.

Stories and literature

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How to nurture a personal library

An escape, a sanctuary, a place of pleasure, a memoir. Take these steps to ensure your library is just what you want it to be

by Freya Howarth