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Creativity and the arts

Abstract line drawing with intersecting lines and shapes in various colours on a light beige background.

Creativity

guide

How to be lucky

Most of us think that luck just happens (or doesn’t) but everyone can learn to look for the unexpected and find serendipity

by Christian Busch

A man and a woman sitting at a café table, both looking off to the side, with a glass of wine and ashtray on the table.

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

Cubist artwork depicting a fragmented still life with a book, glass and other objects in earthy tones.

Stories and literature

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How to gain more from your reading

There’s more to words than meets the eye. Deepen your appreciation of literature through the art of slow, attentive reading

by Robert DiYanni

Abstract painting featuring geometric shapes, vibrant colours, a guitar, a pear, the word ‘entrada’ and other assorted objects.

Stories and literature

guide

How to plan your novel

Inspiration rarely comes as a mysterious visitation from the muse. Far better to learn the techniques and habits of the craft

by Jason Whittaker

Painting of a woman in a yellow sleeveless dress and black hat, holding a guitar against a green background.

Music

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How to start making music

It’s never too late to play an instrument or learn to sing. Take the leap from listener to maker in the way that suits you

by Gayla M Mills

Blurry close-up photo of two kids smiling and laughing closely together with another child partially visible behind them.

Laughter and comedy

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How to laugh more

You don’t have to wait to be amused, there are ways to train yourself to enjoy the ‘cheap medicine’ of laughter every day

by Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky

Wooden shelves filled with books, framed pictures, small ornaments, a bowl, and various decorative items.

Stories and literature

guide

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

Black and white photo of a woman leaning out of an open window with shutters in an old building.

Focus and attention

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How to wait well

Instead of fuming in subjugated irritation, turn wait times into chances to connect, muse and think big about the future

by Jason Farman

Watercolour painting of a girl writing at a table with a teacup, a blue vase, and an inkpot, in a softly lit room.

Memoir

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How to heal through life writing

Learning to write about trauma helps you to process the painful experience, and gives you the life skills to overcome it

by Uddipana Goswami

Black-and-white photo of an older man with curly hair gazing intensely sideways, capturing detailed facial features and deep expression.

Stories and literature

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How to create compelling characters

It’s not only writer’s intuition. Use personality psychology to create just the right blend of surprise and believability

by Kira-Anne Pelican

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

Black-and-white photo of an elderly man with white hair, seen through a window with plants, looking directly at the camera.

Thinkers and theories

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How to deconstruct the world

Don’t believe everything you hear, read and watch. To puncture received ideas about culture, start thinking like Jacques Derrida

by Peter Salmon