What if the creative spark you’ve been overlooking is the very thing that could change your life?

In this episode, writer, illustrator and performance poet Chris White shares how saying yes to creativity took him from Derby to stages, schools and festivals around the world proving that imagination can open doors you never expected.

From publishing his first book Bitey the Veggie Vampire to performing at renowned festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe and the Doha Book Festival, Chris shares the highs, challenges, and unexpected moments that shaped his creative career so far. We talk about building a creative life, finding your unique voice, and why curiosity, playfulness and persistence matter more than money (although it helps if you get paid!).

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About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Chris is a writer. illustrator and performance poet from Derby, UK. He has had many poetry and story books published since his first, 'BITEY THE VEGGIE VAMPIRE', in 2000. His books include 'THE A-Z OF COMPLETELY MADE-UP DINOSAURS' and ‘DON’T PUT DAVE IN THE MICROWAVE!’ Chris, or 'The Doodling Poet', as he is also known, has featured at many literary festivals, including The Edinburgh Fringe, The Edinburgh Book Festival, The Doha Book Festival, The Derby Poetry Festival, and The Cheltenham Book Festival. His poetry performances and writing and illustrating workshops have taken him all over the world, visiting schools in places such as China, Russia, Vietnam, Jordan, India, Germany, The Congo, and Qatar.

Chris's Facebook page

@mr_chris_white on Instagram

Chris's Website

Mentioned in this episode:

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