From Fear to Flow: how one writer found creative courage through improvisation and acceptance
The inaugural episode of ‘Stories of Creative Courage’ brings us Louise's remarkable journey from BBC radio playwright to counsellor and back to writing again.
Louise's story captures something essential about the creative life: it's not a straight line from fear to fearlessness, but rather learning to say ‘come on fear, off we go.’ Her path through improvised comedy, radio drama success, rejection, personal loss and eventual return to writing offers valuable insights into what it really takes to sustain a creative practice over decades.
What makes Louise's perspective so valuable is her dual role as both artist and healer. As a counsellor, she understands the psychological landscape of creativity, while as a writer, she lives the daily reality of facing the blank page. Her concept of being a ‘prototypist’—someone who embraces the experimental nature of creation—offers a refreshing alternative to our culture's obsession with perfection and instant success.
Show Notes
[00:01] - Setting the Stage: creative courage defined
Introduction to the new conversation series exploring fear and courage in creativity
The fundamental challenge: creativity requires letting go of old patterns and conditioning
How fear becomes the primary obstacle to authentic self-expression
The vulnerability inherent in creative visibility
[03:30] - Louise's Creative Origin Story: from acting to improv
The unplanned journey from English degree to performance to improvised comedy
How improv's ‘accept and build’ principle became a life philosophy
The freedom of having no lines to forget, no way to "fail"
Framing creative attempts as brave, foolish, or exploratory
[13:15] - The Too-Late Moment: when success feels terrifying
Her first BBC Radio 4 commission and the panic of public exposure
The paradox of achievement: reaching your goal but feeling mortified
How autobiographical elements in work create additional vulnerability
Learning to breathe through the discomfort of being perceived
[16:00] - The Rejection Wilderness: when the dream crumbles
The devastating period of repeated rejections after early success
The credit crunch's impact on creative opportunities (2009-2010)
How identity and income became dangerously intertwined
The public nature of creative failure and its emotional toll
[21:30] - The Fallow Period: life interrupts art
Six years away from serious writing (2010-2016)
Navigating bereavement, caring responsibilities, and counselling training
How external circumstances can both derail and eventually restore creative practice
The importance of having multiple income streams to reduce creative pressure
[24:00] - Pandemic Renaissance: Zoom opens doors
How COVID-19 restrictions paradoxically expanded creative opportunities
The role of community in reigniting creative passion
Mark Ravenhill's advice: start with 10-minute plays
Moving from perfectionism to prototyping
[25:30] - The Psychology of Creative Fear
"Who does she think she is?" and other internal critics
The sensitivity paradox: artists need thick skin to survive, thin skin to create
Managing multiple characters and storylines as mental marathon
The economic reality of decreasing opportunities in creative industries
[29:45] - Writing from the Inside Out: ethics and empathy
Creating fair portrayals of real people, including those who've hurt us
The challenge of writing antagonists with compassion
Paul Abbott's wisdom: have good people do bad things, bad people do kind things
How generous storytelling serves both creator and audience
Key Quotes
"Creativity is in a quite broad sense of saying yes and trying it... A big part of that is going well I'm going to look a bit stupid at some point because I don't know what I'm doing because I'm making it up." - Louise
"I think courage is living with fear... it's not like there is a place and you don't feel fear anymore. I think it's like you're going, come on fear, off we go." - Louise
"What if success is I got to the end of the page? There are now 55 pages of a draft where there were none before." - Louise
"I can write absolutely anything I want. All I need is paper and a pen or a Microsoft 365 subscription." - Louise
"It's taking, dropping any conflict. Including internal conflict... Kind of big mind." - Louise on finding creative essence
Resources Mentioned
Improvisation principles: ‘Accept and build’ as life philosophy
Paul Abbott's writing advice: Have your worst character do something kind, your best character do something terrible
Mark Ravenhill's approach: Start with 10-minute plays to overcome creative blocks
BBC Radio 4: Platform for new audio drama
Pema Chödrön: Referenced for ‘big mind’ concept
Where to Find Louise
Instagram (Counselling): @louise_mulvey121
Instagram (Writing): @proto_typist
LinkedIn: Louise Mulvey (both counselling and writing work featured)
Ready to Find Your Own Creative Courage?
Louise's journey reminds us that creative courage isn't about eliminating fear—it's about developing a relationship with it. If you're feeling stuck in your own creative expression, longing to move past the voices that say "who do you think you are?" then you might be ready for support.
I'm here to help you develop your courage and expand the power of your self-expression. Whether you're working on a writing project, an artistic creation or even a new venture, I understand the unique challenges of the creative path.
Book a free 30-minute connection call to explore what's holding you back and discover what's possible when you step into your creative courage. Perfect for brainstorming ideas, working through blocks, or learning more about my approach to creativity coaching.
You can also read my manifesto for creative courage to discover the core principles behind this work and follow the story of how Wordplay Coaching came to be.
For deeper transformation, my Creative Essence 1:1 coaching helps you recognise survival mechanisms and fears that hold you back from full expression, with twice-monthly sessions plus individualised support between calls.
Thank You!
Huge thanks to Louise for being the perfect inaugural guest for Stories of Creative Courage. Her openness about both the struggles and joys of the creative life offers permission for all of us to embrace our own ‘prototypist’ nature.
And thank you to everyone who joined us live and continues to support these conversations about what it really takes to create authentically in the world.
P.S. This is the first episode in a new series exploring fear, courage, and authentic creative expression. Each conversation dives deep into the real challenges and breakthroughs that shape the creative journey.
What's Next? Don't miss future episodes of Stories of Creative Courage. Subscribe to receive these recaps and be the first to know about upcoming conversations with artists, writers, and creative souls who've learned to say "come on fear, off we go."
New here? Welcome! You can catch up on previous posts and insights about creative courage, authentic expression, and the journey of finding your voice here.Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.
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