E135. Magical Thinking in the Creative Life: Use and Misuse

Stepping Off Now: Lessons in the Art and Craft of Creativity

I am a lifelong magical thinker, but in recent years have rejected it in favor of a more realistic (read: pessimistic/cynical haha) perspective. This holiday season, though, I have decided that I will once again let myself believe in magic. But am I ready to indulge in magical thinking in a responsible way? To find out, I compare my magical thinking or lack thereof during my two experiences of finishing a novel: one twenty years ago and one this year. In the first case, I used magical thinking in a destructive way, but this time I'm trying to use it in a constructive way. What's the difference? Listen to find out!