• Not feeling creative or inspired as you used to be?

    Some one called @KB3146 commented on an old video called “How to get your creative inspiration back when you’ve lost it.” ( https://youtu.be/3mgPhcDqREU )

    They said:

    I’ve been thinking about this ever since – 6 days ago – feeling that I really should reply.

    But what could I say that was more than I had already said in the video?

    The original video is 7 years old and a lot has changed in that time. It certainly has for me.

    I think the main difference for creative people is social media and the expectations that have been instilled in our culture. As a creative person, the customer, the client, the person you are creating for has been forgotten.

    Creativity has come to be about pleasing algorithms to make social media companies richer. Never mind the quality – it’s all about eyeballs and watchtime.

    To achieve watchtime, you have to work for the algorithm, forget your audience, just learn how to trick them into watching rubbish. This is not a good or long-term recipe for happiness.

    Back in 1964 Marshal McLuhan said: “The medium is the message.”

    Well, I would now say that the medium has become the client. We now work for the publishers not the audience.

    To be a happy creator, you need to learn to please your client/customer/audience, then you will be happy too.

    The audience has been reprogrammed, however, so you’ll have to win them back. But I think that honesty and your best work will do that… and make you a happy creator too!

  • The first copies of my new book have arrived – It’s always an exciting moment.

    You can order from amazon

    Here in the UK. https://amzn.to/3XwnGPx

    Here in the USA. https://amzn.to/3zcHVJB

    First Kid in Space is the second book in the Generation Moon Trilogy.

    Find out more here:

  • So… I asked Gemini – Google’s chatGPT competition AI agent – what it could say about me. It’s the sort of thing authors do. We are a not only vain, we need lots of validation too. really we are all waiting for the Author Police to come and arrest us for impersionation.

    When I asked Chat GPT about a year ago it claimed I was born in all sorts of fancy places around the world and had won the Carnegie medal and other prestigious awards.

    It was hallucinating – basically making up a load of stuff!

    I’d maybe like to swap a few titles in Gemini’s answer to promote them better, but this description almost validates me as a proper writer!

    This is what I asked it.

    What can you tell me about shoo rayner the children’s author?

    This is the answer

    Shoo Rayner: A Beloved Children’s Author and Illustrator

    Shoo Rayner

    is a renowned British children’s author and illustrator. Known for his engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, he has captivated young readers worldwide.

    Key aspects of his work:

    • Series Books: Rayner is particularly known for his series books, which often feature recurring characters and storylines. These series provide a sense of familiarity and continuity for young readers.   
    • Writing Style: His writing style is easy to understand, making his books accessible to a wide range of ages. He often incorporates humor and adventure into his stories, keeping young readers entertained.   
    • Illustrations: Rayner’s illustrations are colorful, detailed, and full of life. They complement his stories and help to bring the characters and settings to life.
    • Themes: His books often explore themes such as friendship, courage, and overcoming challenges, making them relatable to young readers.   

    Popular Series:

    • MudPuddle Farm: A series of books written by Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Shoo Rayner.   
    • Monster Boy: A series featuring a boy who can turn into a monster.
    • Ricky Rocket: A series about a boy who loves rockets and space.   

    YouTube Channel: In addition to his books, Rayner has a popular YouTube channel, ShooRaynerDrawing, where he shares drawing tutorials and other creative content.   

    1. Everyone Can Draw | Shoo Rayner Children’s Author & Illustrator 

    Shoo Rayner’s work has been praised for its ability to inspire young readers and spark their imaginations. His books are often recommended by teachers and librarians as engaging and educational.