Artist Dates with Emma Gannon

When writing isn’t working, the instinct is usually to try harder and spend longer at your desk. But bestselling author Emma Gannon learned after burnout that creativity needs time away from work. In this episode of *This Might Work*, Emma shares her solo creative boosts, inspired by Julia Cameron’s *The Artist’s Way*. Host Bec Evans puts the idea to the test with writer Aimz Rushton, who is struggling with creative burnout while working on a memoir about grief, fandom, and pop culture obsession. Aimz feels pressure to turn the experiment into the perfect grand day out, but a trip closer to home leads to unexpected creative connections, family memories, and a reminder that inspiration is often nearer than we think. It might work for you too. **About the guests** Emma Gannon is the Sunday Times bestselling author of eight books, including A Year of Nothing and Table for One. Her new book, A Creative Compass*,* publishes in June 2026. She writes the bestselling Substack newsletter The Hyphen, hosts creativity retreats around the world, and served as a judge for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. Aimz Rushton is a recovering academic and pop culture obsessive. After publishing scholarship on contemporary African fiction, music, and mental illness, Aimz is now writing a memoir about grief, trauma, and obsessive fandom. They also write the Disco & Dissociation newsletter on Substack. **Credits** Presenter: Bec Evans Featuring: Emma Gannon and Aimz Rushton With quotations from Julia Cameron and The Artist’s Way Producers: Bec Evans and Chris Smith Podcast production: Suzi Dale, Story Publishing For bonus material and conversations about the experiments featured in the show, visit Breakthroughs & Blocks on Substack. If you enjoy the show, please leave a five-star review. It’s one of the biggest ways you can help new listeners discover the podcast. *This Might Work* is written and presented by Bec Evans and Chris Smith, authors of Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts. * * * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.