Ashley Lowe: Reading for Inspiration

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?
Upon reflection, I definitely think I was a creative kid—I was certainly always drawn to the arts having picked up photography at high school and even pursuing this as my major at university. But if I’m honest, it was always the accompanying words that sparked my creativity the most. Writing has also been something that has thankfully come naturally to me, so I’m grateful that through various twists and turns, I’ve managed to make a living doing what I love.

These days however, creativity looks a little different as like many working mothers, the juggle between creating for clients and creating for myself is tricky. I’m truly in the thick of it at the moment with two young kids, so whenever I feel like my creativity has been placed on the backburner, I try to remind myself that this is simply a season and I will hopefully rediscover my inspiration to write more prolifically again in the (near) future.

How much time do you get to work on creative projects?

It depends. While I feel lucky that I get to work for myself and dictate the clients I take on—I must admit that sometimes it would be nice if I could make the same amount of space in my life for my own creative writing projects. My little girl is still only eight months old, so any free time I manage to find is usually soaked up on client briefs.

Recently however, I’ve tried to give my week a little more structure by actually delegating certain days to projects that fill my own cup. Fridays, for example, are my day to simply write for pleasure’s sake—and although I’m not always good at allowing myself this freedom, it has helped me to reignite my creative spark.

How did motherhood change your creative practice?

Like many women I suppose, motherhood has influenced my creative practice in a huge way. I find myself drawn more to the work and stories of other mothers—and in my own writing, I definitely find myself exploring the themes and concepts of motherhood in more depth than I ever did before. One of the pieces of advice that writers are always given is ‘to write what you know’—so I suppose on some level this is what I find myself doing.

On another level, however, I’ve found motherhood very liberating in terms of how I express myself creatively as I simply don’t care what other people think as much. This is true in most aspects of my life, but in terms of the creative projects I put out into the world, I feel I am more open, honest and authentic about my experiences now that I’m a mother.

What do you do when you feel burnt out or filled with doubt?
Unfortunately I’m not very good at recognising when I’m feeling burnt out—but for me there are three key things that always make me feel better: sunshine, movement and swimming in the ocean. And thankfully, living in Sydney I’m able to enjoy these things all year round!

What’s your favorite super easy creative practice to do when you’re looking for fresh ideas?
For me, reading is the quickest way for me to not only relax, but also spark inspiration so if I’m feeling a bit blocked on the creative front, I do my best to make more space in my day to read. Funnily enough, one of the questions I get asked most regularly too is how I make time to read—but I guess it’s just something that's non-negotiable for me. I also really advocate for going to bed super early to read instead of staying up late doom scrolling or watching Netflix.

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Ashley Lowe is a writer, mother and ocean junkie based in Sydney, Australia. Having spent more than a decade working in publishing, digital marketing and content, Ashley now works directly with clients through her business, The Content Cartel. Her latest project, In The Thick Of It, captures the realities (and mundanities) of motherhood. Check out her work on Substack or follow her on Instagram.

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Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.