Biz Her Way Series: Meet Author Shelley Devine Founder of Shelley Devine Studio
Special Edition: Meet The Author Series with Co-Authors of Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind, Available October 11, 2024
By Sacha Walton, Business Strategist and CEO of SWI Management Group
Navigating Creativity Beyond the Ordinary: A Journey of Collaborative Expression
The power of collaboration has long been recognized as a means to weave together diverse perspectives and amplify unique voices. When authors come together to contribute to a collective work, they share their individual stories and create something greater for the readers to experience.
Such is the case with Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind, a groundbreaking book collaboration that unites a group of remarkable women under the visionary leadership of Creative Genius Consultant Mandy Nicholson.
Collaborative writing projects like this one are more than just a collection of chapters; they are a tapestry of ideas, experiences, and insights that resonate on a deeply personal level. Each co-author brings her distinct voice to the table, offering readers a multifaceted exploration of creativity through neurodivergence.
For many neurodivergent creatives, the journey to harnessing their full potential can be empowering and challenging. The unique wiring of their minds often leads to extraordinary bursts of creativity, but it can also present obstacles that require innovative solutions.
Beyond the Ordinary not only celebrates the strengths of these women but also shines a light on their resilience and determination to navigate a world that often misunderstands or undervalues their contributions.
Under Mandy Nicholson’s inspiring guidance, this book becomes a beacon for those who have ever felt “different” or struggled to fit into conventional molds. It offers a safe space for readers and writers to explore the boundless possibilities that arise when creativity is embraced in all its diverse forms.
As these women share their stories, they invite us into their worlds — worlds where creativity flourishes not despite neurodivergence but because of it. Through their words, we are reminded that true innovation often comes from those who dare to think beyond the ordinary.
I had a fabulous conversation with Shelly Devine, one of the co-authors of Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind.
Thank you for having this interview with me. I’m excited about sharing your author journey in our Biz Her Way “Meet the Authors Series”, here on Medium.com.
Our readers would love to learn more about you. Please tell us who you are and a little something about yourself.
I am a professional artist, author, psychic medium, and Reiki master. I help people become the Conscious Creators of their lives through my program called “Awaken Your Creative Spirit.” I help them to open their creative and intuitive mind through mindfulness, meditation, and intuitive art.
Being an author is exciting! How has your journey been in becoming an author?
It’s been really exciting! I’ve already written and published a couple of books. The first one is a step-by-step painting guide, with each chapter featuring affirmations and meaningful insights, along with paintings that reflect the chapter’s focus. The second book introduces my “Awaken Your Creative Spirit” program.
What inspired you to contribute to this book, and how does your chapter reflect your journey?
I was inspired to contribute to this book because I get how the creative mind works — it’s both challenging and amazing. In my chapter, I share a true story about how I used art to pull myself out of deep grief and trauma. Art is incredibly meditative and therapeutic, and it’s helped me reconnect with my true self and find inner peace.
When I’m doing intuitive painting, the colors and the canvas act like a bridge, bringing me back to who I really am beyond the grief.
Becoming an author takes a lot of creative focus. How did you overcome the challenges of the “writer’s block”?
I write about true events in my life. That usually prevents writer’s block. However, I do get a little stuck on how I want to word something or explain it in detail. That’s when I’ll get into a meditative receptive state and allow my guides to literally channel the words through me. It’s basically automatic writing. They usually surprise me with what they come up with…it’s always spot on as to what I’m trying to say.
Can you share a moment when your neurodivergence suddenly fueled your creativity?
I’m not sure if Parkinson’s Disease puts me in the neurodivergent category. My brain is different from most others just by being Creative, and I’ve been a Creative person ever since I can remember as a child.
But I will say that as my disease progresses, I do find my brain reacting differently. It has fueled my creativity because when I’m struggling with thinking and speaking what I’m trying to say, I get pictures in my mind that are new and interesting, so I go to the canvas to explore.
In what ways has your neurodivergence shaped your perspective on the world, and how does that influence your writing?
I’ve worked very hard to feel comfortable speaking my truth, and I’m finally comfortable with it. I feel more love and compassion now that I have the confidence I have searched for so long. I do see the world differently. Its beauty shines brighter, inspiring me to write more descriptively. The things I’ve been through in my life empower my words and my perspective of life.
What role does self-care play in your creative process, and how do you ensure you’re taking care of both your mind and creativity?
My self-care routine includes meditation every day and grounding myself several times a day. Nature and its beautiful energy help me with this. I have a beautiful Magnolia tree in my backyard. I call her Maggie of course. I love to put my hands on her trunk and visualize our roots blending together deep in the earth’s core. My spiritual practice provides healing and inspiration for my creativity.
What role does intuition play in your creative process, and how do you trust your instincts when developing new ideas?
It’s all about intuition! As a psychic medium and energy healer, I trust my intuition fully. I do intuitive art, and it all comes from within. I’ve actually infused my canvases with Reiki energy. The colors and movement of the brush are all intuitive. Many times, a symbol or an animal will appear in my painting, and I’ll go with it and paint it. This is the type of painting I teach in my “Awaken Your Creative Spirit” program.
Writing is a fantastic way to creatively express and share your story. How has becoming an author empowered you?
Sharing my story has been incredibly empowering for me. It’s also given me the chance to help others who’ve faced loss, trauma, or illness like I have. I want them to feel the healing power of art, which is something I’m passionate about. Writing a book has made it much easier to spread my message to thousands.
What strategies do you use to tap into your most authentic and uninhibited creative self?
My favorite way to tap into my most authentic and uninhibited creativity is through music. I need to raise my vibration to help my intuition and creative juices flow, and there is no better way, besides meditation than listening to music and dancing like nobody’s watching.
How has your understanding of your own neurodivergence changed over time, and how has that growth impacted your creative expression?
I always knew I was different even as a kid, but I didn’t really understand how. Creativity wasn’t a word I fully grasped back then. My childhood was tough, and art became my safe haven.
As I grew up, I started to see just how creative I really am. Even now, I turn to art as a therapeutic outlet and a place of safety. Besides living with Parkinson’s, I also deal with something called “grief brain.”
Most people don’t realize how much grief can mess with your mind. When I lost my horse, cousin, and best friend, all within weeks of each other, I was overwhelmed with anger and a sense of abandonment.
To cope, I poured those dark emotions onto the canvas. It was cathartic, and I felt a sense of relief by letting those feelings out. I’ve always painted bright, joyful, and positive images, but during that time, my art took a darker turn. Thankfully, I’m back to my usual self now.
How has Mandy Nicholson’s vision for this project inspired or influenced your contribution to the book?
Working with Mandy has been such a great experience, and I’ve learned so much from her. I’m truly grateful for that. When she asked me to write a chapter in her book about my journey, I was thrilled.
Her vision for the book aligns so much with what I want to do. I’ve been wanting to share my story, and I think this book is the perfect way to do it.
In what ways has Mandy’s leadership and approach to creativity and neurodivergence resonated with you, and how has it impacted your own creative process?
Mandy is the one who helped me understand the mind of a Creative — my mind. Her insight into how creative and neurodivergent women experience the world differently has been a real eye-opener for me, helping me truly understand myself. I find so much comfort in her coaching, patience, and understanding.
It’s been reassuring to realize that I’m not alone in this and that there are many women out there who are just like me. She has given me the confidence to start my intuitive painting business so I can help more and more people.
What do you hope readers will take away from your chapter, particularly those who may not be familiar with neurodivergent experiences?
I hope people will better understand creativity and learn that they can use art as a therapeutic, safe, meditative way to heal what they need to heal. I want readers to know they can reach out to me if they are struggling with grief, loss, trauma, or illness to learn from me how art, specifically intuitive art, can help them.
Thank you for this amazing interview. One last question, looking ahead, how do you see your neurodivergence continuing to influence your creative journey, and what’s next for you?
I’m always coming up with new and interesting visions that I will put on the canvas in hopes my art will inspire others like me to continue their creative journey.
With my degenerative disease, I don’t know what my future is going to look like, but I do know that I will continue doing what I love to do for as long as I can.
Follow Shelley Devine: Facebook, Instagram, and Threads
Visit Shelley Devine Studio: shelleydevinestudio.com
Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind by Mandy Nicholson, Available October 11, 2024
Pre-order your copy today: www.mandynicholson.co.uk
Sacha Walton, business strategist and owner of SWI Management Group helps entrepreneurs level up their businesses with strategic planning, marketing, and branding, which drive business growth and visibility. If you would like to be featured Biz Her Way Series, email us at info@swimgtgroup.com
