#750: Neil Gaiman and Debbie Millman

- Neil Gaiman utilizes a unique writing process inspired by Ian Fleming’s practice of isolating himself in uninspiring environments like windowless hotel rooms. Fleming's technique was meant to eliminate distractions and force himself to write, which Gaiman emulated for the American draft of "Neverwhere."

- Both Neil Gaiman and John McPhee enforce a strict "writing or doing nothing" rule to boost productivity. Gaiman sits in his gazebo, allowing himself either to write or do absolutely nothing, which eventually makes writing the more appealing option.

- The first draft of any writing project is crucial as it allows for complete creative freedom without fear of judgment. Gaiman emphasizes that the first draft is a process of telling the story to oneself, and nobody else is meant to see it. This stage is about getting ideas down, knowing they can be refined later.

- Gaiman transitioned from writing late at night to a more structured afternoon writing routine. This shift was part of adopting a "Groundhog Day" approach—repeating a consistent and productive day—which proved effective during the creation of his novel "The Ocean at the End of the Lane."

- Learning from Terry Pratchett, Gaiman discovered the value of moving forward without knowing every detail in advance. This approach encourages embracing uncertainty and allowing accidents and randomness to shape the creative process.

- Debbie Millman's career includes significant roles in branding, education, and podcasting. Notably, she turned down a CEO position at Sterling Brands to pursue personal and pro bono projects, underscoring the importance of making hard choices for personal growth and freedom.

- Millman’s journey into podcasting with "Design Matters" began as a simple creative outlet on an Internet radio network. Over time, it evolved into an acclaimed podcast exploring how creative people design their lives, earning accolades like the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.

- A childhood drawing predicted Millman’s future life with stunning accuracy. The illustration depicted Manhattan streets and detailed elements like logos, mirroring her adult life as a designer and resident of Manhattan. This exercise of envisioning future life is now a significant part of her teaching methodology.

- Debbie Millman faced multiple rejections early in her career but used these setbacks to build resilience. Her advice is to not accept the first rejection and to keep trying, as rejections are often a "not now" rather than a permanent "no," and can help refine one's approach.

- Milton Glaser’s life-changing exercise, which Millman now uses in her classes, involves envisioning a detailed and successful future without fear of failure. This imaginative and hopeful exercise has helped many students and professionals realize their dreams, demonstrating the power of setting long-term goals.