What does it mean to live a creative life? with Jana

"Success isn't about reaching a certain number – it's about perspective."

Warami and welcome to the What does it mean to live a creative life? series.

I don't know about you but growing up I never would've believed living a life of creativity – actually earning money from writing and art! – was possible. Yet here I am with my debut picture book out in the world with two more on the way. The possibilities feel endless and it's incredibly exciting! But it's also tricky to manage writing and art along with my editing work and being a parent. Let's not even get started on other things like being social and looking after my health. It's a juggle, and I never quite feel on top of it.

But, I am working on figuring out how to better juggle all the things, and a big part of that is by reading and learning from others. So, in this series, we'll look at how fellow creatives are living a creative life and what that means to them. We all measure success in different ways and we all have differing priorities, but there's much we can learn from one another, so let's dive in.

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Meet Jana …

Twenty years ago, I moved from Slovakia to England and spent most of my 20s and 30s in corporate jobs. Now I write a publication called

Coffee Break Reads

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Coffee Break isn't just a name – it's a tribute to my dad. He was one of those people who ran on hard work and endless cups of coffee – and he always encouraged me to chase my dreams. I collect books that change how we think, hunt down ideas that make us see things differently, and bring you stories that might just shift your perspective.

But my favourite part is sitting down with fellow Substack writers to talk about the real stuff. Not the shiny success stories, but the actual process – you know, the late-night doubts, the dead ends that almost made them quit, and those breakthrough moments that changed everything. Because those are the stories that actually teach us something.

What creative things do you do? Tell us about your creative pursuits whether you classify them as your job or hobby or side hustle, we'd love to hear about all of them.

I write.

For me, it started with an 11-year-old kid scribbling new lyrics to favourite songs (probably thought I was quite the poet). Then came this bigger dream – becoming a journalist. But you know how life goes … it has its own plans, and sometimes what you want and what you get are two very different stories.

Then, in 2023, I started writing on Substack and the old dream got reignited. Now my publication isn't just another project – it's THE project.

Getting here wasn't exactly a smooth ride.. That whole "juggling act" thing you mentioned in the intro—I knew it well. Too well, actually … until burnout taught me a pretty tough lesson.

So last year, I made a choice. Instead of trying to do it all (should, musts, wants), I stripped away anything that wasn't absolutely essential. It was about making space – real space – for what matters most: writing and reading.

Sometimes you have to let some things go (even if just for now) to make space and time for your main project.

Where are you at with your creative pursuits right now? How do they fit into your life? If more than one, is one a main priority?

Sometimes you have to get lost before you find your way. I've been on Substack since July 2023, but it's only now that I really get what Coffee Break is meant to be.

I used to be that person who did everything at once. Full-time job, multiple courses, personal projects—piling on—it’s exhausting just thinking about it now. I love learning, but I was spreading myself way too thin.

But 2024 was different. Instead of juggling a million things, I finally got clear on what’s worth pursuing. It's like all those months of showing up, writing, and connecting with readers finally clicked into place. Even when I wasn't sure where I was heading, that consistency built momentum, and with it came clarity.

Now my focus is simple: write better, read more, connect deeper, and make your coffee breaks something to look forward to.

What does living a successful creative life look like to you? Are you living that right now? Or working towards it?

I used to think, it’ll be when I hit 1000 subscribers. I used to think, success is working full-time on my publication. Then, I realised that with that type of thinking, I am living in the future and missing the life that’s happening right now. I was probably influenced by the book I was reading: “The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary” by Catherine Gray. Instead of waiting for the future, I started appreciating what I have now.

I switched things up. Sure, I still have big dreams – who doesn't? But I stopped putting my joy on hold. My publication is already successful in its own way. Success isn't about reaching a certain number – it's about perspective.

Are there obstacles you feel are in the way of you living a successful creative life right now? If so, what are they? What do you think would help move past those obstacles?

My full-time job – just kidding.

You might think my day job gets in the way of writing, I used to feel the same way, but it's actually the opposite.

I only get to write at the weekends but by the time the weekend comes, I've had five days of life happening, giving me fresh stories to tell.

I don't see obstacles as roadblocks. I tend to look at them as a challenge. Maybe it's because I'm obsessed with learning and making progress, but give me a challenge and I'll find a way to make it work for me, not against me.

How do you prioritise your creativity? Do you want to prioritise it more or are you content with where you're at?

Everyone says there's never enough time for creative projects, but in 2024, I got real about it. I looked at my calendar – every activity, task, and course – then mapped out what I actually needed to do for Coffee Break. That's when I started dropping things. A lot of things.

Now? I've got time to read daily (which feeds right into my writing), exercise three times a week (where I get some of my best ideas while pushing hard on the treadmill), and actually write. Plus, I multitask at the gym – catching up on podcasts, audiobooks, and Substack classes while I'm there.

Do you have short- and long-term plans for your creativity? If so, what are they? If not, do you think you need one? Why/why not?

My short-term plan is to publish regularly, once a week on Wednesday. I’ve got a tight content and editorial calendar since I collaborate with multiple writers on the interviews (Behind the Substack series).

My long-term plan, for the next 12 months, is to find 100 true fans of the Coffee Break (lovers of coffee and non-fiction books)

What's one big dream you have for your creativity? Share your wildest, grandest dream even if you think it's unattainable.

Here's my biggest dream for Coffee Break: I want it to be more than just another newsletter. I want it to be THE place people go when they're hunting for their next non-fiction read. Think of it as a cozy hub for my readers to get closer to the authors of Substack and authors of the non-fiction books and learn directly from them.

Do you have any exciting news/events etc. you'd like to share?

Once or twice a month, I feature interviews with fellow Substack writers about their creative process, strategies, self-care and time management tips. It’s the most enjoyable part of my writing. I guess it’s where I was able to realise my journalism dream. I am toying with the idea of another interview series, which I am super excited about, which would feature published authors and their books. At the moment, it’s an idea, and I like to sit with an idea until it fully develops, then test it out and see if my readers actually enjoy it. I am in no rush.

This month, I am starting recommendations featuring new nonfiction releases. Going forward, I plan to pick two to three newly released books in the nonfiction genre and give a quick review to my readers after I read them.

I also publish book-inspired essays. Recently, I finally (at my early 40s!) signed up for a journalism course, so I am finally realising my dreams. I hope it will help with my publication, too.

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Jana

, thank you so much for joining me! You spoke about SO many things I can relate to! ‘The juggle’ and burnout, writing on Substack for a while before really figuring out the purpose and focus of your newsletter, and appreciating the success you have now – living in the now instead of forever reaching for the future and not enjoying the present.

Though I do think I still have lots more work to do on releasing all those ‘shoulds’ – forever a work-in-progress!

Readers, I highly recommend checking out Jana’s publication Coffee Break Reads – subscribe, follow, tap that heart, share and show your support in any way you can!

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Connect with Jana and her work

Jana: I don’t do social media, never did. I am 100% only on Substack.

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Join the weekly creative project chat

Now I want to hear from YOU! Where are you at with your current creative projects? Join us in the chat.

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I acknowledge the Darkinjung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I am writing from today. I walk, talk, write, and create with respect on this land, and I acknowledge the enduring connection the Darkinjung people have with this Country; I thank them for their care of this Country, and I pay respects to the Elders past and present, and extend that respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here reading or listening.