Apparently creativity isn’t solely down to divine inspiration after all. Scientists now claim they can measure creativity – and, instead of waiting for the muse to strike, people can make their own creative juices flow, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.

How? Well, honing your craft is number one: once you’re good at what you do, you focus less on the mechanics of the craft and you’re able to let it carry you into a creative frame of mind. Scientists studied musicians who improvised, and noticed that the part of the brain that regulates inhibition shut down. I guess this is the same with writing: I can recall times when I’m totally ‘in flow’ not noticing the time or what’s going on around me, and suddenly two hours will have gone by.

Following your passion is also key to creativity, as is curiosity, persistence, experimentation – and having a support network of people with whom you can talk through your project.

However, I’m not sure I agree with the findings that arbitrary deadlines stifle creativity. I find that most deadlines, arbitrary or otherwise, stimulate my creativity (OK, and the panic!) just when I need to cross a finishing line.