(And probably other things too as time goes on. Full disclosure, I am a recovering perfectionist who is giving herself permission to treat this corner of the internet as a breathing, flowing, imperfect space rather than trying to map out exactly what this Substack must be and must do from day one.)

My name is Cassidy Dickens. I’m a singer-songwriter from West Virginia.

Recently, a friend commented that introducing oneself by occupation is “very American,” and I think she had a good point. So in that spirit, I’m also a nature lover, a dog/cat mama, a very big feeler, an avid traveler (when I can afford it), and a maker of many things.

One of my biggest points of anxiety is feeling boxed in—like I can only be one thing, do one thing, live one narrow little life, like I have to ‘niche down’ (ugh) if I want to eek out a shred of success in this world.

If you feel that way too, this is your invitation. Allow this to be a space where you show up as ALL of yourself. No niche, no box, no category required.

Ok, so… why Getting Creative? What are we all doing here?

This newsletter is all about celebrating the spirit of creativity, radical self-expression, and resourcefulness.

Candidly, I’ve had an email newsletter for many years. And I still intend to keep this up. If you’re here from my email list, hello hello, welcome welcome! This is an expansion, not a swap.

This Substack will be different in that it focuses specifically on the experience of creative living. While I will probably talk about my work as a musician, this publication is less “come to my show!” and more “how can we stay devoted to our soul’s calling, live in full authenticity, and show up in the world in a way that feels bold and true and real and purpose-led?”

It’s about getting creative in a literal sense—by which I mean, the devotion to infusing more creativity and connection into our daily lives.

But also in a scrappy, carving your own path through life sense. Existing as a creative requires ingenuity. A creative life calls us to be courageous, clever, to think on our feet, and to dare to do things a little differently.

If you’re picking up what I’m putting down, I would be so delighted if you would subscribe. Let’s stay in touch.

All my love,

Cassidy