I Just Won "The Artist's Way" Set of Books!
Guess what happened to me this week? I won this set of books! They just came in the mail today, and they are gorgeous!I'm more than a little excited! It was the very first time I've ever entered a giveaway on a blog or website.
It is also, I think, the first thing I've won in 15 years! So, naturally, I am going to talk about it a little bit.
First I would like to say a big thank you to the host of the giveaway, Mia, at The Figment. If you haven't visited this site before you really should. Check out this post on "#writerproblems" for a little inspiration on overcoming writer's block.
Now, let's peek at these books, because they look really intriguing!
It is also, I think, the first thing I've won in 15 years! So, naturally, I am going to talk about it a little bit.
First I would like to say a big thank you to the host of the giveaway, Mia, at The Figment. If you haven't visited this site before you really should. Check out this post on "#writerproblems" for a little inspiration on overcoming writer's block.
Now, let's peek at these books, because they look really intriguing!
The Artist's Way--Healing Creativity Issues
What is The Artist's Way? Honestly, I had never heard of this book before I saw it on The Figment. That makes me probably one of the few people in the universe, because it is highly acclaimed.
I did a quick Google search before I entered, but the reviews and descriptions that turned up were somewhat vague. People obviously loved it, but I couldn't really tell if it was an inspirational set, a textbook, or a personal experience story.
I did find a lot of quotes from writers, artists, musicians and other creative people saying that it helped their creativity. And that is what this book, according to the introduction, is intended to do--heal broken creativity.
Well, my creativity isn't broken, but it does get overwhelmed and out of focus a lot. It also tied in almost perfectly with the direction So Not Niche is going...(maybe you can say I am finding my 'reason',) which is to use a combination of art and words together to help other people (like you!).
Because I know first hand that art and words, whether my own or those of other creatives, has gotten me through the best of times and the worst of times.
I did a quick Google search before I entered, but the reviews and descriptions that turned up were somewhat vague. People obviously loved it, but I couldn't really tell if it was an inspirational set, a textbook, or a personal experience story.
I did find a lot of quotes from writers, artists, musicians and other creative people saying that it helped their creativity. And that is what this book, according to the introduction, is intended to do--heal broken creativity.
Well, my creativity isn't broken, but it does get overwhelmed and out of focus a lot. It also tied in almost perfectly with the direction So Not Niche is going...(maybe you can say I am finding my 'reason',) which is to use a combination of art and words together to help other people (like you!).
Because I know first hand that art and words, whether my own or those of other creatives, has gotten me through the best of times and the worst of times.
Creativity and Spirituality
The books sat on my counter all day because I didn't have much time to spare. (and there is nothing worse than having new books in the house and no time to wallow in them!) I flipped through them briefly, trying to absorb as much as I could.
One thing stood out. It was written from a religious point of view.
I guess I should go ahead and say that I am not necessarily a religious person. I won't explain what exactly I "am" because I prefer to keep that fairly private. It is not my social identity, it is not what I use to define myself to others.
That said, I have an extremely open mind and enjoy reading things from various religious points of view as long as they aren't scary or fanatical. I'll pretty much read any book once. I even read "The Stone Diaries" once, and I'm still not sure if that was a waste of an afternoon.
As I flipped through the journal, the book, and the workbook, it was easy to see that the book stands alone with or without spirituality. I was a little worried that it would it would just turn out to be curated Biblical quotes with some blurbs thrown in to create a "guide".
It isn't that at all! Here is an example of one of the workbook tasks:
One thing stood out. It was written from a religious point of view.
I guess I should go ahead and say that I am not necessarily a religious person. I won't explain what exactly I "am" because I prefer to keep that fairly private. It is not my social identity, it is not what I use to define myself to others.
That said, I have an extremely open mind and enjoy reading things from various religious points of view as long as they aren't scary or fanatical. I'll pretty much read any book once. I even read "The Stone Diaries" once, and I'm still not sure if that was a waste of an afternoon.
As I flipped through the journal, the book, and the workbook, it was easy to see that the book stands alone with or without spirituality. I was a little worried that it would it would just turn out to be curated Biblical quotes with some blurbs thrown in to create a "guide".
It isn't that at all! Here is an example of one of the workbook tasks:
You kinda have to like any book that includes the line "dump my bitchy friend Alice" as an example of positive change. :)
A Year of Creative Living Guide
The set included four books:
Both the workbook and the morning journal take you through twelve weeks of creative tasks and thinking using different formatting. Each are highlighted with inspirational, instructional, or encouraging quotes.
The Year of Creative Living is a year's worth of small blurbs to further encourage you to embrace creativity. These are similar to the little desktop calendars with daily quotes. Here is a snippet from today's insight:
"We are, each of us, more than we seem, more than the sum of our human components."
I don't think you have to be actively "healing" your creative spark to benefit from this book. It would make a great desktop reference book for any creative person, something that can be accessed quickly for a hit of motivation and power.
And yes. That means bloggers and freelance writers too. Every word you choose for every sentence you construct is an effort of creativity.
Just reading over a few pages I noticed that there is heavy emphasis on promoting your own creativity, rather than curbing it in order to fit a mold. Certainly as bloggers you've seen those subtle suggestions: "don't be too clever, don't put too much 'you' in it, don't clutter things up, follow this person's example, use these images because that is what reader's expect" etc.
Finding that balance between your creativity and what you have to sacrifice to be successful is probably always going to be a struggle. Isn't it nice to have advice from the side that fully embraces creativity to help with that balance?
- The Artist's Way
- The Morning Pages Journal
- Artist's Way Workbook
- A Year of Creative Living
Both the workbook and the morning journal take you through twelve weeks of creative tasks and thinking using different formatting. Each are highlighted with inspirational, instructional, or encouraging quotes.
The Year of Creative Living is a year's worth of small blurbs to further encourage you to embrace creativity. These are similar to the little desktop calendars with daily quotes. Here is a snippet from today's insight:
"We are, each of us, more than we seem, more than the sum of our human components."
I don't think you have to be actively "healing" your creative spark to benefit from this book. It would make a great desktop reference book for any creative person, something that can be accessed quickly for a hit of motivation and power.
And yes. That means bloggers and freelance writers too. Every word you choose for every sentence you construct is an effort of creativity.
Just reading over a few pages I noticed that there is heavy emphasis on promoting your own creativity, rather than curbing it in order to fit a mold. Certainly as bloggers you've seen those subtle suggestions: "don't be too clever, don't put too much 'you' in it, don't clutter things up, follow this person's example, use these images because that is what reader's expect" etc.
Finding that balance between your creativity and what you have to sacrifice to be successful is probably always going to be a struggle. Isn't it nice to have advice from the side that fully embraces creativity to help with that balance?
I'm Ready to Get Creative, How About You?
I know I haven't worked through the set yet, ( but I did read the whole "Year of Creativity" book after dinner, so I'm on a roll) but I already feel that it would be a terrific addition to any artist or writer's library. At least pick up a copy of the Year of Creativity! The entire set would make a nice gift for any creative person on your upcoming holiday list too.
Oh! And I can't forget this! The Figment owner threw this in as a free surprise! I LOVE journals, and this one couldn't have been a better match for me. That is the exact blue I use in all my decorating. Love this!
So once again, thanks to Mia at The Figment for the giveaway, and I hope some of you will check out the Artist's Way books too. If you've already read the book or worked through the set, let me know what you thought!
*This post may contain affiliate links. When you buy or sign up through my links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure here.*
I was not paid to write this post. I simply won these books and decided to write about my thoughts on them.
I was not paid to write this post. I simply won these books and decided to write about my thoughts on them.
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