So I’ve been reading a ton lately, and figured that it would be good to go back to these posts. I’m trying to group by theme, and feature the ones that I think are the most beneficial/best examples of the genre – or if I’m not all about them, then use them as an example of their high and not-so-high points.
Today, we’ll be looking at books on being creative: whether that means marketing, writing, or whatever, that’s up to whatever I’m connecting with at the moment.
Steal like an Artist by Austin Kleon – I love this book. This makes me excited to do things, and it’s a really fast read. It will get you motivated, whether through his advice or unique poetry. There’s a lot of practical advice, and although it’s a short, fast read, the author isn’t just giving out sound bites. I felt altogether better after I read it, which is a big plus.
Show your Work by Austin Kleon – I bought this after I had done a store signing,and I’m actually still reading it. Maybe it’s because this is where I have a harder time, but it’s a more slow-going book for me. However, I still love his positive vibe and that this book reads more like talking to an actual person than someone touting around a bunch of titles or whatever. I value the words in the book because the author comes across as so normal and group-oriented.
The Author’s Guide to Marketing With Teeth edited by Michael Knost – This is a Stoker nominee for a reason. The draw is that it combines a lot of essays and interviews by famous/well-to-do authors about promotion, but don’t ignore Michael’s intros and interludes, because not only does he know his stuff, but he’s articulate and puts it in an approachable form. This goes over a lot of basic things that people tend to forget about, and it’s great to have in one volume.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert – I love Liz Gilbert’s stuff anyway, but this was the book I’ve been waiting for. I’m still reading it, but her upbeat, loving nature shines through every page. She uses a lot of her personal experience or experience of those around her, and addresses a lot of personal moments, like how to handle fear, what role creativity actually has in your life, and on and on. It’s one of those that I know I’m going to read repeatedly, because I can feel myself emotionally plugging in the moment I open it.
The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer – Another one I’m still in process with, because a lot of it strikes a chord with me. Written after her TED talk on the same subject matter, Palmer goes through her career and talks a lot about her own artistic journey, her relationship with her fans, and leaning on others in different forms. Powerful stuff.
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