Since I got serious about writing my book I started feeling all sorts of blocks and fears. Writing a book is much harder than I thought it would be. I think it’s actually the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to accomplish. Nothing is scarier than a blank page, I sit at the desk with the best intentions and ready to write and 30 seconds later resistance starts kicking my ass!
The only way to overcome these blocks is to push through them of course, and luckily there are some books out there that can help us do that! These 5 books in particular have been a life saver for me in the past and I’m re reading a few right now to get some extra strength to fight this battle between me and those damn white pages!
BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert
I’m obsessed with this book!She talks about creativity as a magical thing, describing it as “The relationship between a human being and the mysteries of inspiration.” When I read it for the first time in my lifeI felt like I wasn’t crazy! The way she talks about creativity and the creative process is fascinating and incredibly inspiring. My words will never give it justice so just go read it now!!P.s. before the book came out she did two insanely good ted talks about some of the topics she covers in Big Magic, you can watch them here and here.
THE WAR OF ART by Steven Pressfield
If you need to unstuck yourself this is the book you need! Pressfield talks about resistance as a living force that prevents us from doing our work and tells us how to defeat it…by doing the work! This book is like magic guys, after I read it I finally started my blog
after years of severe procrastination!
THE ARTIST’S WAY by Julia Cameron
This is no ordinary book, this is a 12 weeks program for spiritual and creative recovery. Every week there’s a chapter to read and some exercises to do. You will dig into your past, working through your blocks and fears and you’ll unlock your creativity. It really works! (it worked for me at least)
THE ART OF ASKING by AMANDA PALMER
Amanda Palmer is a super cool musician (married to Neil Gaiman!) and a while ago raised over 1 million dollars for her album through kick started (the goal was set at $100.000). How did she do it? She ASKED her fans to help her! In this book she explains the importance of asking for help when we need it and why we shouldn’t feel shame when we do it. STEAL LIKE AN
STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST by AUSTIN KLEON
A very quick read. The basic concept here is that nothing is original and everything has been done and redone therefore we should all ‘steal’ ideas and art from each other and make it into something new.
1 Comments
Catherine Duchesne
I’m new to your followersfamily thx to a repost from your instagram article. I love the way you put the truth out there. Spent the last 2h reading articles on your blog and it (you) got me so excited that I ordered 2 of the books you recommend. Can’t wait to start reading. Looking forward to reading more from you! X