Send to Kindle
I just finished reading a small but hugely important book. If you are an artist, writer, or anyone who has a project of any kind in mind, but can’t seem to get started, this book is for you.
I’m writing a memoir. It took me a year to say that out loud or to write it down. It’s hard. I love the process. I hate the process. It comes in fits and starts. Some days you’ll find me flying high above the treetops loving the world and everything in it. Other days, I might be floating underground on my way to the city’s sewage treatment plant. That’s how these things go and I know I’m not alone.
After reading Steven Pressfield’s, The War of Art, Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, I’m feeling oh, so much better. I’m confident I will finish my memoir. It’s a kick in the butt for scared, lazy people like myself who can find a gazillion reasons why they shouldn’t begin what their heart is calling them to do.
It’s three books in one. Book One is about Resistance in all of its manifestations: procrastination, self-dramatization, victimhood, fear and every other possible reason I can come up with to not sit down at the computer and start to write. It’s about those little voices in my head I call stink bugs, who tell me I’m not good enough. What this man has to say about them squashes them in their tracks and sweeps them away before the stink has a chance to rise into the air and get on your fingers.
Book Two, Combating Resistance, is about being a warrior set on wiping Resistance off the face of the earth. It’s about becoming a pro and keeping yourself from wandering off course. It’s the hard part. If you’re like me, tending toward being a peace-maker and conscientious objector, the militancy will make you wince. But in that you might also recognized one more mask of that sly fox, Resistance.
Book Three, Beyond Resistance, is my favorite part. It brought me back from the realm of the warrior to my own inner knowing about what I need to do. It’s about the magic of putting words down on paper and how that, in and of itself, can become very habit-forming. It’s about growth and waking up. It’s about healing. It’s about communicating with the Muse. It’s about being a visionary.
Do yourself a big favor. Read this little book.
I’ve read this book – twice. It’s a must for any writer.
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. What other books do you consider “musts”?
Stink bugs. Great image for those little demons inside us. I have seen two references to this book this week. A sign maybe I should read it. Thanks for a good summary. And thanks for your comment on my How to Write a Memoir post.
Thanks Shirley. I think it’s a great little book. And thanks for the list of recommendatios on your post today.
Wow. Thanks, I will read it.
Becca, let me know what you think of it!
I will, I will! I’m so very stuck with some aspects of creativity right now, it’s just not even close to humorous. *hops over to the kindlefire*
This book has helped me through stuck and I keep it in view at all times in case I need some reminders about how resistance can stop me in my tracks.