

#65: Austin Kleon – 10 years as a full-time writer and stealing like an artist
14 snips Jul 20, 2021
Austin Kleon, a New York Times bestselling author known for his illustrated works on creativity, dives into his journey as a full-time writer. He discusses how his book 'Newspaper Blackout' sparked the idea for 'Steal Like an Artist' and reflects on the importance of timing and initiative in creative endeavors. Austin shares insights on the self-publishing vs. traditional publishing debate, noting the evolving landscape for authors. He also emphasizes the value of personal joy over wealth, advocating for a unique definition of success in life and creativity.
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Librarian Insights
- Austin Kleon worked as a part-time librarian, which provided health insurance and free time to write.
- This experience taught him about what people read and how books serve their needs.
Post-College Advice
- Don't go to grad school right after college if you want to be a writer, get a job first.
- Experience the real world and find what genuinely interests you without a built-in audience.
Texas Mythology
- Austin's poetry gained more recognition after he moved to Texas.
- Texas's established mythology lent his work a certain image and appeal that it lacked in Cleveland.