417 - 4 Books to Read Over the Holidays That Will Unlock Your Creative Genius

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Dec 3, 2024

Feeling creatively stuck? Discover transformative books that can rejuvenate your imagination! Explore how embracing fears can lead to personal growth and breakthroughs. Learn about the joy of 'shitty first drafts' and how they can enhance your creativity. Relive the childhood classic that inspired dreams of New York City. Plus, gain wisdom from Rainer Maria Rilke on trusting your unique creative journey. Tune in for a warm, book-loving vibe that inspires artistic exploration!

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ANECDOTE

Early Love of Books

Marie Forleo's earliest memories include being captivated by books in the library as a child.
She loved the book "Harold and the Purple Crayon" for its depiction of a child creating his own world.

ADVICE

Creative Fear as Guidance

Embrace creative fear, as it indicates important work.
The more fear you feel, the more certain you should be about pursuing that endeavor.

ANECDOTE

Embracing Fear

Marie Forleo recalls feeling terrified before every creative breakthrough.
Her "Everything is Figureoutable" book launch, inspired by Beyoncé and TED Talks, exemplifies this.

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From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

E. L. Konigsburg

The story follows Claudia, an 11-year-old girl, and her 9-year-old brother Jamie, who decide to run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. While there, they discover a small marble statue that may have been carved by Michelangelo and embark on a journey to uncover its provenance, which leads them to the enigmatic Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The narrative is cleverly framed as a letter from Mrs. Frankweiler to her lawyer, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the tale of adventure, self-discovery, and family bonds.

Letters to a Young Poet

Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet" is a collection of letters written to a young aspiring poet, offering profound insights into the creative process and the nature of life. The letters explore themes of patience, perseverance, and the importance of embracing doubt and uncertainty. Rilke emphasizes the significance of living authentically and finding meaning in the everyday. He encourages the young poet to delve deeply into his own experiences and emotions as a source of inspiration. The letters are not just about poetry but about the human condition, offering timeless wisdom applicable to all aspects of life.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Crockett Johnson

In this classic children's book, Harold, a curious four-year-old boy, decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. With his magic purple crayon, he draws a moon, a path, and various landscapes to navigate through his adventure. Harold encounters a dragon, sails across waters, enjoys a picnic of nine flavors of pies, and even flies in a hot-air balloon. Eventually, tired and seeking his bedroom window, Harold draws his way back home and to bed. The book celebrates the power of imagination and creativity.

Everything Is Figureoutable

Marie Forleo

In 'Everything Is Figureoutable,' Marie Forleo shares her philosophy that any problem or obstacle can be overcome with the right mindset. The book is rooted in her childhood experiences with her mother, who embodied the idea that anything can be figured out with determination and hard work. Forleo provides guidance on how to deal with criticism, imposter syndrome, and failure, and emphasizes the importance of progress over perfection. She also offers strategies for overcoming common excuses such as lack of time and money, and encourages readers to take action to achieve their goals. The book is praised for its optimistic and practical approach to personal and professional growth[2][3][4].

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Steven Pressfield

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

Bird by Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott

Susan Bennett

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.