Inspiration Springs from Creative Theft

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Discard ideas that lack potential while nurturing those that resonate, like a filtering process that discards the bad and retains the good. Inspiration can be found in various sources such as movies and books, serving as a wellspring for new ideas. Embracing the concept of 'stealing' creatively allows for the adaptation and transformation of existing concepts into something unique. By putting a personal spin on borrowed ideas, one can leverage influences to generate innovative outcomes.

Steven Pressfield was 52 years old when he published his first hit novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Prior to that, he wrote tirelessly for decades in obscurity, supporting himself with odd jobs along the way.

After writing several more novels and movie scripts, he distilled all of his wisdom into The War of Art, his now-famous treatise on the grinding process of creativity.

Now in his 80s, Steven looks back on his work and life with a clear-eyed view of what it truly means to make it as a creative professional. In this episode, he explains why he persisted writing for decades with little to show for it, how he compensated for his own lack of talent, why creating great art is actually a grueling war fought within the artist’s own mind, and much, much more.

Enjoy.

Steven’s new book, The Daily Pressfield

All of Steven Pressfield's Books

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