Inspiring Creativity: An Anthology of Powerful Insights and Practical Ideas to Guide You to Successful Creating

In the last five years, the field of coaching and mentoring creative artists has taken off as its own little cottage industry. Eric Maisel, more than any other writer/teacher/psychologist, seems to have had a major role in this genesis, so it's no surprise that this anthology is kicked off with a Foreword by Maisel. He says, "If you get it into your head that you must write novels, compose symphonies, prove or disprove string theory, or in some other way really manifest the potential of your heart, mind, and hands, you have set yourself on a journey that traditionally you have had to navigate alone. Now you need not feel completely alone: creativity coaches are available to help" ( p. xi). The book is broken into six sections: Give Yourself Permission to Create, Choose a Muse for Inspiration, Create Big Ideas and Work Successfully, Live Your Creativity Every Day, Express and Honor Yourself, and Challenge Yourself to Higher Creativity. The sections form a natural progression, and each section contains three or four pieces. More than just tips and easy ideas, most of the articles advocate philosophies for approaching creativity that would be beneficial to all areas of art, writing, acting, or inventing. The only thing missing in this first edition is an index and a list of resources for further study and research. Perhaps as the field expands and later editions are created those items will be included. The 22 professional coaches and experts who contributed to this volume are some of the best minds in the still nascent industry of creativity coaching. Four particularly good articles were: "Igniting a Creative Spark Within: How to Establish Creative Focus" by Suzanne R. Roy; "The Hero Within: Using the Mythic Journey to Discover Meaning in your Creative Work" by Michael Mahoney; "Of Flying Monkeys and Modern Day Muses: Who You Gonna Call?" by Jill Badonsky; and "Get BeMused: How to Find Yourself a Creative Muse in the Unlikeliest of Places" by Kaylen Bennett. This is a fascinating collection, particularly for writers, but it would also serve as an excellent source for the college and online courses springing up to teach the art of creativity coaching. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

22 coaches of creativity provide their insight into delving the mind and spirit for inspiration. Some of this is intellectual; creativity as your spiritual birthright, how to tap the Muses by understanding how the personification of the arts is meaningful. Other advice is the type that writers need--how to write a memoir, getting unstuck, focus and self-awareness. I found this book more aimed to the writer than the visual artist; still, there is a lot of wealth and wisdom here. If you are in any of the creative arts or in business, where creativity is a useful skill in problem-solving, then you ought to have a copy of "Inspiring Creativity" on your shelf. It just may get you unstuck someday. Think of it as an emergency "jaws of life" for those days when the juices just don't flow.

As a college teacher who is teaching a creativity course, I have found that there is much waffle and fluff printed about creativity. What I like about this set of essays is that it presents a wide and practical set of approaches to creativity. Thus students can find a mode, process, or perspective that fits their personal style. It is also very economically priced which is not a minor factor in this era of $100 text books. While it is not a book you would base a course on, if such a thing exists, it is a book that can be used effectively in any critical or creative thinking course. Well done!

This is a priceless book for all those who are in some type of creative work; whether it be writing, painting, acting or any of the other categories of creativity. Written by 22 coaches whose purpose in life is to help others expand in their creativity, you find yourself emerged in their wisdom, knowledge and advise in the pages of this work. Each coach shares with you morsels of their expertise that you may incorporate in your life's work. My favorite was written by Beverly R. Down, "Self-Appreciation, How To Star In Your Own Life, " page 141. She tells us how to expand our self-appreciation and uses the acronym, "S.T.A.R.," standing for S- Source, T-Thankfulness, A-Asking and R-Receiving. She carefully explains each one of these and how to apply them to our creativity. Outstanding. All in all this is truly a must have work for those who are serious about their creativity and long to expand even further. I truly enjoyed this work and found it to be very, very helpful. Recommended.

THIS BOOK. What can I say?? I've read probably a third of the articles so far, and EVERY ONE of them speaks to me at some level. This collection is written by people who understand the life and issues of artists or would-be artists. And they have good, practical advice for getting through some of the rough times we all face - externally and internally. I think the thing that appeals so much is that this is not one single author (or two), but 22 voices speaking almost as one. It's a powerful way to be led into and through the creative maze.