Your Inner Critic Is A Big Jerk
This book identifies common blocks and stopping points for creatives, from jealousy to negative self-talk, and then offers solutions. The book also provides a few small anecdotes into the author’s life, but that takes a backseat to the tips and tricks on offer.
Pros:
- The tips, tricks, and short-cuts on offer were both practical and useful.
- The book leaves ample space in the margins for note-taking; the author comments on this, noting it was a purposeful choice
- The book is short and to the point, and can be read in a day or two
Cons:
- Sometimes I felt the tips were most useful or directly applicable to visual artists. The tips can be adapted for all types of artists with a bit of creativity, however.
- [nit-pick] The author had a habit of over-using certain words, such as the various permutations of “insane”
Conclusion:
This is a good little book to keep around when you need a creative pick-me-up. I’m glad I read it, and will be keeping it as a part of my collection.
Check it out here.
Creative Quest
First, a word from the publisher: Questlove—musician, bandleader, designer, producer, culinary entrepreneur, professor, and all-around cultural omnivore—shares his wisdom on the topics of inspiration and originality in a one-of-a-kind guide to living your best creative life.
Pros:
- Questlove does a deep dive into creativity: who is / can be creative, how to harness your creativity (via a handful of exercises), and quotes from notable creative people and researchers (e.g. Bjork, David Bowie, etc).
- Questlove talks candidly about issues of race in his work, and how that can affect the creative process
- Fans of Questlove will be sure to appreciate Questlove’s discussion of his own creative process and collaborators. Those who are looking for more of a memoir will probably get more enjoyment out of “Mo’ Meta Blues,” however.
Cons:
- The last two chapters felt tacked on, especially in light of their length (5-8 minutes vs the typical chapter’s 45+ minutes)
- Though Questlove talks about how his work exists at the, “intersection of creativity and commerce,” I found that there was not much discussion about how to make money with one’s art.
- (nit-pick) It was weird to hear a quote (seemingly) read by David Bowie directly late in the book when virtually all of the preceding quotes were read by Questlove.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, I enjoyed Creative Quest. My lack of experience with Questlove’s / The Root’s music was not a barrier to entry, and there is plenty of insight to be gleaned from this work. It isn’t a workbook, so those hoping for page after page of exercises may want to look elsewhere. Those with an interest in the creative process, however, and especially fans of Questlove, are sure to enjoy Creative Quest.
Check out here.
You May Also Enjoy…
- “Writing Down The Bones,” by Natalie Goldberg
- “The Writing Life,” by Annie Dillard
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