1. ISBN13: 9780446691437
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Editorial Review :

DO YOU:

· dream about writing the Great American Novel?

· regret not finishing your paintings, poems, or screenplays?

· want to start a business or charity?

· wish you could start dieting or exercising today?

· hope to run a marathon someday?

If "yes," then you need…THE WAR OF ART

Now, in this powerful, straight-from-the-hip examination of the internal obstacles to success, bestselling author Steven Pressfield shows readers how to identify, defeat, and unlock the inner barriers to creativity. THE WAR OF ART is an inspirational, funny, well-aimed kick in the pants guaranteed to galvanize every would-be artist, visionary, or entrepreneur.

Steven Pressfield enjoys great international success as a bestselling novelist. But in order to reach the top he had to do a lot of work to fight the inner demons that told him he couldn’t make it. THE WAR OF ART is his challenge to creative block, and his succinct, straight-from-the-hip style will help every reader unleash their personal ambitions, be they literary, artistic, or business-minded.

According to Pressfield, the internal obstacle to success is Resistance. Resistance is the difference between the life you lead and the life you want to lead, and can take many forms. Pressfield shows readers how to identify and defeat Resistance at every turn and challenges them to change their amateurish, unsuccessful habits into a professional attitude that can get the job done. Finally, Sun Tzu for the soul!

Inspirational, funny, and a great kick in the pants, THE WAR OF ART is the perfect book for anybody who had a goal circumvented by life and circumstance: which is to say, you and everybody you’ve ever met.

Customer Review :

Resistance Meets its Match in The Muse

I read this book all the way through in one sitting. Now I look forward to starting all over again--immediately.

Mr. Pressfield delivers good and bad news for writers. The bad news: Our creative impulses will always meet palpable Resistance. We must learn to identify and do battle daily with Resistance in all its forms.

The good news: Our Muse stands close by to aid. But Mr. Pressfield makes it clear she prefers to help those who help themselves. More drill sergeant than neurasthenic nymph, the Muse holds artists to a hard-line work ethic and doesn't suffer whiners.

A former Marine, the author also believes in healthy discipline. "The Marine Corps teaches you how to be miserable," he writes. "This is invaluable for an artist."

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Nuggets of Wisdom in a Sea of Oddball Spirituality

The book starts of reasonably well defining our problem as resistance and how it manifests itself. Then it goes into some ways to overcome resistance which boil down to, "be a professional and get down to work." Then the wackiness ensues. The author brings out an amalgamation of Eastern mysticism, Greek mythology, Zen Buddhism, and most any other form of spirituality you can think of to call upon to inspire you.

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READ THIS BOOK! (Great Seller!!!)

A fantastic and essential read for anyone involved in any creative or business endeavors. Great seller - product arrived promptly as described. Would happily do business again!

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this book changed my life!

As an artist I frequently get "blocked", lack inspiration, feel negative about my talents and cannot finish pieces I am working on. This book explains why and what is driving us creatives to not create. It is so on target. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has difficulties with the creative process. It is a must read for any artist, writer, musician, actor, dancer and all others whose work is of this nature. A BESTSELLER!

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A Wonderful Challenge for Artists, Creatives, and Writers

The War of Art was a gem to read. It was full of spiritual connections between God and creative work, coupled with real-life practical ways to work through "The Resistance" and accomplish your goals.

As a writer, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I also found it to be a relevant read for other areas of my life, including my marriage and the daily grind.

Even if you're not an artist, this book is well worth the time of anyone who has been frustrated with procrastination and the roadblocks encountered in achieving your dreams.

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1. ISBN13: 9780143116738
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Editorial Review :

A breakthrough book about talent, passion, and achievement from one of the world's leading thinkers on creativity and self-fulfillment.

The Element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. When people arrive at the Element, they feel most themselves and most inspired and achieve at their highest levels. With a wry sense of humor, Ken Robinson looks at the conditions that enable us to find ourselves in the Element and those that stifle that possibility. Drawing on the stories of a wide range of people, including Paul McCartney, Matt Groening, Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, and Bart Conner, he shows that age and occupation are no barrier and that this is the essential strategy for transform­ing education, business, and communities in the twenty-first century.

Customer Review :

Not impressed

My therapist mentioned this book to me because he's reading it and it reminded him of me. I'm in the process exactly described by Robinson: I have a "day job" that sucks but it pays the bills while I'm finishing up a masters in Professional Writing (oh, and I'm a "non-traditional" student). My long term goal is to be a freelance author's editor for scientists and researchers, and although that may not sound like fun, for me it has all the passion, fascination, heart, and stimulation that Robinson describes as being in the Element.

So why three stars? Because the book is merely descriptive and not very helpful. One of my biggest challenges has been finding my "tribe," people who share my passion for writing and editing, so I thought his chapter on the subject would provide me with ideas for finding my tribe; it didn't. It just described the importance of finding your tribe and gave examples of people who had found theirs. Not a word about "this is how you might go about finding your tribe." I also found his constant use of famous people as examples to be a bit tiresome - what do they have to do with me? I can't relate to these people.

I admit I haven't yet finished the book, but halfway through I already have an opinion.

Rating :

Pack of obvious motherhood statements

Tedium tedium and more tedium. Endless personal anecdotes describing the background and defining moments of yet more famous/influential people....
I read it all, hoping that the content would reveal a more insightful analysis of "how to find your element" as this is what the book seemed to lead me to believe it would help me to do.

Look truly, maybe it's a bloody brilliant book because you realise that if you can hack reading all this rubbish you have the temerity to achieve anything...

The "secret" to the element....
follow your passion. Oh puh-leeezzzeeee........

This boring book of lectures about the absolutely obvious made me feel so silly for having been dumb enough to have purchased the book.
He's probably spot on about our education systems stifling creativity and the negative impact this will/already has on societies, but oh goodness, its a dull read.
Honestly, go and purchase something that will teach you something useful, like the Getting things done series and apply this to your life and you'll be closer to the element than if you had only read Mr Robinson's book.
This book was a waste of time.

Rating :

Fun and engaging book that could change your life

I love this book! It was recommended by a friend and I'm so glad she told me about it. It complements other recent books I've read, like: Now, Discover Your Strengths; The Talent Code; Tribes; Emergence; The Hidden Power of Social Networks; and Leadership and the New Science. Sir Ken Robinson defines the Element as "The meeting point between natural aptitude and personal passion." In this relatively short and very powerful book, Robinson shares meaningful stories and examples from his own life and that of many others, to highlight the problems that exist within our own educational systems that create a barrier to our ability to encourage and cultivate the talents and capabilities of our young people and our work force.

Some of my favorite topics he covered were: The three features of intelligence- diverse, dynamic, and distinctive; the hierarchy of subjects (how we prioritize the `hard' sciences over other subjects such as the arts; the additional senses we have other than the typical 5 we learn about in school (e.g. vestibular, temperature, pain, kinesthetic, etc.); Newtonian versus Einstein inspired metaphors for our world view; living systems; tribes; learning theory; leadership; and more.

Robinson presents the dynamic and multidimensional nature of our senses, intelligence, creativity, and talents. He also proposes a new conception of human ecology- one in which we start to "reconstitute our conception of the richness of human capacity." His stories and research illustrate how our educational system and workplaces focus development on knowledge, practices, and capabilities that are designed for the industrialism, rather than the every changing and global world we and the next generations face in the future.

This book is fascinating and the author is a very good writer- he's funny too, which makes the reading easier. It provides specific examples and recommendations to help build environments in our school, home, and work, where every person is inspired to grow creatively and tap into their full potential. I highly recommend the book for teachers, students, human resource professionals, parents...pretty much everybody!

Rating :

Find your element

This book has some great strengths and presents some powerful insights. The author is a wonderful speaker (watch him on youtube) and I could hear his voice as I read the book. There is a good bit of humor in that book that stresses the need for all of us to find our personal element.

The book effectively presents the idea that helping children find their element will improve education. Sir Robinson reached me when he started talking about the notion of Tribe; the idea that we can learn about our element by finding our fit in the world. Who do we relate with? Who inspires us? Where do we feel at home? When we are open to learning about ourselves through our relationships and groups, we have an easier time finding our element.

The book contains a great number of stories of people (some celebrities) who found their element and pursued it to great success. I loved the chapters on the diversity of intelligence, the power of imagination, and the advice to stay committed to our won capabilities. Sir Robinson reminds us to listen to our own inner calling and to not be dissuaded by the group. All in all I found this book to be very inspirational and enlightening. Great information backed by research and delivered with a sense of humor. I recommend it to anyone as a good read, as bit of encouragement about personal path, and for a new view on education and learning.

Elisa Robyn, author of Pirate Wisdom.


Rating :

Inspiring stories for change

I got this book after hearing Ken Robinson's TED talk on the same subject. This book is an often poignant and quite powerful tool for understanding how to align your natural aptitude for something, your learning style and your passions in life and turning that all into a direction for lifestyle and career building. This is done with a very personable yet knowledgeable writing style. I am now using this book as a text for a high school psychology course on "creativity and your future". It's usefulness goes far beyond high school, however. I have also recommended it to my psychotherapy clients who are dissatisfied with their careers or their work/life balance. It can spark great conversation and insight leading to significant change. I am so glad that it is now out in paperback and thus more available to a wider audience.

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1. ISBN13: 9780874771640
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Editorial Review :

Even in 1934, Dorothea Brande knew that most writers didn't need another book on "technique" -- and this, before so many more would be published. No, she realized, as John Gardner notes in his foreword, "the root problems of the writer are personality problems," and thus her wise book is designed to simply help you get over yourself and start writing, with techniques ranging from a simple declaration to write every day at a fixed time -- no matter what -- to exercises that come close to inventing the TM and self-actualization movements that would follow a few decades later.

Customer Review :

Stop Procrastinating and Start Writing

Becoming a Writer is not a "how to" book, as mentioned in another review. Instead, it's a motivational book, but one that is much more than mere cheerleading. Instead, Brande understands what makes writers tick and what often trips us up. Brande uses her knowledge to help both aspiring and advanced writers get past the blank-screen struggle and start churning out pages. Over the course of the book, you learn that writing is not about perfection but about process. Brande starts by identifying four different "types" of writers. Brande then explains to you what your sticking point is likely to be and gets you past it with a few key exercises. The exercises aren't typical "Write a Scene" exercises, either - instead, what she recommends is really a daily practice broken down into a couple of different stages. It's simple, and it works!

This book will be a big help to anyone who wants to be a writer but has a million tricks to get out of actually doing any writing. I read it and, within about a month, had moved past my habit of procrastinating for hours before putting any words on the page. (Because I'm spending time doing this review instead of working on a script, I must be slipping! Probably a good time to re-read a few Brande chapters.)

Rating :

Not how to write, but how to become a writer

I have to write quite a bit as part of my work. Every so often I encounter a brick wall and quickly come to believe that an illiterate would do a better job than I. From what I've read, virtually everyone who needs or simply wants to write has encountered this problem.

So, like many others, I turn to what are essentially self-help books on writing. I came across "Becoming A Writer" in browsing Amazon, read some of the reviews, looked at the price and figured it was worth the chance.

What a gem this 75 year old volume is. As the author herself specifies, it is not a book about teaching one how to write, but rather a guide to becoming a writer.

That the book was written in 1934 shows in a number of amusing ways. There are numerous references to Freud. The 1930s were, after all, the heyday of reverence for psychotherapy and Sigmund Freud. Another bit of advice is "[a]s soon as you can,learn to typewrite". Dorothea Brande, the author, goes on to suggest that "if possible, learn to compose on the typewriter". One final antiquarian tip: have two typewriters, one a desk model, the other a portable. Proof that the more things change, the more they stay the same. One computer for home, another for the road.

Essentially Brande discusses, quite accurately in my opinion, the different psyches of writers and then goes on to describe a regimen of exercises to unlock the writer's potential.

While much of this regimen is to be found in many other books about becoming a writer, there's a certain charm in Brande's approach. Some also say Brande was the first to formulate this approach to training writers.

Brandes's advice was intended for fiction writers, but there is no reason to suspect it doesn't apply to any writer.

It's a fun trip into the past with Ms. Brande, though the exercises she prescribes are as timely as those you'll find in any contemporary how-to tome. It is her language, really, that makes the difference. It is polite, civil, polished; qualities you don't find today.

While "Becoming A Writer" hasn't knocked me out of my slump yet, I'm going to follow the practices suggested in hopes that they will help. I think any writer would benefit by spending a few dollars and reading this book. It is good stuff.

Jerry



Rating :

still great - after all these years

Still a great tool for writers after all these years. She writes about the psyche of the writer as opposed to the mechanics of writing. How to tackle your personal writing demons (writer's block, etc.)? It took a bit of energy to get used to her writing style; but with a little effort, the treasures are worth uncovering.

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Becoming a Writer

Although the use of language is dated, appropriate to the time it was written, the ideas are timeless. Excellent book. Obviously where Julia Cameron got much of her own inspiration. I treasure both as understanding the human condition and being able to express it in such a meaningful way. I will treasure this book, always.

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This Could Get You Going

Short and well written, this book won't teach word craft, but it will certainly help you decide whether you have the resolve and mind set to write or just want to talk about writing. Don't be put off by the fact that it was written a long time ago. There is real wisdom here. Trust her advice and try the excercises. It can't hurt, and you may be pleasantly surprised at what happens. I was amazed to discover how well they worked, and I'm a practiced procrastinator and rationalizer. Just do it, and then start to work your way through the bibliography at the back of the book.

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1. ISBN13: 9780671035976
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Review :

A Good Follow Up

While not as good as Carnegie's earlier classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People," this is a quality book with practical knowledge. Every reader may not be able to apply or even buy-in to every principle, but there is a wealth of beneficial information to be had from reading this book. Carnegie uses his straightforward and anecdotal style to give the reader some solid and fundamental techniques for conquering worry.

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Back to the Roots

Dale Carnegie is one of the founders of the modern self-help movement. Before it was a funky jumble of psuedo-science, Dale Carnegie was giving solid and sage advice to those who urgently needed it. This book was written for people who lived through world wars and the depression, and it worked for them. It will work for you, if you take it seriously.

I find it easier to use books like this one on audio because it's more like attending a seminar. It feels like the author is talking to me. I do a one-hour session every night and concentrate on the narrative. It's not difficult as I find I absorb more this way.

Hope it works for you.

Rating :

Excellent


I am a health care professional.
The material is great. It is so good,
that I have bought exta books, and gave
them out to friends and patients.
The patients, always return the thanks with
great reviews.


Rating :

how to stop worrying and start living

good book and transaction the only comment is it said the book was new but it looks old and/or used

Rating :

Many books are a great read; This book is a great fix

I love reading and I love books---both fiction and non-fiction. Even many non-fiction books seem quite practical and even well-written. But then there are the relatively few non-fiction titles that can actually transform one's life for the better if the principles are taken seriously. Carnegie is not simply spouting theory in this book. In fact, he tried to collect writings from other writers and do a book and it fell flat. This book is primarily based on his own personal experience and the experiences of people he knew personally. The first time I read the book, I liked it but not much changed in me. However the second and third times, I began to take the principles seriously and I am changing the way I look at life, hard times, and life's challenges. Carnegie was a man of faith and he doesn't try to hide the fact. He believes God and prayer can be crucial in the management of worry. But those without Christian faith can also benefit greatly from this classic. If you struggle with worry, read the book three times. That's my challenge to you.

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More reviews...

1. ISBN13: 9780399533464
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Editorial Review :

For anyone who's ever wished to, but had trouble starting, keeping, or finishing a journal or sketchbook comes Wreck This Journal, an illustrated book that features a subversive collection of prompts, asking readers to muster up their best mistake- and mess-making abilities to fill the pages of the book (and destroy them). Acclaimed illustrator Keri Smith encourages journalers to engage in "destructive" acts-poking holes through pages, adding photos and defacing them, painting with coffee, and more-in order to experience the true creative process. Readers discover a new way of art and journal making-and new ways to escape the fear of the blank page and fully engage in the creative process.

Customer Review :

Fun and Unique Journal!

I came across this book by accident, and I'm glad I did! As a great book lover, I am used to being very careful with my books, but this breaks into all new boundaries! the ideas within range from scribbling on the intro pages and title pages, to taking it for a walk (literally dragging it behind you). I have had fun collecting stickers from fruit to put into it, as well as taping it up and mailing it back to myself. Never before would I have thought of doing such things to a book! I have slowly been buying one at a time for gifts for my book loving friends. Everyone loves it!

Rating :

what a fun book!!

This is a really fun book. Not so much a journal in the traditional sense as it is a guided exercise in creativity. I had a lot of fun going through it and have it on my coffee table for friends to add to it when they come over. Once you get it going, it makes a really interesting conversation piece.

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Ingenious!

College is stress compressed into four grueling years. As a pre-med student, this is made all the more worse. I received this product as a gift from a friend and I love it. It is an easy stress reliever for the days that seem to never end. I get a kick out of everything the book asks for me to do to it. It is worth the money and makes a great gift for people who's lives are filled with stress and would like something fun to do that is not destructive to anyone (except the book...naturally) ...=)

Rating :

I'm in the minority here

Oh well. I think I break the rules in journaling already - a do quite a bit, and I do things to the pages besides write, and have been a fan of altered books, in which you actually 'artistically' 'ruin' books ... but this just does not do it for me. Some of the pages are just gross and dirty -like smear sticky stuff like honey, etc., and to rub your dinner on it. I wanted this book to help me think creatively - can't see that this has really helped me in this. Ok. Just me.

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great fun and creative!

this book is so fun and so different for everyone that uses it. Great for all ages!

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