Victoria Dougherty writes Cold War historical thrillers, historical fantasy, and personal essays. She's also a book coach, blogger, podcaster, and avid celebrant of the creative life!
Quick inspiration, plus an audiobook sale
Hello from the Cold!
Yes, it is an off week, but I had to reach out. For two reasons. The first is that I've started reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this classic work on creativity, I'll give you a snapshot. It's written by Martin Scorsese's ex-wife, of all people, and it's not surprising that she's quite brilliant. Cameron is a writer by trade, who happened to stumble across a very successful second career as a teacher and "unblocker" of the imagination. She's worked with photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, actors, judges, doctors, and basically anyone who has found themselves either creatively stuck or simply wanting to rediscover a sense of wonder they may have lost (or put to sleep) as they charged on through life, raising families, building careers.
I've read a lot of inspirational books about the creative process - especially ones focused on writers. Books like Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and Story by Robert McKee. What drew me into The Artist's Way was one simple quote from the book.
"For most people, creativity is a serious business. They forget the telling phrase 'the play of ideas' and think that they need to knuckle down and work more. Often, the reverse is true. They need to play."
I needed to hear that.
Julia Cameron's spiritual approach has kept me riveted, and I'm trying to read and absorb a few pages every night before bed. I feel I'll be writing more about The Artist's Way in future missives, so I thought I'd give you all a heads up, in case you want to purchase a copy and read along with me on this journey.
There's also an audiobook sale going on right now that I thought you should check out. Audiobooks are all the rage, and they are awfully convenient for busy modern lives. Some of them are downright gorgeously produced. That was my aim with my novels and hopefully you'll agree. My novel Breath, the first in the BREATH series, is being offered in this sale and I am beyond proud it. Emily Lawrence, the young woman who narrates the story, is simply brilliant.
| Audiobooks Galore! |
Until next time, my friends...nurture the creative beast within!
Victoria
Victoria Dougherty
Writer, Book Coach, Unapologetic Fantasist
Victoria Dougherty writes Cold War historical thrillers, historical fantasy, and personal essays. She's also a book coach, blogger, podcaster, and avid celebrant of the creative life!
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