Pivots, New Challenges, Surprising Revelations & Joy
Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspiration forCreativity at Midlife by Sharon J. Burton
non-fiction, SJB Ventures, LLC, May 14, 2024
There's a shift happening. From #grayhairdontcare to Killersof a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn and other bestselling fiction titlesfeaturing women (and all kinds of people) who're over 50, a popular home shoppingnetwork’s Over 50 & Fabulous programming, and advertising campaigns thatpresent “seasoned" people as vibrant, engaging, and interested in pursuing assorted new challenges, attitudes toward midlife are moving from doom andgloom to excitement about what comes next. Creative Sparks… supportsthat endeavor in pursuit of the arts. As stated in the introduction, “In this bookyou'll not only learn how to use affirmations to gain more confidence with yourcreative life, but you'll discover how to use affirmations to overcome creativeblocks and create your own that are tailored to your specific needs and goals.”
The introduction defines the intention and the scope ofthe entire text, leading into the affirmations. Each one provides an openingcontext for specific goals, then practical strategies for achieving thosestated goals, followed by personal revelations about a named individual’screative pursuits. Journal reflection points as prompts to inspire relevantjournaling close out each chapter.
The“Moving Forward on Your Creative Journey” section offers concluding reflectionsand suggestions for next steps. The itemized list of contributors embodies abroad range and depth of all things creative. A detailed bibliography providesadditional resources for further study. Acknowledgements and the author's bioencourage and inspire readers to explore their creative potential.
[Note: Sharon J. Burton and I connected years ago through my work as outreach director for The Write Women Book Fest, which is hosted by The Write Women Network. She was kind enough to give me an ARC without any strings or expectations attached.]
