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Secrets from a Creativity Coach
Romney Oualline Nesbitt, Creativity Coach, reveals the secrets she uses to help writers and artists move past perceived limitations to reach their creative goals. "Coaching yourself takes honesty and willingness to spend some time thinking critically about your life. Some people find it best to ease into the process of change by reading about other people's problems and solutions. That's why I offer real life examples. Read the stories, try the strategies and see if your life doesn't begin to have fewer creative interruptions."
196 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 1, 2012
Quick read with practical advice for getting past creative block. The real-life stories from her coaching practice were interesting -- I kept finding myself wishing we got to hear how the stories ended!
In the intro, the author says this: "I've designed the book to allow you to tackle one problem at a time. Each chapter presents one tip or success strategy. Find your pet problem, try the solution and get on with your day. If you'd rather saturate your mind with self-coaching knowhow, start on page one and go straight to the end, but don't use this book as another excuse for not living the life you say you want. Reading about doing your creative work ... is not the same as doing your work."
I like that sentiment; however, I wish the book lent itself better to being read that way. The chapter titles are often a little cryptic to the first-time reader -- like "Time Out," "King Author's Round Table," and "Approaching Elephants Always Arrive on Time." I'd rather see the chapter titles include the question that's being answered... e.g., "How do I set a goal and make the time to work on it?"
Speaking of which... I wish she had included a magical answer for making more creative time when you've got two little ones at home. Her suggestions for finding more time tended more towards "spend less time watching TV" -- a luxury I gave up long ago! Perhaps others will find this part more useful than I did, though.
Overall, this is a book I would recommend to other writers & artists. I borrowed it from the library, but am seriously considering purchasing it.
In the intro, the author says this: "I've designed the book to allow you to tackle one problem at a time. Each chapter presents one tip or success strategy. Find your pet problem, try the solution and get on with your day. If you'd rather saturate your mind with self-coaching knowhow, start on page one and go straight to the end, but don't use this book as another excuse for not living the life you say you want. Reading about doing your creative work ... is not the same as doing your work."
I like that sentiment; however, I wish the book lent itself better to being read that way. The chapter titles are often a little cryptic to the first-time reader -- like "Time Out," "King Author's Round Table," and "Approaching Elephants Always Arrive on Time." I'd rather see the chapter titles include the question that's being answered... e.g., "How do I set a goal and make the time to work on it?"
Speaking of which... I wish she had included a magical answer for making more creative time when you've got two little ones at home. Her suggestions for finding more time tended more towards "spend less time watching TV" -- a luxury I gave up long ago! Perhaps others will find this part more useful than I did, though.
Overall, this is a book I would recommend to other writers & artists. I borrowed it from the library, but am seriously considering purchasing it.
July 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this writing/creativity book. What kept it from being a 5 star for me, was that it teased a lot. I wanted more - but I guess Mrs. Nesbitt can't give away too much in the book ;)
For example, when she was talking to a group of women authors and one was having a problem, I was engrossed in the story and turning pages as fast as I could. However, at the part I wanted to know more, it abruptly switched to another story.
If I had the money, I'd pay for a session with Mrs. Nesbitt as a Creativity Coach - I have a feeling the novel (while having excellent advise and tips) is just the tip of the knowledge and skill that she possesses and her students are privileged to obtain the fullness of her talents.
Highly recommend this novel for everyone who is creative.
For example, when she was talking to a group of women authors and one was having a problem, I was engrossed in the story and turning pages as fast as I could. However, at the part I wanted to know more, it abruptly switched to another story.
If I had the money, I'd pay for a session with Mrs. Nesbitt as a Creativity Coach - I have a feeling the novel (while having excellent advise and tips) is just the tip of the knowledge and skill that she possesses and her students are privileged to obtain the fullness of her talents.
Highly recommend this novel for everyone who is creative.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews