“A creative life is an amplified life. It's a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.” Elizabeth Gilbert
The only book I haven't gobbled up here is Written! A great selection. Also, I chose "A creative life is an amplified life" as one of the quotes for a series of prints I created to go out with a mini zine I recently published. It's such a lovely reminder to lean into expansion.
Oh I don't think I realise you had a mini zine - is that on your website?
I really got a lot out of Written, I think I read it at just the right time, because I felt I needed a bit of a 'kick' to get me out of a bit of a rut!
Thank you Debbie! Oh do let me know when you read them - I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts!
I have read a little bit of Digital Minimalism and found it so inspiring, I am very keen to read Deep Work - I am never happier than when I am in creative flow so I am very interested in his words and ideas.
Great list … and Anne Lamott - yes, yes! I wrote a short ‘review’/celebration of it in 2023:
Bird by Bird ( Anne Lamott)- I write for the love of it. For the flow of the words and the joy of storytelling. Most books about writing want to train me and tell me how a writer writes. This is a gem. A book that celebrates the craft for the craft itself.
I love Big Magic, it is such an uplifting book. Elizabeth Gilbert has done an hours workshop/talk on the calm app and she draws themes from the book and talks about them. This is where I first discovered her. I also have The Artists Way and am waiting for a block of time ( maybe over the winter) when I can do it justice. Thank you Emily, a lovely list 💕
It is such a wonderful book. I didn't know she was on the calm app! I may have to go over and have a listen. I really want to return to The Artist Way at some point! I feel like it is something to come back to again and again. 💕
We Need Your Art by Amie McNee - pick it up right away! Fantastic! I read it in one sitting and then started it over again. Do Interesting by Russell Davies. Another one that hasn’t left my head since I read it. I have added the two from your list I haven’t read to my list! Thank you!
Oh Jessica! I absolutely will, this one is very close to the top of my wish list! It is lovely to get such a hearty recommendation from you ☺️ I will let you know when I pick it up! I've not heard of Do Interesting - will note that one down too, love exchanging books! Thank you 🙏
I recently finished listening to the audio of Amie Mcnee’s book, We Need Your Art. I immediately started it over as soon as it was done. It’s just what I need right now.
Thank you so much Martha - I think that book is firmly at the top of my wish list now, I am looking forward to reading it so much. I LOVE that you immediately went in for seconds upon finishing - that is a very good sign!!! 💕
Love this Emily, this post was right up my street! I’m a creative book junkie! I’ve read Big Magic, loved Elizabeth’s analogy of fear always stuck with me, I completed Artists Way in March and have been doing MP ever since, also read Beth’s book was thinking about joining Soul Circle and I have just listened to the podcast with Claire and Aimee about her Art book and have it on my TBR list x sometimes there’s not enough hours in the day for all my ideas on writing my blog and all the books I want to read!!! Always look forward to your Sunday letter, Sundays have always been for me a “creative, endless opportunities ,I can do anything day” have a wonderful day x ps gorgeous here in Norwich today ☀️
Hi Jo 👋 It has been a beautiful day - we went out to Blakeney today, and it was gorgeous! ☀️ Thank you for mentioning podcast - I had saved that to listen to and then of course, forgotten all about it! I think Aimee's book is next for me, and lots of people keep recommending it!!
I know exactly what you mean ... we just need an extra creative day of the week - each and every week - just for us and our hobbies, reading and writing!!! Is that too much to ask for ? 😅
I am so glad you enjoy my letters 💌 thank you so much for telling me, it means so much, and I love that they are a small part of your precious creative Sundays!
The only book I haven't gobbled up here is Written! A great selection. Also, I chose "A creative life is an amplified life" as one of the quotes for a series of prints I created to go out with a mini zine I recently published. It's such a lovely reminder to lean into expansion.
Oh I don't think I realise you had a mini zine - is that on your website?
I really got a lot out of Written, I think I read it at just the right time, because I felt I needed a bit of a 'kick' to get me out of a bit of a rut!
Well perhaps it’s the one for me. I’m in something of a book writing rut!
And yes, it is! Available on my simple shop page or I’m offering one as part of annual membership atm. Here’s the links if you’re interested:
https://thesearethedays.co/shop/
https://brandseasons.substack.com/p/why-making-matters
Special offer in my latest post too. Sorry for the sales pitch but thought you might like options! 😂
Thank you Sarah 😊 never apologise, I want to know all the things 🙏 thank you for dropping in the links.
Great recommendations Emily. Loved The Artist Way, and The Way of the Fearless Writer, both excellent books.
Big Magic and Life Stories are both in my list of books to buy. Written looks interesting too.
Highly recommend Cal Newport, both Digital Minimalism and Deep Work are fantastic books.
Thank you Debbie! Oh do let me know when you read them - I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts!
I have read a little bit of Digital Minimalism and found it so inspiring, I am very keen to read Deep Work - I am never happier than when I am in creative flow so I am very interested in his words and ideas.
I hope you had a lovely Sunday Debbie! 💕
Some great suggestions here! I’d also add in John Lane’s ‘Timeless Creativity’ ✨
Oooo I've not heard of that one … (looks it up immediately) thank you David 🙏📚
What a gorgeous round up!
I'd recommend Bird by Bird - Anne Lamott is a very witty writer!
Thank you Lauren! Bird by Bird is on my list for sure. I love the sound of it.
Will look forward to reading your thoughts when you get there ☺️
Great list … and Anne Lamott - yes, yes! I wrote a short ‘review’/celebration of it in 2023:
Bird by Bird ( Anne Lamott)- I write for the love of it. For the flow of the words and the joy of storytelling. Most books about writing want to train me and tell me how a writer writes. This is a gem. A book that celebrates the craft for the craft itself.
Thank you! I really look forward to reading Bird by Bird… it sounds like something I would get a lot out of. Thank you for adding your recommendation!
Happy reading … and writing, Emily. 📚
I love Big Magic, it is such an uplifting book. Elizabeth Gilbert has done an hours workshop/talk on the calm app and she draws themes from the book and talks about them. This is where I first discovered her. I also have The Artists Way and am waiting for a block of time ( maybe over the winter) when I can do it justice. Thank you Emily, a lovely list 💕
It is such a wonderful book. I didn't know she was on the calm app! I may have to go over and have a listen. I really want to return to The Artist Way at some point! I feel like it is something to come back to again and again. 💕
Wonderful selection Emily, thank you for sharing!
Hi Charlotte 👋 I hope you are well ! Thank you! I hope it gave you some new ones for your wish list !
I’ve enjoyed all of Cal Newport’s books, Deep Work is a good one! 🩵
Thank you Makenzie 🙏 I am really looking forward to reading that one …eventually!
We Need Your Art by Amie McNee - pick it up right away! Fantastic! I read it in one sitting and then started it over again. Do Interesting by Russell Davies. Another one that hasn’t left my head since I read it. I have added the two from your list I haven’t read to my list! Thank you!
Oh Jessica! I absolutely will, this one is very close to the top of my wish list! It is lovely to get such a hearty recommendation from you ☺️ I will let you know when I pick it up! I've not heard of Do Interesting - will note that one down too, love exchanging books! Thank you 🙏
I recently finished listening to the audio of Amie Mcnee’s book, We Need Your Art. I immediately started it over as soon as it was done. It’s just what I need right now.
Thank you so much Martha - I think that book is firmly at the top of my wish list now, I am looking forward to reading it so much. I LOVE that you immediately went in for seconds upon finishing - that is a very good sign!!! 💕
Love this Emily, this post was right up my street! I’m a creative book junkie! I’ve read Big Magic, loved Elizabeth’s analogy of fear always stuck with me, I completed Artists Way in March and have been doing MP ever since, also read Beth’s book was thinking about joining Soul Circle and I have just listened to the podcast with Claire and Aimee about her Art book and have it on my TBR list x sometimes there’s not enough hours in the day for all my ideas on writing my blog and all the books I want to read!!! Always look forward to your Sunday letter, Sundays have always been for me a “creative, endless opportunities ,I can do anything day” have a wonderful day x ps gorgeous here in Norwich today ☀️
Hi Jo 👋 It has been a beautiful day - we went out to Blakeney today, and it was gorgeous! ☀️ Thank you for mentioning podcast - I had saved that to listen to and then of course, forgotten all about it! I think Aimee's book is next for me, and lots of people keep recommending it!!
I know exactly what you mean ... we just need an extra creative day of the week - each and every week - just for us and our hobbies, reading and writing!!! Is that too much to ask for ? 😅
I am so glad you enjoy my letters 💌 thank you so much for telling me, it means so much, and I love that they are a small part of your precious creative Sundays!
You’re welcome Emily x thanks for the all your inspiration x