Aunt Bessie's How to Survive a Day Job While Pursuing the Creative Life [Paperback]

Joel Eisenberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2005

Clive Barker, Tom Cruise, Larry Hagman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Stephen King, Brad Meltzer, Sir Ian McKellen, Carolyn See, Stuart Woods and many others describe their humorous and frequently touching journeys to success. This motivational volume is hosted by the ever-controversial 'Aunt Bessie,' who some refer to as a dangerous cross between Eminem and Ann Landers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Hope springs eternal in this collection of engaging oral histories about the battle to earn a living from art. -- Kirkus Discoveries, September 21, 2005

About the Author

Joel Eisenberg, the President of Eisenberg Media Group, Inc. and Topos Books, is an entrepreneur, a writer and teacher. He has written or co-written several full-length screenplays, including the multi-award-winning independent drama "Out of the Black," starring Oscar nominee Sally Kirkland, Tyler Christopher and Dee Wallace Stone.

Joel supports Special Education programs, and worked as a teacher for at-risk youth in such avenues as Creative Writing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Topos Books (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976757508
• ISBN-13: 978-0976757504
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,061,831 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE SECOND COMING OF CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL?, July 22, 2005

By 

Louisa Cardinale (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aunt Bessie's How to Survive a Day Job While Pursuing the Creative Life (Paperback)

Aunt Bessie is the alter-ego of self-proclaimed frustrated writer Joel Eisenberg, which is made clear, hysterically so, in the clever intro. I picked up a copy of this at San Diego's Comic Con International, on the last day, where there were only two books remaining. I have to say, my husband and I were astounded on the train ride back.

This is only a first book by this author, yet he received contributions from such notables as Clive Barker, Larry ("JR") Hagman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Stuart Woods, Brad Meltzer, "ET's" mom Dee Wallace Stone, former heavyweight boxing champ Larry Holmes and so many others. They all have such interesting stories.

But what makes this book even more compelling is that he has a section about everyday people - non-celebrities - that are surviving the process now en eroute to reaching their goals as a singer, actor, writer, etc.

Anyone that has ever hated their day job, or resented the fact that they could not pursue what they wanted to in life may just rethink their strategies after reading this immensely inspiring book.

At the end, more "Aunt Bessie" volumes are promised. This could be something. I think we just read the second coming of Chicken Soup For the Soul.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read for Aspiring Writers, Actors & Other Creative People, July 24, 2005

By 

D. Thompson "bookworm" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aunt Bessie's How to Survive a Day Job While Pursuing the Creative Life (Paperback)

The book is compelling, especially for its target audience: people aspiring to careers in the creative arts. One message comes through loud and clear from those who have succeeded: be persistent; never give up. I have a few friends who are trying to write the Great American Novel or become the next famous director or screenwriter who I'd like to give this book to. It's also a completely engaging and interesting read for anyone who picks it up. Recommend it highly.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining "How We Did It" for Aspiring Stars, July 23, 2005

By 

K. Film "Burning Igloo" (san diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aunt Bessie's How to Survive a Day Job While Pursuing the Creative Life (Paperback)

This entertaining, insightful, fun book is a must read for anyone aspiring to greater heights. I loved the cast of characters, what fantastic stories, very inspiring. You really got a first-hand, insiders look at what these people had to go through in order to pursue their dreams. A triumph of the human spirit, writer Joel Eisenberg has got my vote for another installment.