Customer Reviews

Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a self employed creative person often time you feel all alone in the world struggling with your business. This book is a wonderful reminder that you are not alone! My favorite parts are the interviews, while reading I find myself nodding my head again and again agreeing with what they have to say. I think this book is a must-have for any creative business person!

I found that this book was written with creatives in mind,
and rightfully so. It gives you a humorous and insightful way of looking
at the perspective, pitfalls, and challenges faced by creative types. I
like the way Fischer writes in an upbeat instructive way, not at all
didactic and monotone, like so many other marketing books out there. I
also was surprised by the affirmations for creatives and much of what
she says about those of us whose choice it is to work from home. When I
am struggling with the "what's next" mode, I definitely plan to reach
for this book for a reaffirmation of "what I do." I thought that the
only thing that needed improvement was the cover design. On the outside,
it appears as mundane and uninteresting. I hope that this doesn't deter
other readers from looking beyond the cover. Thanks, Kristen, for saying
the things that most of us struggling creatives are also thinking!
I am thinking about putting CSE following my name on a business card.
I should think that if others can claim M. E.'s and M. D.'s , why can't
we? It would serve as a validation as well as an attention-getter for
a public that tends to remain close-minded about this career choice.

If you are dreaming of self-employment as a writer or artist, this book will give you realistic insights about the repeated struggles involved, from making money to loneliness to discipline to dry spells. If you are already established as a freelance creative, you will find reassurance that you're not alone in going through these common ups and downs. And all readers will find a celebration of the freedoms and joys that come with a freelance life, which can quickly become taken for granted.

What detracts from the book is the author's intrusive voice -- sometimes too gushy and confessional, sometimes too full of rosy naivete, reflecting her lack of experience as a freelance writer and an author. The book also didn't receive a professional proofread or copy edit and the errors become increasingly annoying as you read through the chapters.

And don't look for much practical advice here; what is given is minimal and commonly known.

Instead, take encouragement and lessons from the words of others who are determined to live and work creatively. The stories and words of wisdom from the writers and artists interviewed for this book make it worth reading.

After reading this book I recommended it to a couple of other creatives I know. There seems to be a wonderful connection when person shares their stories about there life. I felt that when I came about the book off of another web blog it was meant for me to read this. It's not some much about the how to's as it is to the advise given by each person story that one can take and give the ideas a try and see if it works in their lives or not. I have to say I had to read a chapter or a few pages at a time and let myself reflect on it and see how comforting it was to not feel so alone any more that some one else had and is going through the same feelings and frustration and also the wonderful benifits of being self-employed. A wonderful book!

I just ordered multiple copies of this book for myself, family members and friends. This book inspiring, insightful and informational, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.

This book really doesn't provided any new advice or insights into making the leap into self-employment. Additionally, it is so poorly written and edited that I find it hard to take seriously what little advice it contains. On the bright side, it's given my a small confidence boost. If this book's author can make a go of a freelance creative career, I'm sure I could succeed.

This is a great little book that I might never have come across if a friend hadn't loaned it to me. The author has interviewed lots of self-employed creative types to find out what works for them in the struggles that they uniquely face. Although some of the advice is repeated, this does confirm that we all share similar experiences. There are a few typos and missing words scattered throughout, but don't let that disuade you. It's filled with wonderful tips and lots of encouragement. If you are a writer or artist, I recommend it!

Cindy Thomson
Author of Brigid of Ireland
Co-Author of Three Finger: The Mordecai Brown Story

A mixed memoir, Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs weaves the experiences of the author with the stories, triumphs and trials of other creative freelancers and provides tips on how to thrive. Whether you are a writer, artist, or life coach, you will find yourself reflected in the stories of those included here. It is a well-balanced selection, easy to read. Pick it up for inspiration or encouragement.