Inspiring Creativity: An Anthology of Powerful Insights and Practical Ideas to Guide You to Successful Creating [Paperback]

Rick Benzel (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2005

Inspiring Creativity is an anthology of essays by 22 professional creativity coaches. The articles explore a wide variety of issues that can help people undertaking any type of creative work. The back cover reads as follows: Whatever type of creative work you do – writing, painting, acting, dancing, composing, crafting, or inventing – Inspiring Creativity will transform your results. Written by 22 practicing creativity coaches, this anthology presents a fascinating array of thoughtful approaches, practical tips, and valuable insights to engage your mind and help you become a more productive, successful creator. You’ll learn how to give yourself permission to create, find muses to arouse your imagination, develop big ideas and techniques to work deeply, and find time to live your creativity every day. You’ll receive the encouragement and support you need to honor yourself and face the challenges of the creative life. Powerfully motivating, the 22 articles in Inspiring Creativity represent the collective wisdom of a diverse team of knowledgeable, sensitive coaches who stand ready to guide you to your full creative potential.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This book is rich with insight, wisdom, and practical ideas from which all people who do creative work can learn. In collecting these essays, I was constantly amazed at the wonderful ideas and thoughts shared by the coaches who contributed to the book. I am confident you will find the book a joy to read and, as the title suggests, a work that inspires you to greater creativity.

About the Author

The Anthology is edited by Rick Benzel, M.A. Rick Benzel is a professional writer, editor, and practicing creativity coach. He is the founder and Publisher of the Creativity Coaching Association Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Creativity Coaching Association Press (April 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976737108
• ISBN-13: 978-0976737100
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #758,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Midwest Book Review, October 2005 Issue, October 24, 2005

By 

Lori L. Lake "Author of Like Lovers Do, Buyer... (Portland, Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inspiring Creativity: An Anthology of Powerful Insights and Practical Ideas to Guide You to Successful Creating (Paperback)

In the last five years, the field of coaching and mentoring creative artists has taken off as its own little cottage industry. Eric Maisel, more than any other writer/teacher/psychologist, seems to have had a major role in this genesis, so it's no surprise that this anthology is kicked off with a Foreword by Maisel. He says, "If you get it into your head that you must write novels, compose symphonies, prove or disprove string theory, or in some other way really manifest the potential of your heart, mind, and hands, you have set yourself on a journey that traditionally you have had to navigate alone. Now you need not feel completely alone: creativity coaches are available to help" ( p. xi).

The book is broken into six sections: Give Yourself Permission to Create, Choose a Muse for Inspiration, Create Big Ideas and Work Successfully, Live Your Creativity Every Day, Express and Honor Yourself, and Challenge Yourself to Higher Creativity. The sections form a natural progression, and each section contains three or four pieces. More than just tips and easy ideas, most of the articles advocate philosophies for approaching creativity that would be beneficial to all areas of art, writing, acting, or inventing. The only thing missing in this first edition is an index and a list of resources for further study and research. Perhaps as the field expands and later editions are created those items will be included.

The 22 professional coaches and experts who contributed to this volume are some of the best minds in the still nascent industry of creativity coaching. Four particularly good articles were: "Igniting a Creative Spark Within: How to Establish Creative Focus" by Suzanne R. Roy; "The Hero Within: Using the Mythic Journey to Discover Meaning in your Creative Work" by Michael Mahoney; "Of Flying Monkeys and Modern Day Muses: Who You Gonna Call?" by Jill Badonsky; and "Get BeMused: How to Find Yourself a Creative Muse in the Unlikeliest of Places" by Kaylen Bennett.

This is a fascinating collection, particularly for writers, but it would also serve as an excellent source for the college and online courses springing up to teach the art of creativity coaching. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-have for Anyone Struggling w/ their Creative Identity, April 26, 2005

By 

N. R. Evans (Nebraska, US) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Inspiring Creativity: An Anthology of Powerful Insights and Practical Ideas to Guide You to Successful Creating (Paperback)

THIS BOOK. What can I say?? I've read probably a third of the articles so far, and EVERY ONE of them speaks to me at some level. This collection is written by people who understand the life and issues of artists or would-be artists. And they have good, practical advice for getting through some of the rough times we all face - externally and internally. I think the thing that appeals so much is that this is not one single author (or two), but 22 voices speaking almost as one. It's a powerful way to be led into and through the creative maze.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very useful source book in a field of not so useful books!, August 1, 2005

By 

R. Langley (St. Paul) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Inspiring Creativity: An Anthology of Powerful Insights and Practical Ideas to Guide You to Successful Creating (Paperback)

As a college teacher who is teaching a creativity course, I have found that there is much waffle and fluff printed about creativity. What I like about this set of essays is that it presents a wide and practical set of approaches to creativity. Thus students can find a mode, process, or perspective that fits their personal style. It is also very economically priced which is not a minor factor in this era of $100 text books. While it is not a book you would base a course on, if such a thing exists, it is a book that can be used effectively in any critical or creative thinking course. Well done!