The Lost Soul Companion: A Book of Comfort and Constructive Advice for Black Sheep, Square Pegs, Struggling Artists, and Other Free Spirits (Dell Book) [Paperback]

Susan M. Brackney (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dell Book | Publication Date: September 4, 2001

The ultimate survival guide for starving artists, writers, performers — and anyone whose dreams can’t be contained by an office cubicle.

Filled with down-to-earth advice and sustenance for your most far-flung dreams, The Lost Soul Companion is the perfect guide for anyone grappling with the darker side of creativity.

A source of support when your day job gets you down, a refreshing reservoir of humor when you’re knee-deep in rejection slips, this remarkable little book offers both inspiration and compassion, plus surefire strategies for surviving in what can sometimes seem like “a world of meanies.”

From the anti-procrastination “chopstick plan,” to the importance of staying well nourished (toaster-oven-snack recipes included), The Lost Soul Companion will speak to anyone with big dreams and creative spirit who nonetheless finds it tough some days just to get out of bed.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“For those who feel like square pegs in a round-hole world ... you will find ideas, wisdom, understanding and a lot of smiles in this book.”
— The Herald-Times (Bloomington, Ind.)

“Packed with intriguing concepts and excellent tips ... this is a fine guide to happiness.”
— Midwest Book Review

“Beautiful, whimsical, heartbreaking ... If you are an artist or an artist-at-heart, you will love this book.”
— Eric Maisel, author of The Creativity Book

From the Inside Flap

The ultimate survival guide for starving artists, writers, performers ? and anyone whose dreams can?t be contained by an office cubicle.

Filled with down-to-earth advice and sustenance for your most far-flung dreams, The Lost Soul Companion is the perfect guide for anyone grappling with the darker side of creativity.

A source of support when your day job gets you down, a refreshing reservoir of humor when you?re knee-deep in rejection slips, this remarkable little book offers both inspiration and compassion, plus surefire strategies for surviving in what can sometimes seem like ?a world of meanies.?

From the anti-procrastination ?chopstick plan,? to the importance of staying well nourished (toaster-oven-snack recipes included), The Lost Soul Companion will speak to anyone with big dreams and creative spirit who nonetheless finds it tough some days just to get out of bed.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Dell (September 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440509211
• ISBN-13: 978-0440509219
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #649,582 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Your Typical Blankie, September 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lost Soul Companion: A Book of Comfort and Constructive Advice for Black Sheep, Square Pegs, Struggling Artists, and Other Free Spirits (Dell Book) (Paperback)

I am both weary and wary of warm-fuzzy, pet-your-inner-artist books. Only rarely do I feel like a "lost soul." However, I found The Lost Soul Companion to be quite refreshing! Kudos to Brackney for offering practical advice and sharing her own experiences so matter-of-factly. I recommend reading this book if only to be reminded that there are others in the world like yourself, and that they are doing Just Fine.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressions from the Creativity Portal, December 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lost Soul Companion: A Book of Comfort and Constructive Advice for Black Sheep, Square Pegs, Struggling Artists, and Other Free Spirits (Dell Book) (Paperback)

I appreciated the down-to-earth approach Susan took to writing this book. Through her research (Famous Suicides, and What-Ifs), amusing real-life anecdotes (Anger and the Evil Heads), and personal revelations about her struggle with clinical depression (Creativity and Depression: Getting Out of the Hole), Susan helps the reader contemplate the important things in life, and gives good advice for creatively coping with life's difficulties.

I found myself feeling different emotions at various places in the book. For instance, I laughed with tears in my eyes when I read an all-too familiar reaction to home-made snow globes (p. 46). And I felt validation and compassion towards the feelings Susan shared relating to dealing with depression. Thankfully, Susan ended the book with motivating thoughts for living well, and helps us all to appreciate that "Life is a gift: Eat it Up!"

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lost and Found, December 13, 2001

By 

Rick Dietz (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lost Soul Companion: A Book of Comfort and Constructive Advice for Black Sheep, Square Pegs, Struggling Artists, and Other Free Spirits (Dell Book) (Paperback)

The Lost Soul Companion is a mix of touching stories, cautionary tales, quirky anecdotes and tidbits of personal wisdom that touch the heart and spirit. Ms. Brackney has written a wonderful book that holds within its pages hope for those who struggle with depression and face a world that so often shuns the most magnificent creative spirits among us. This book is for these "lost souls" and those who love them. It will delight and inspire you.