Author Austin Kleon - Steal Like an Artist

Well, I just left a book signing at a local bookstore connected to my favorite Starbucks, a cafe with a real gas fireplace, a wonderful setting to write and feel part of the creative community on the East Side of Milwaukee near Lake Michigan. Austin Kleon gave his polished, well-rehearsed pitch with the high-tech aid of a PC projector wirelessly connected to his iPad. A Powerpoint presentation was synched to what he was saying.


As an author who hasn't "made it" yet, I was caught up in the glamour of the scene--struggling writer makes good. How did it happen for him? Why him and not me? Then, reality set in. Austin mentioned that he'd already done three book signings just like the one I was a part of. My heart sank because I knew I could never manage a grueling book promotion tour which can go on for months, city after city, repeating the same thing over and over.

I really don't know how successful writers pull that off--turn off their creative energies and become the voice of an endlessly looped recording . . . over and over and over and over.

Suddenly it struck me that the true joy of being a writer, or engaging in any of the creative arts, comes during the process of creating. I can thrive spiritually on my daily writing session whether a million people or only a few ever read what I've written.

Austin's book, by the way, is a gift to artists to help them understand what it takes to enjoy their gift whether or not they ever become successful. It also lets everyone know that we are all connected and influence each other in ways you'll never know.

I feel better now . . .