Kick-Ass Creativity: An Energy Makeover for Artists, Explorers, and Creative Professionals

Incorporating equal parts positivity, practicality and visualization, writer and workhorse songwriter Maziarz presents a guide to tapping and fostering creativity with broad appeal for button-down and artsy types alike. After exploring the concept of energy—how it works, how it affects us, and how we can use it to our advantage—Maziarz moves on to real-life applications, encouraging readers to examine their wants and desires as well as the self-imposed roadblocks that keep them from their goals. Peppered with quizzes that challenge readers to examine their motivations and struggles, Maziarz helps creative types attack their roadblocks from multiple angles. Yes, there is some chakra-clearing involved, but the patchouli-tinged instructions are balanced by practical advice on dealing with naysayers, staying focused and time management that will appeal to those who respond better to reason than emotion. Though her concepts aren't exactly new—self-knowledge gained through introspection leads to a more productive, rewarding life—Maziarz's encouraging tone and practical, common-sense approach should resonate even with skeptics. (May)