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Books I Recommend for Creatives

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Immitation is the highest form of flattery and I’ve been a friend and fan of Derek Sivers for some time. Not sure when, but it’s been quite an interesting view into his life over the years. Anyway, he posts on a page all of the books he has read and/or recommends. I’m not interested in sharing everything I’ve read, but rather just what I think will help my creative friends really come out of their shells. So, here goes, what books should you read to be more creative, write more, be more successful at your craft, etc. Enjoy!


The Artist’s Way  The Artists Way is an excellent way to create a process for actually being a productive creative person. Julia Cameron provides a path and a process that can help anyone become more creative. If you really are a creative person looking for a process, please, check this book out. It’s helped so many artists I know become who they truly want to be.

Making Music Make Money For aspiring musicians trying to figure out how on earth to turn a dime out from their original songs without actually turning a trick. Eric Beall is a successful musician, songwriter, and producer who has created a guideline for the rest of us to follow that helps everyone navigate the publishing industry. Highly recommend this book before you go out and give your song away without a copyright.

The Art of Writing Great Lyrics As a part of a lyric and songwriting course I once took through the Berklee School of Music a few years ago, they recommend employing Pamela Phillips Oland’s techniques for writing great lyrics. Think about not writing poetry and still understanding rhyming schemes and adding rythmic elements to words that help you figure out how the melody goes and matching that timing. Use a theasaurus in a whole new way. Words, creative ways to say what’s on your mind, illusions and imaginations.

Songwriter’s Market 40th Edition: Where & How to Market Your Songs

How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles