courageous Creativity: advice and encouragement for the creative life
Design and Illustrations by Kim Winscher and Chelen Écija
“I wish I had this book when I first started putting stories down on paper when I was a kid. Maybe it would've felt less scary. Maybe I would've felt less alone.”
—Gene Luen Yang, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, 2016-2017; Printz Award Winner
Being creative takes courage.
It can be scary to create something. Before you can even work on your craft, you have to face down the fear of messing up or looking silly, the perfectionism that keeps you from even starting, and the negative voices inside your head that say you don't have anything valuable to offer.
Well, you do have something to offer! Being creative is a right, and in this book, Sara Zarr will help young artists get started. Her advice and encouragement are paired with tips to help you face down your fears, let go of expectations, stop comparing yourself to others, and make your art with courage. A perfect gift for anyone who wants to be creative but doesn't know where to start, or for people who've been doing creativity for a while but want more inspiration, Courageous Creativity will empower young (and young-at-heart) readers to express themselves with self-confidence, bravery, and joy.
✩ Best Book for Young Readers, 2020 - Englewood Review of Books
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“With her accessible, confessional tone and hands-on exercises, the author defangs many young artists’ deepest and most immobilizing fears while also giving them tools for success. Most importantly, she affirms these feelings and lets teenagers know they are not alone. Notably, Zarr directly addresses readers’ different personal circumstances when it comes to the money to fund projects or experience the arts, family encouragement, and access to private space in which to create. Inspiring and honest, this smart book offers both compassion and practical instruction.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Courageous Creativity not only unlocks pathways within and around us; it grants permission to fearlessly imagine, try, fail, and re-imagine whatever we approach in everyday life. Invaluable!” —Rita Williams-Garcia, three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner; Newbery Honor Winner
“The many tips on process are clear and practical. This wonderful, highly readable and deeply personal book feels like a warm conversation with an insightful and encouraging friend (who just happens to be a terrific writer).” —Maryrose Wood, author of Alice’s Farm, A Rabbit’s Tale and the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place books; founder of Path of the Storyteller, training for writers.
“This book is the best gift you can give any writer or other creative person—to validate, inspire, encourage, instruct, and empower. It’s everything I needed as a young writer. Even 25 books into my career, I’m so grateful to have read it now.” —Lisa McMann, NYT bestselling author of The Unwanteds series and the Wake trilogy