Product Description

What’s It Like to Live Off Your Talents?

If you think that working from home in your pajamas—writing a book, painting a masterpiece or designing a work of art—sounds like a fun, carefree life … you’re right!

In this book, creative types discuss what life is really like when you take the plunge into creative self-employment. From waiting for clients to pay up and battling the “lonelies” to gaining self-assurance and growing your business, you’ll get a candid look at authentic living—straight from those who are out there making it happen.

This book will show you how to:

Build confidence and self-esteem in your work

Cope with rejection

Handle creative voids and time issues

Combat loneliness and isolation

Deal with anxiety, depression, and stress

Create your own support system

Maintain a strong business

Whether you are already your own boss or you’re just thinking about it, these stories will give you the strength to succeed in your own creative business.

“… A must-have for any self-employed creative … I devoured each chapter nodding my head again and again in agreement to the quirks, hurdles, and joys of self-employment.” CLAUDINE HELLMUTH, author of Collage Discovery Workshop and Collage Discovery Workshop: Beyond the Unexpected

“A truly useful and informative look at the life of the creatively self-employed. The broad scope of the profiles and advice make this book an excellent resource and source of encouragement.” TERA LEIGH, author of Complete Book of Decorative Painting and How To Be Creative If You Never Thought You Could

“[This book] is a gorgeous celebration of the creativity and joy of designing your own work life.” ANDREA SCHER, certified life coach

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #453586 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 186 pages

About the Author
Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer living at the Jersey Shore with her husband, Tim, and her cat, Bobbie. Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs is her first book. To learn more about her, visit www.kristenfischer.com.

For more creative self-employment resources, visit www.creativelyselfemployed.com.

Customer Reviews

no you're not alone
As a self employed creative person often time you feel all alone in the world struggling with your business. This book is a wonderful reminder that you are not alone! My favorite parts are the interviews, while reading I find myself nodding my head again and again agreeing with what they have to say. I think this book is a must-have for any creative business person!

Realistic insights about work & life as freelancer
If you are dreaming of self-employment as a writer or artist, this book will give you realistic insights about the repeated struggles involved, from making money to loneliness to discipline to dry spells. If you are already established as a freelance creative, you will find reassurance that you're not alone in going through these common ups and downs. And all readers will find a celebration of the freedoms and joys that come with a freelance life, which can quickly become taken for granted.

What detracts from the book is the author's intrusive voice -- sometimes too gushy and confessional, sometimes too full of rosy naivete, reflecting her lack of experience as a freelance writer and an author. The book also didn't receive a professional proofread or copy edit and the errors become increasingly annoying as you read through the chapters.

And don't look for much practical advice here; what is given is minimal and commonly known.

Instead, take encouragement and lessons from the words of others who are determined to live and work creatively. The stories and words of wisdom from the writers and artists interviewed for this book make it worth reading.

Inspiration For Writers and Others
This is a great little book that I might never have come across if a friend hadn't loaned it to me. The author has interviewed lots of self-employed creative types to find out what works for them in the struggles that they uniquely face. Although some of the advice is repeated, this does confirm that we all share similar experiences. There are a few typos and missing words scattered throughout, but don't let that disuade you. It's filled with wonderful tips and lots of encouragement. If you are a writer or artist, I recommend it!

Cindy Thomson
Author of Brigid of Ireland
Co-Author of Three Finger: The Mordecai Brown Story