You Need to Read the War of Art

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is amazing. I just let an artist-friend borrow it. If you deal with creativity in your work or personal life, I can't make a better recommendation (except for maybe Madeleine L'Engle's Walking on Water…)

I don’t know why I went so long without reading this book. I had heard Twitter folk mention it in passing, but hadn't really paid much attention.

Several months ago, I finally picked it up and finished it over Christmas break. I loved it.

Pressfield’s The War of Art is a must-read for any writer or artist. This manifesto for creatives is essential for anyone longing to overcome “The Resistance” (the name of the force that prevents each of us from accomplishing our dreams.)

It is both inspiring and challenging.

Pressfield talks about God and uses four-letter words to motivate you into action.

He cusses. He gets angry. He wants you to get angry, to get upset so that you will do something with this gift you've been given.

The War of Art combines the art (obviously) and science involved in being a writer (or any artist for that matter).

He describes creating as a mystical and mathematical process. It requires you to do your part, but not all of the pressure to produce is on you.

There is a Muse, a source of your inspiration, a fount of creativity, if you will. And this is where great art comes from.

This short read presents the reality of the creative life, which is contingent on both inspiration and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.

Reader: beware. Pressfield will kick you in the butt with this gem.