If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence, and Spirit
By: Brenda Ueland / Narrated By: Pat Carroll
Length: 1 hr and 27 mins
Sooo good, yet sooo freakin’ Abridged!
Yes, you heard me: this book, this wonderful little audiobook is Abridged, and I have swallowed all my questions of: Okay, great, but what would I be hearing were this Unabridged? Usually, I kinda sorta knee-jerk my way away from any and all books Abridged, but this book I just had to listen to.
And I’m so glad I did as it’s not just about writing and art but also, as the subtitle suggests, it’s about independence and spirit. Published back in 1938, it remains really quite current in its attitude and suggestions. And may I say that Pat Carroll’s narration really makes this a lively jaunt into wonderful and possible lives that each of us might live? Author Brenda Ueland writes of her outrage (Say, with critics, with those close to us who squash our dreams in the name of Kindness), writes of her enthusiasm, writes of living a life of truth and originality, and Carroll carries each of those feelings and episodes with such heart and fearlessness. She really throws her voice and spirit into it, and the result is an AWEsome (…tho’ Abridged!…) work that somewhat educates even as it seeks to inspire and motivate.
Ueland starts with the concept that each of us is truly original, and if we write our truths, that which comes from the heart and soul, our work will be instantly recognizable to those who see/hear/read it; it will "infect” others if you will, in the most joyous way imaginable. Don’t we want others to experience our work in a manner that catches hold of them and fires the imagination?
And speaking of imagination (I swear I was NOT working toward that as a segue!), Ueland reminds us frequently of William Blake’s vision and works through quotes and allusions to his writing and poetry and painting. I did a paper once on Blake, and I thought I knew it all, but it turns out that I missed the most inspiring of the many things he said and wrote. He also reminds us that what we create is timeless, will outlive our own puny lives, and will perhaps find a home in future generations. I dunno about that, but I’m certainly open to hoping that what I do will find a good spot whenst I’m but food for worms (Which Blake never mentioned but, given his temperament, I’m sure he would’ve coined quite easily).
We’re advised to live honestly, to live sloppily (And especially to create sloppily—that’s where the fun and freedom are), to be okay with stillness. As a matter of fact, we’re not only encouraged to “Moodle” (Stare off dreamily, and write or paint if something catches our unfocused fancy), we’re told it’s absolutely necessary for the creative process. Ideas come slowly and we must be patient with the process, and we must help it along by engaging in physical activities with our head in the clouds.
Time! Originality by way of living our lives with Truth at the forefront! Sloppy and reckless writing but lots of it! Work with love, as work is a privilege! Feel no shame for any past mistakes (Go on to the next activity, the next teaching mistake)! Think of yourself as incandescent power, forever in touch with all that is luminous and forever! Never be glib about your finished product; always see something greater! If you hear a voice that says you can’t do it, that means DO IT! Stop comparisons; your business is to create (And you are incomparable!). I tell you, there is plenty here to illuminate, plenty to inspire.
And it was a pleasure to listen to this little gem of an audiobook.
But you’ll have to sue me, cuz I STILL wanna know what’s in the flipping Unabridged!!!
Puff puff puff… Okay, I’m calm now… and I do believe I’ll go listen to this book again…!
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