Big magic

My week in books

February 10, 2017 by Karen Comer 14 Comments

How many books have you read, skimmed, touched, discussed, borrowed or bought this week? I decided I would tally up mine!

Read

The secret scriptures by Sebastian Barry – this was my bookclub book and and it was my turn to host. Half of our bookclub had read it, half had started it. We all agreed it was a very slow start. It’s a dual narrative with both sections written in first person. Roseanne is a one-hundred-year-old woman who has been a patient at a mental hospital in Ireland for many, many years. Dr Grene is her psychiatrist. I enjoyed Roseanne’s story more because she was the more interesting character with a strong voice. When I read Dr Grene’s sections, I had to remind myself that his story was current – his tone was quite formal for a contemporary voice.
Becoming a writer by Dorothea Brande – this book was published in the 1930s, but is still relevant today, despite the 1930s tone. I reread this book because the writer discusses the two personalities of the author – the rational or conscious side and the dreamy or unconscious part. I’m interested in this at the moment because I’m trying to balance writing a logical outline for my book so I can see where the problems lie, as well as use my subconscious to solve the problems. Wish me luck!
When the teddy bears came by Martin Waddell – this is a gorgeous picture book which is a perfect present for a toddler about to become a big sister or brother. I put all my kids’ much-loved soft toys in the washing machine yesterday – 34 degrees! – and hung them on the line to dry by their ears or tails. They looked both bedraggled and comical, and the lines of teddies and penguins and dogs reminded me of Waddell’s book, with its collection of teddy bears.
The last painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith – I have only started this book but am really enjoying it so far.

Skimmed

Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi – I’m doing a cooking class next weekend with a friend, based on Ottolenghi’s recipes. I didn’t know much about him at all so I borrowed my friend’s cookbooks. We are having caramelised fennel and roasted eggplant with lamb mince for dinner this week – yum!
Information is beautiful by David McCandless – my kind brother gave me this book – I did cook him a decent dinner and agreed to be interviewed for his business! Its pages show different ways to present information, trends and statistics from different types of fish, carbon usage and the connection between facial hair and the number of people one has killed! It’s a visually stunning book – would be an asset to any marketing department. I have only flicked through it but can already see how I’ll use it as a resource for inspiration, marketing and storytelling.

Touched

One by Sarah Crossan – my friend Tess, a remarkable young woman, is going to start a bookclub with some university friends and wanted some recommendations for books on feminism, female empowerment and gender roles. So this section is for Tess, as I went through my bookshelves for options for her. One is a young adult fiction book about conjoined twins – definitely empowering.
The poisonwood bible by Barbara Kingsolver – four sisters who leave the US with their parents to live in the Congo. Different directions, different choices by the sisters in this novel.
All that I am by Anna Funder – set in Germany during the Second World War, this is a fictional account of two female cousins who work against Hitler. Chilling.
Speaking out and The fictional woman by Tara Moss – two non-fiction books by an Australian model, author and activist. Powerful reading.
The wife drought by Annabel Crabbe – this book covers the same old ground about the division of duties at work and home between men and women. A fiery read.
Motherhood and creativity, the divided heart by Rachel Power – a series of interviews with creative women who are also mothers. While the emphasis is on creative careers, many of the stories can also be applied to the business world.

Discussed

The beast’s garden by Kate Forsyth – I lent my copy to one of the lovely baristas at my local cafe because she is an avid reader. She’s just started it, so I’m looking forward to hearing what she thinks of it when she’s read a little bit more.
Zen habits by Leo Babuto – I also lent my copy of this book to another lovely barista at the same cafe because he wanted to stop procrastinating and this book has fabulous tips for creating habits to do the things that you want to do but just can’t. However, he has been procrastinating reading it so we haven’t had any conversations about it yet!

Browsed

Big magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – I love this book, and pulled it out to flip through because I wanted some tips and tricks on how to be more creative. Will probably end up reading this one cover to cover again.
Zakka compiled by Rashida Coleman-Hale – Miss 10 and I are on a sewing project roll at the moment – we made lavender sachets in the holidays. I have found a little project in this book we could sew. Now to choose the fabric from my stash – blue flowers or blue butterflies?

Borrowed

Goodbye stranger by Rebecca Stead – my friend Renee suggested I read this as apparently Stead’s style and subject matter is similar to what I’m working on with my book. Just borrowed it yesterday from the library so I’m looking forward to a good middle-grade fiction read.
Anansi boys by Neil Gaiman – because he’s Neil Gaiman and this book happened to be lying by itself on the library shelf. Need I say more?
Fabric pictures by Janet Bolton – love a beautifully photographed craft book and the cover had me at hello!

Bought

Zero! I have a Christmas book voucher which is begging to be spent but I am trying to hold off for a little while longer.

I hope you have had an equally bookish week with fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, children’s fiction – let me know about your week in books, please.

Podcast listening

November 17, 2015 by Karen Comer 10 Comments

As well as all the words I’m writing and reading, I’m also enjoying listening to words as well. I don’t think I could possibly iron a school shirt without listening to something! Sometimes ironing can feel like a guilty pleasure because I close the door in my tiny laundry and listen to a podcast. I am inevitably interrupted by someone wanting to know what we’re having for dinner and someone wanting to know where their gel pens are and someone wanting to know if they can have a friend over to play. But usually I can listen to something creative and inspiring while the shirts are moved from the to-be-ironed hook behind the laundry door to the have-been-ironed door knobs on the laundry cupboards. It’s all about the process!

This is what I’ve been listening to:

The Australian Writer’s Centre podcast So you want to be a writer with Valerie Khoo and Allison Tait – all the latest in blogs and writing tips and writing books, for writers and readers of fiction and non-fiction. It’s a great balance for freelance writers and fiction writers, and I always come away with something useful. The author interviews are wonderful – if you’re a reader, you’ll be introduced to some great books and if you’re a writer, you’ll learn a few things about the writing habits and tips from various writers. Valerie and Allison are old friends and I almost feel as if I am eavesdropping on their conversation.
Your creative life with Vanessa Carnevale – this is a new podcast, and one that I am relishing. Vanessa has an amazing array of writers, agents and editors to interview and the subject matter is meaty and deep. Sometimes I want to put my hand up in the air and say, ‘Me, too, that’s how I feel!’
The beautiful writers podcast with Danielle Laporte and Linda Siversten – Danielle and Linda are American writers, who are passionate about the publishing industry and creativity. They start each podcast with a blessing, and interrupt the more serious questions with a rapid-fire volley of multiple choice questions. Beautiful, in-depth conversations.
Magic lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert – if you are a Liz fan, these podcasts are a must-listen. She chats to a creative person who is ‘stuck’ in some way and offers her suggestions. Then in the next podcast, she calls on one of her friends – we’re talking Cheryl Strayed or Brene Brown here – and discusses the creative person’s dilemma with them. The creative types range from writers, photographers, artists and so on.
Become a problogger with Darren Rowse – Darren has a lovely, melodious voice that is so easy to listen to, and makes his wise words seem even wiser. He has such great advice which comes from years of blogging. I intend to go back through his podcasts and take notes, rather than simply listening in the car – there is a wealth of information there for bloggers.
TED talks – TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. There is a huge array of topics, and the speakers are entertaining and perceptive. Whether you want to learn about vulnerability from Brene Brown, writing from Elizabeth Gilbert or happiness from Shawn Achor, you will find something to move, entertain or educate you.

I’m interested to know if you listen to podcasts, and which ones are your favourites. And whether you’re ironing or driving while you’re listening. Let me know in the comments!

Big Magic book review

October 27, 2015 by Karen Comer 2 Comments

Big magic
Elizabeth Gilbert
Riverhead Books
2015

It’s a little difficult to know where to begin when reviewing Liz Gilbert’s book. She’s almost Liz in the literary world, like Oprah and Madonna in all worlds. Her own words are the best way to describe her work.

Whether you loved or hated Eat, pray, love, Big magic is a book all creative types need to not only read, but have on a bookshelf to refer to over and over again. And if you don’t think you’re the creative type, allow me to quote Liz: ‘when I refer to “creative living,” I am speaking more broadly. I’m talking about living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.’ Because … ‘a creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.’

If we thought deeply about what we wanted for our children or partners, our friends or sisters, we might say that a ‘bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life’ is something we would wish for them. Let’s wish it for ourselves as well.

This non-fiction book of Liz’s is divided into chapters with titles such as Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, Divinity. The titles say it all – this is what you are going to need. Courage through the not-so good times, plus persistence. Permission – this is Liz Gilbert on permission. ‘You do not need a permission slip from the principal’s office to live a creative life. Or if you do worry that you need a permission slip – THERE, I just gave it to you. I just wrote it on the back of an old shopping list. Consider yourself fully accredited. Now go make something.’

She tells us stories and anecdotes about her own writing and life experiences, as well as people she knows. People like Eileen who acquires new tattoos constantly or her friend Susan, a forty-year-old woman who goes to an ice-skating rink three times a week before her day job to skate.

And of course, failure is a big topic. ‘So how do you shake off failure and shame in order to keep living a creative life? First of all, forgive yourself. If you made something and it didn’t work out, let it go … Forget about the last project and go searching with an open heart for the next one.’

What I love most about Big magic is the way it shines a light on the paradoxes of creativity and illuminates these truths –

‘Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred.
What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all.
We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits.We are terrified, and we are brave.
Art is a crushing chore, and a wonderful privilege.
Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us.
Make space for all these paradoxes to be equally true inside your soul and I promise – you can make anything.’

Thanks, Liz. Off to write now.