Category: Review

Review

Grit – Angela Duckworth

Krista Walsh

Now that I finished Feck Perfuction and rediscovered my motivation to take risks and follow my passions for the sake of my mental health and ultimate happiness in the world, I’ve decided to pick up Grit by Angela Duckworth—a look at how “talent” is perceived by the world at large and how little it means compared to this little thing called “effort.”

I only just started this one, and so far it hasn’t gripped me, but I like the idea behind it.

How can one feel discouraged or disheartened when the only way to get ahead is to develop your “stick-to-itness”?

She poses the theory that there are two equations to achievement, and that effort counts twice.

Talent + effort = skill

Skill + effort = achievement

And on a basic level, this makes a lot of sense, and I’m curious to see where she takes her theory throughout the course of the book.

So far this one hasn’t grabbed me as much of many of the others I’ve read this year, but I’ll keep you posted as I get further into it!

Review

Feck Perfuction – Final Thoughts

Krista Walsh

Yesterday I wrapped up James Victore’s Feck Perfuction, and I have some final thoughts.

If you are a creative person, read this book.

If you are debating whether to start out on a new branch in life, read this book.

Basically, if you’re looking for some tough love to help you tackle your fear and just GO FOR IT, read this book.

From start to finish, these little one-page thoughts reinforced what some important people in my life have always told me/what I try to tell myself when the going gets tough.

Accept the fear, embrace it, love it, and do it anyway.

I plan to keep this book in my office and open a random page as often as I can for a fresh kick in the pants and an affirmation that I’m doing the only thing that will make me happy, no matter how terrifying.

Have you read this book yet? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Review

Find your Inspiration

Krista Walsh

You guys know I love talking about inspiration. I love doing what I can to motivation people to discover and explore their own creative selves.

I’ve given talks about it (and I fall into the “more afraid of public speaking than death” group) because it touches such a fiery place in my heart so I can’t shut up about it.

I’ve written numerous blog posts about it.

I still don’t feel that I’ve quite hit on the right note to really express my own opinions/thoughts/passions about finding your art, your inspiration, your raison d’etre.

So until I do, I’ll send you off to James Victore and his kick in the pants book Feck Perfuction.

He goes for the tough love.

He promotes the idea that to live your life according to someone else’s wishes is to live unfulfilled and, therefore, what’s the point?

He pushes you to go after who you believe yourself to be, to embrace your weird, your voice, and have a f*cking opinion.

I’m almost halfway through the book so far after a recommendation from my husband, and I’ve already hit lots of quotations I just want to tattoo all over myself so I remember that risks are necessary for happiness.

It’s a short read, with full pages just doodles/mottos to remember and little one-page anecdotes to ponder over.

So if you’re looking for something to light the fire in your creativity and spur you on to finish/start your next project, pick this one up and give it a try.

Already read it? I’m interested in your thoughts! Let me know in the comments below.

There won’t be a post from me next week — it’s Canada Day and I’ll just be getting back from a weekend away, but I’ll be back on July 8th!

Review, writing

Mastering Amazon Descriptions

Krista Walsh

Blurbs.

Some might consider them the worst part of indie publishing.

Others consider them the funnest and bestest part.

Only one of these groups needs professional help.

For everyone else, there’s a great new book out by Brian Meeks, all about learning the art of writing cover copy.

I’m only just getting started with it, but have already tried to adopt his initial advice in changing the way I write blog and Facebook posts: smaller text blocks and more white space.

And I do notice a difference!

People are busy and they don’t want to break down huge chunks of texts.

I sure as heck don’t if I’m reading a bunch of blog posts. Give it to me short and sweet, and if that’s the way I like to read, then why did it take me so long to change my style?

I’ve slapped my wrist for that one.

I’m only getting started on the book, so I’ll give a full review once I’m finished, but I do recommend you check it out! Anything that can take some of the pain out of crafting one of the most essential marketing points, am I right?

You can find Mastering Amazon Descriptions here (and be sure to join the FB group to get feedback and input from others suffering the same cover copy pains!)