Stoking the Creative Fires: 9 Ways to Rekindle Passion and Imagination

This book definitely inspired me to get back into my studio and pick my tools back up. I am excited to pass the torch on to others.

Another well written, insighful book by Phil CousineuIf you are a writer, artist or just interested in being more creative and authentic, this little masterpiece will definitely set you on your way.

Cousineau's writing is incredibly savvy and inspiring -- this isn't one of those blasé self-help style books, it's a beautifully written exploration of creative inspiration. I'd highly recommend this to someone looking for a way to get out of their head and into their passion!

Excellent book - I could not put it down. Phil tells many good stories about how he rekindled his creativeness, and provides some solid tips on what you can to do re-ignite that inner fire. Read this book at least 2-3 times, as the first time, you will be so glued to it you will want to read more but you wont recall Phils advice, just his stories.

I confess to being a big fan of Phil Cousineau and his books. I find his warm, conversational style and his universal insights appealing. Stoking the Creative Fires: 9 Ways to Rekindle Passion and Imagination offers the engaged reader the timely "flint" and the mighty "strike" that can light the fire of his / her own journeys into self expression. Cousineau issues the direct challenge for the reader to get going--now--with his / her own project: "Your task in life is to express yourself--to make a mark, as boldly, honestly, and as often as you can. You have to stoke your creative fire, keep it alive long enough to make something that expresses you and then learn to pass it on to others who are reaching out for the torch" (19) and "Give us something the world's never seen before: you" (37). The following pages in the book serve as encouraging guides, reality checks, and comforts for the dynamic, sometimes consuming process of creation in the life that seeks to live creatively.Enhancing the book's teachings are quotable quotes from great writers / thinkers / artists and cleverly selected, black / white images of places, objects, and human expressions from around the world. Here are some examples of the photographs: Stepping Stones--Kyoto Rock Garden; Irish Knot of Eternity Tombstone; Fire Within, Self-Portrait by Laila Carlson; Casa Grande Ruins; Faded Angel; The Liquid Hour; Dancer in Bliss; The Thinker. Another great feature of the book is the "Recommended Reading and Viewing" list at the back. All these written and visual tidbits are well placed to underscore the messages of the given section or chapter as well as to provoke individual thinking...to put the person who wishes to create in touch with the creative, with the pulses of the Humanities, which ultimately flow through everyone... whether they realize it or not...For me, Chapters Four through Seven were worth the price of the book for the wealth of wisdom included. These sections discuss mentors, inspiration / muses, creative spaces, focus-concentration, and burn-out. These were much needed lessons as I am currently re-thinking and re-organizing my own creative efforts and work spaces. This book gives me permission to be expressive and to value my expression.Whatever your self-expression ---writing, painting, sculpting, scrapbooking, sewing, movie making, music, folk crafts, metal works, jewelry, fiber arts, needle felting, gardening, pottery, etc.--this book can be an enlightening bridge to your artistic self. Come! Enter the creative life...

I can't wait to read this book! Phil Cousineau is an amazing writer and film producer! Great Host of Global Spirit!

I got this book for an Expressive Arts Training course and really loved it both to get oneself into the creative mindset as well as being a strong pull for creativity in a really short time. I have done The Artist's Way book by Julia Cameron which has the same intention (and I also love and recommend), of bringing out creativity and I found Stoking the Creative Fires a faster access to getting right to your art.Loved it!

I found this book at the perfect time, I was blocked and unable to move forward, after just a few chapters I couldn't sit still long enough to keep reading, I had to go and paint. That was a few months ago and I haven't looked back.

Excellent. Even my creative writing teacher recommend this to the class after I showed it to her. I was really impressed with the content.

Beautifully crafty collection of stories, inspirational quotes and personal discoveries. A book to stir the fires in any artist's heart