We Inspire Me is my latest book project, my fourth book—third authored, and my first book for adults. This book is a collection of essays, interviews, tips and advice from myself and 20+ contributors sharing about nurturing and empowering our creative tribes. Here is an edited excerpt from the intro and a sneak peek of the pages:
When I got the green light to write this book, I was totally thrilled. Here was my chance to bring together stories, essays, illustrations, advice, and tips related to the importance of building and nurturing one’s creative community. After coming off a successful book tour, I was reminded how important it is to be surrounded by people who want to see you excel and thrive, inspiring me to share that message.
I have to admit, though, that once I sat down to write and draw I kept getting stuck. How do you really teach someone about building a creative community? We all know that strong, supportive, and inspiring relationships happen organically. For example, you meet that one colleague who gets your obsession with vanilla lattes and instantly you two share daily coffee breaks, which soon buds into a dynamic professional relationship. Or you are seated at a dinner party and overhear another guest mention their upcoming trip to South Africa, where you have just returned from. You exchange email addresses so you can send them your list of recommendations. The next thing you know, you two are linking up regularly to share other travel tips, and then you end up going on a trip together. You can’t plan these kinds of things, nor can you force them. Special relationships like these just happen.
So after some thought I realized my intention here is not to teach anyone how to make a friend. Instead, I see this book as a resource to help readers examine their networks and learn how to utilize that group of people to find support, build community, and realize the power of that community. Read more
