The reviewer found Steven Pressfield's 'The War of Art' to be a powerful and motivational book that helps overcome internal resistance to creativity. They appreciated its practical advice but suggested a more flexible approach to discipline for part-time writers.
The reviewer recently reread 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield and found it to be a powerhouse of motivational gems. The book introduces the concept of 'resistance' as an internal obstacle to creativity, which the reviewer found insightful. They appreciated Pressfield's advice on overcoming resistance through discipline and treating writing as a professional commitment. However, the reviewer suggested a more flexible approach to discipline, especially for part-time writers who balance writing with other responsibilities. They also highlighted the importance of distancing oneself from one's work to sustain creativity and handle criticism.
Quick quotes
Resistance is internal. It’s not the laundry list of external obstacles we often cite as the forces that keep us from writing. Those are excuses — they’re the external manifestation, if you will, of the real enemy, which is…us.
The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.
We are so much more than any one thing we do, and it’s easy to forget that.