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How to Sell Your Art Online by Cory Huff, illustrated by moi!

It’s a big day here! My advance reading copy of How to Sell Your Art Online arrived!

This book by Cory Huff  shares everything we need to know to make a success of our art online. I was honored and delighted to be the illustrator for this book. It was a great way to silence my inner critic who doubted my ability to make money from my art.

I took it as a sweet nudge from the universe that I was hired to illustrate a book all about how to make money from art. Get your copy of How to Sell Your Art Online here.

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Living the artist’s life…what does that mean?

When people say they want to live ‘the writer’s life’, I suspect it’s a romanticized, abstract concept of what that means. My first book, Create Your Writer’s Life, was my effort to help people actually build a solid structure around writing so that the joy and satisfaction of writing infuses the rest of our lives.

Everyone’s ideal of their artist or writer life will be unique to them. You don’t have to run off to Paris or Bali to achieve your sense of living your writer or artist life. You can access this on a daily or weekly basis.

Join me here to write the manual for your artist’s life. Finally – the end of failing to follow other’s advice.

As I prepare for my upcoming two-month Paris trip, I’m thinking about this a lot. The focus of this trip is to live in Paris as an artist. That sounded a bit pretentious to me. So I challenged myself to go beyond the stereotypes to ask myself what I mean by ‘live as an artist’.

Going beyond the Hemingway/Picasso/Stein fantasy of sitting around in cafes gabbing with fellow artists all day, here’s what I came up with.

Flip the ratio of screen time and real-world time

The focus of my days will be on what I am making. When I am in the home office in Denver, my days are focused on working with my students and clients. I spend the bulk of my day in the office at my computer, and the remainder of my day in the studio or out capturing the WOW in my city.

Living the artist life in Paris means I will spend only a few hours a day online and the bulk of my days making art or exploring.

WAY: What about you? How could you tweak your screen time and real world ratio to feel more satisfaction as a writer or artist?

Shift the input

In the home office, much of the input I take in relates to being a better coach, businesswoman and writer. I seek support to develop better systems and ways to better serve my clients. This is how-to mode.

When I am in artist mode, my input shifts from how-to to inspirational. Input includes visits to museums and galleries, long walks of discovery, visits to boutiques and expos and coffee with friends and acquaintances.

The ratio of ‘known to new’ shifts and I take in a lot more new ideas or insights. This is vital for an artist or writer to keep ‘filling the well’.

WAY: What about you? What new input might serve you this summer?

Emphasize making

Of course, ‘life as an artist’ means that your primary focus is making art. Even if you have other priorities like a day job or family, your extra bandwidth side devoted to making works of art or writing.

As a coach, author and teacher, my emphasis is on serving my people. My activities are geared toward helping them achieve their creative, personal and professional goals.

When I am in artist mode, my emphasis is on making, not serving. I am in maker mode and I take the inspiration I receive and process it in my art. The emphasis is on originality and on developing my art skills.
For my upcoming trip to Paris, I’ve outlined several projects. I will be making daily Paris WOW videos. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

I’m also participating in The 100 Day Project this year (starts April 19th) and my focus for that is the Daily WOW. I will be painting the things that move me to awe each and every day. My Paris paintings will build on what I’ve learned in the last few years about subject, color, line and emotion.

I will share behind-the-scenes peeks of the daily WOW on my Instagram channel. Follow me there.
With these parameters for creating, it’s easier to have an emphasis on making.

WAY: What about you? What creative projects are on your plate now?

Ditch efficiency mode

When I am in the home office, I am focused on getting a ton of stuff done. My orientation is toward efficiency and on maximizing my time and efforts. I LOVE this work mode. Full work days that feel like I’ve accomplished something give me great satisfaction.

Artist mode is much less about getting stuff done. When I am away from the home office, I am removed from a lot of my usual obligations. I have fewer appointments and thus more space. With more space, I am able to reduce my agenda for effectiveness and open to serendipity more. When I am in Europe, I feel a shift away from my usual American drive. This is one of the reasons I like to go to Europe.

WAY: What about you? Where in your week can you make some space to be less efficient and more open?

Slow down

Related to more space is pace. When in the home office, I am often moving from task to task at a brisk clip. There’s a sense of urgency and engagement that I really love.

Outside the home office, this sense of urgency is reduced. I can slow down. I can wander. I remove the efficiency imperative. This is when serendipity happens and really fell the magic in life.

WAY: What about you? Which pace does your artist appreciate most?

Your artist’s life

Join me here to write the manual for your artist’s life. Finally – the end of failing to follow other’s advice.

Your idea of your creative life could look very different than mine. Here’s some homework for you if you choose to explore this. Free-write on this prompt:

These days, my writer/artist life looks like….

Free-write for 15 minutes, including as much detail as possible. What will you make? Who will you hang out with? What fuels you?

Wherever you are, whether it’s on an extended trip or sailing along the routine of your life at home, you can feel like you are living the artist or writer life you have dreamed of. It doesn’t have to an escape from the life you live now, but an integration of your artist and writer into your daily rhythms.

This trip will be different than any other I’ve taken. I will be with my friend Carl and we will focus our days on our art-making and well-filling.

I’m at a new creative edge where I want to push my painting further. I will challenge myself and be open to new associations and ways of making art. I’m excited and I admit, a bit nervous.

If you loved this article and are inspired to travel as an artist, you’ll want to get a copy of my e-book, Visit Paris Like an Artist. Lavishly illustrated and full of ways to experience Paris with your artist in the lead, this guide is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

For the price of a coffee and pastry in Paris, get your copy now.

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Book Recommendation: Clearing Emotional Clutter

We all know what clutter is – the random stuff in our environment that may not be serving any purpose but to…well, distract us from our purpose. The popularity of Marie Kendo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, indicates how much we recognize this need to clean up our act.

But what about our inner clutter? Donald Altman’s book, Clearing Emotional Clutter, shows us that often our internal world is fraught with old emotional patterns that prevent us from enjoying the present.

We know that we’re often ‘stuck’. We like to cite what I call ‘fake excuses’ – lack of time, money and energy – for the reasons we aren’t creating as much as we’d like. But as a coach, I’ve seen that these are just surface issues, and it’s deeper things – old thought patterns and beliefs – that really prevent us from being the creative dynamos we want to be.

Clearing Emotional Clutter shows us Buddhist-based steps toward mindfully clearing old stuff so we can get unstuck. It’s not a quick all-in-one fix like Marie’s Tidying Up method, but Altman points us to a process we can use to free ourselves up from inner clutter.
Hooray for that!

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Joyful solutions from SARK’s new book

I was thrilled to receive a review copy of SARK’s new book, Succulent Wild Love, co-authored with her fiancée John Waddell. I’ve read a lot of books about relationships and this one really stood out. I love SARK’s colorful, deep and insightful books and this is no exception. I’ve been telling my friends to read it right away.

The section on Joyful Solutions is useful for anyone. How do we share our lives with others without feeling like we are always battling or compromising? Here’s a…you guessed it..joyful solution.

Believe You Can Create a Joyful Solution

An Excerpt from Succulent Wild Love

Most people spontaneously look for solutions that meet everyone’s needs. We want to please the people we love and want to please ourselves. It’s when we get stuck that we start to look for a compromise or think someone has to sacrifice.

To create a Joyful Solution, you start with the attitude that everyone can get what they want. That is the biggest factor. Starting from that approach is so powerful because when you believe that everyone can get what they want, you can help the other person get what makes them happy.

Often people are focused on scarcity: they think there is only a limited amount of whatever, so they have to put all their energy into trying to get what they can of it. Then the other person picks up on that and feels pushed away. And then they feel they also have to put all their energy into getting whatever they can, and it becomes a tug-of-war.
But the dynamic changes dramatically when you approach the other person with the attitude of “This is what I want. Help me understand what you want, because I want to help you get what you want too.”

When people feel that, the tension dissipates. From that emotional place they will often happily make adjustments because they see it as getting them closer to what they want.

So, creating Joyful Solutions begins with believing you can. The greatest limitation to finding a fully satisfying solution for everyone in any situation is the belief that compromise is as far as you can go.

There is nothing inherently wrong with compromise, but intimate relationships feel more secure and supportive when both people know they’re on the same side. When people are limited to compromise or even sacrifice, each person tends to think they must push against the other or give up. [Read more…] about Joyful solutions from SARK’s new book

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Gutsy Geek Writes the Book!

It’s such a thrill when a client finishes a book! And it’s an even greater thrill when that books makes the extra mile out the door and into the world.
I only coach people to write books I believe in, and this new book is a world-changer! Rami, of Gutsy Geek, has released his how-to guide The Geek’s Guide to Getting the Girl.
testimonial-raminuseirI can’t tell you how much fun it was to coach Rami to get this book out of his head and blog and into book form. Rami’s blog, Gutsy Geek, has already helped so many people feel more confident and ready to date. And now, his book will take things even further for more great geek dating!
Rami jumped on a call with me to share how he made it past the many obstacles between his great idea and this book making its debut into the world.
Listen in on our conversation here.


Rami shares his motivation for writing the book and how that helped him stay on track. He also discusses his publishing decisions and how he’s using what he learned from writing this book to work on other projects.
Get your copy here. 

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Book Review: Danny Gregory’s Art Before Breakfast

I got Art Before Breakfast from my art pal and Sketchbook Skool co-founder Danny Gregory. Like his other books, this one charmed me right away. I couldn’t read much before I had to put it down and sketch.

I find it’s even more important to just draw for fun and play in my sketchbook. Since I got this book, I’ve filled many new pages with drawings and doodles. Thank you Danny!

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Bookish Gluttony and Enabling Libraries

When I was a girl, my mom would drop me off at the library and head out on other errands. I’d scamper inside and immediately become absorbed in all the possibilities. Which books would I take home this week?

Thirty minutes later, I’d meet my mom at the car with a giant stack. On the way home, I’d feel rich and full and eager all at the same time.

Is there anything better than being an imaginative child and having free rein in a library, with your own card and everything?

Yes. Being an adult in a library with free rein to check out any books, movies and magazines you desire.
Here’s the truth: I am a wanton library user. Oh, library, how you’ve enabled my bookish gluttony. [Read more…] about Bookish Gluttony and Enabling Libraries

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Hop, Skip, Jump! What's Your Play Personality?

Hop Skip Jump_cvr.inddI’m inspired by the spunky new guide by creativity maven Marney Makridakis: HOP, SKIP, JUMP: 75 Ways to Playfully Manifest a Meaningful Life.
Find out if you are a Hopper, Skipper or Jumper: take this fun quiz.
When you’ve taken the quiz, come back here and let us know which one you are. Feel free to share a bit about what you learned from knowing your Play Personality. (I’m mainly a Jumper!)
We’ll choose one commenter to win a copy of Marney’s book HOP, SKIP, JUMP: 75 Ways to Playfully Manifest a Meaningful Life.
[Read more…] about Hop, Skip, Jump! What's Your Play Personality?

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Book Review: The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau of The Art of Non-Conformity comes out with his third book, The Happiness of Pursuit. This book is all about finding meaning through engaging in quests that matter – first to the quester, then to the world.
Watch the video for more.

I’m giving away several copies of The Happiness of Pursuit here. By Monday September 22nd, please leave a comment below answering this question:
What quest are you on right now and what’s important about it for you? 

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What books are in your beach bag this summer?

On my recent birthday trip, I had zoomed past the beach turn-off, and slamming on the brakes, took a quick turn into the next place. Guess what? I had come upon a little bookstore, Titcombs Bookshop in Sandwich, MA. Of course I had to delay the beach for books!
Inside, the tiny shop was full of people browsing. I was delighted to see so many people getting books for their beach jaunts.
I try to buy something from every independent bookstore I visit, so this time I picked up The Quotable Book Lover, edited by Ben Jacobs and Helene Hjalmarsson.
I opened it at random and found the perfect quotation to share with you today. It’s so true for me, it made me laugh out loud.

“There are two motives for reading a book: one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it.” Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness, 1930

The perfect setting for a bookish afternoon.
The perfect setting for a bookish afternoon.

Recent reads (all novels this time) I’ll boast about:
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple – Weirdo or genius? I am sure many of us will relate to Bernadette in this book.
My Wish List by Gregoire Delacourt – A short, sweet and deep book about how winning the lottery could change everything, but not how you imagine.
Loving Frank – Nancy Horan – a great historical novel about Frank Lloyd Wright and the love of his life, Mamah Borthwick.
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker – A sweet and lyrical novel set in Burma.
Current fiction reads include:
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Lovers at the Chameleon Club by Francine Prose
What books are in your beach bag? Boast away in a comment below.

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How Does Paris Make Us Feel Sexier? Interview with Author of Naughty Paris

Heather Stimmler-Hall of Secrets of Paris is bringing out a new edition of her elegant Paris guidebook, Naughty Paris. I had the chance to interview Heather about some of the concepts in the book. I was curious about some of the Frenchwoman’s secrets, and Heather was happy to share what she knows in an email interview.

You’ve talked about how Paris women have a ‘secret garden’. What is this and how might we cultivate our own secret gardens?

A Parisian woman don’t feel it’s necessary to share every aspect of her personal life with those closest to her, not even with her husband. She doesn’t always say where she goes, who she’s with, what she ate, where she shopped. Not that she’s doing anything sneaky or that would upset her partner. She simply maintains a bit of mystery and privacy that she cherishes. Her own private garden.

This might be going to watch cheesy Hollywood films with a pint of ice cream on her own, getting her legs waxed and her hair highlighted at a local beauty parlor, or spending an afternoon alone at an art exhibition that moved her.
Your secret garden can be anything you want it to be, but it has to be private, not shared with others. We’re so transparent these days, just the idea of doing something wonderful for yourself without posting photos of it all over social media is a rebellious idea.

I love that. This is a great way to think about how we can cultivate a relationship with ourselves and to access our true desires. Privacy! What a concept! How common do you think it is for women to want to feel sexier while in Paris?

In my own experience as a travel writer and tour guide, I find that American women tend to be very conscious of Parisian women and their historic reputation for being mysterious, seductive, fashionable, and sexy. For some visitors this can be intimidating, but for others it becomes a challenge and an inspiration.

First, American women don’t want to appear like frumpy slobs in comparison, there’s our national pride to protect! And then there’s the desire to discover their secrets so we can use them ourselves. After all, the Parisians aren’t all super models. Au contraire. They simply know how to make the best of what they’ve got, and they have (or fake) enough self confidence to pull it off without looking like they’re even trying.

That idea alone can be quite liberating for women who are used to trying to force themselves into an American cookie-cutter version of beauty and sexiness that is hardly attainable by the average person.

Despite (or maybe thanks to) the language and cultural barriers, feeling sexier in Paris is almost effortless for women once they relax and allow themselves to enjoy all the wonderful pleasures the city has to offer

It’s true; I’ve seen this for myself and the women in my Paris workshops. You almost can’t come to Paris and not want to add a little feminine flair.
What gets in the way of women being able to access this side of themselves either in Paris or at home?

Not being able to relax and enjoy themselves, lol! Seriously, it’s not part of our culture to indulge in our own pleasure. Even on vacation we’re too goal oriented, with long “to do” lists and built-in guilt for doing anything that we might actually enjoy. A lot of women see the title “Naughty Paris” and say, “Oh, I’m not naughty!”

But when we deny ourselves pastries and chocolates because we’re on a diet, beautiful clothes and fancy heels because they’re not practical, and a day of simply people-watching on a café terrace with a bottle of wine because we think we “should” be visiting the Top Ten Tourist Sites, we’re telling ourselves that even the simple joys in life are bad.

Pleasure is the new Naughty, without even needing to go anywhere near anything blatantly sexual. Sometimes it’s easier when we’re on vacation to let loose a little bit, but once we’re back home and back to work…that’s a whole different book!

I love that ‘pleasure is the new naughty’! What surprised you while researching and writing this book?

I’m a travel writer, not a “naughty expert”, so doing the research was quite eye opening, but I would say it was more surprising to discover who was interested in reading “Naughty Paris”.

Let’s just say that I got the most Puritanical reactions from American women under 40 (but usually under the disclaimer of “I have no problem with it, but my friends are very conservative”), while older women were usually more enthusiastic and open-minded.

It’s encouraging to see how so many women really do come into their own after 50 and stop caring so much about what other people think of them. They’re more likely to “get” Parisian sexiness than the women in their 30s.

That’s fascinating, and also great to see how women develop as we age. What do you want most for readers of Naughty Paris?

Most people dive right into the “Naughty Nightlife” chapter or focus on the dining and hotel recommendations to start planning the logistics of their vacation, but I do hope everyone takes the time to read the first chapter* to better understand – and perhaps even step into – the Parisian state of mind.

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Book Giveaway: Writing Wild by Tina Welling

Many of my clients share my value of nature. Being in nature – a park, mountain, stream, garden – can bring us back to center. For me, being surrounded by green calms and energizes me at the same time. I love cities, and I always seek out the parks and little gardens that make the concrete jungles bearable.
So it’s no surprise to me when people tell me that nature inspires them. That they enjoy being outside and even seek places outside to write and create. I am happy to know that we value screen-free time in nature.
WritingWildNovelist Tina Welling has written a book for people like us who cherish the gifts the natural world gives to our creativity.  Writing Wild: Forming a Creative Partnership with Nature, delves into this relationship that gives us so much.
Writing Wild is a wonderful guide not only to the outside world, but to the world inside us. Tina writes about the body and how we must have a deep awareness of our own physical, mental and emotional responses in order to write truthfully. A deeper connection to nature fosters this deeper connection to ourselves.
As we head into summer, know that all that time you’ll spend camping, hiking, swimming and otherwise enjoying this planet’s green goodies is fueling your creativity.
I’m giving away a copy of Tina’s book, Writing Wild. To enter the drawing, please leave a comment here about how you experience nature’s benefits to your creativity. What’s one thing you do regularly in nature that makes a difference to you? 
Leave a comment by Monday June 9th. A winner will be chosen at random.