Table Of ContentFrom Reviews of Eric Maisel’s Previous Books
“Eric Maisel has made a career out of helping artists, musicians, dancers, and writers cope with the traumas
and troubles that are the price of admission to a creative life.”
— Intuition magazine
“Eric Maisel has fused his empirical knowledge of the artistic life with true empathy and support for artists
in each of the disciplines.”
— New Age Journal
Praise for Brainstorm by Eric Maisel and Ann Maisel
“[Brainstorm] is a book that should be read by all who want to live their life in a way that is vital and
leaves some kind of legacy. It’s not about fame and fortune, but rather, about ensuring that this brief span
that we have on Earth is one that has value — where we leave some kind of impression. There’s nothing
that matters more.”
— Seattle Post-Intelligencer
“All too often people overlook the basics of a productive life, distracted by multitasking, marketing, and
information overload. With this provocative departure from the usual lifestyle manual, the Maisels are out
to break us of those tendencies.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Presents a new way of thinking about how to turn brain potential into passion, energy, and genuine
accomplishments.”
— Camille Minichino, physicist and author of the Periodic Table Mysteries
“What a pivotal way to experience your brain and all that it can create! I love that this book celebrates and
teaches the concept of productive obsession and the multitudinous gifts of brainstorming.”
— SARK, artist and author of Glad No Matter What and other books (www.PlanetSARK.com)
Praise for Rethinking Depression by Eric Maisel
“In this riveting deconstruction of the ‘mental health industry,’ Eric Maisel provides essential tools to
address human despair. Although it will provoke controversy, Rethinking Depression is one of the most
perceptive and accessible guides to life fulfillment that I have ever read.”
— Kirk Schneider, PhD, author of Existential-Humanistic Therapy and Awakening to Awe
“Rethinking Depression is an important and timely book that busts numerous myths about why people have
the so-called mental illness of ‘depression.’ Eric Maisel gives readers a path and a language that will help
them shine a light on the dark side of unhappiness and move toward a meaningful, self-directed life.”
— Richard Bargdill, membership chair and executive board member, Society for Humanistic Psychology
“An uplifting and practical guide to life and how to live it better. Eric Maisel has made existential thinking
accessible to all those who want to live their lives in a more deliberate and engaged fashion.”
— Emmy van Deurzen, principal, New School of Psychotherapy and Counseling, London, and author of
Psychotherapy and the Quest for Happiness
Praise for Eric Maisel’s Creativity Coaching
“Without Eric Maisel’s guidance I would never have successfully negotiated the publishing process. With
his help, I completed a substantial proposal, landed a good agent, and just saw my first book published!”
— Nancy Pine, author of Educating Young Giants
“It’s been an unexpected joy to find someone as creatively supportive and encouraging as Eric Maisel. I
didn’t know what to expect out of our sessions, and each one is fresh and interesting. Eric is inspirational!”
— Christine Collister, international recording artist
“Eric Maisel’s insights have helped me with every aspect of my painting career, from the evolution of my
market vision to strategies for self-promotion. I also found his help invaluable in feeding my creator’s
soul!”
— Jonathan Herbert, painter and photographer
“I began my novel in one of Eric Maisel’s Deep Writing workshops, finished it in another, and quickly sold
it for a lovely advance. Eric, his individual coaching, and his writing workshops have made all the
difference in my writing life.”
— Eva Weaver, author of The Puppet Boy of Warsaw
“I’m an executive coach and the author of two books, and Eric Maisel is my coach. No one is better
qualified to lead a creative person on his or her creative journey.”
— Jackee Holder, author of Be Your Own Best Life Coach
MAKING
YOUR
CREATIVE
MARK
Copyright © 2013 by Eric Maisel All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, or other
— without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a
review.
Text design by Tona Pearce Myers Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Maisel, Eric, date.
Making your creative mark : nine keys to achieving your creative goals / Eric Maisel.
pages cm
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-60868-162-4 (pbk. : alk. paper) — ISBN 978-1-60868-163-1 (ebook) 1. Creation (Literary,
artistic, etc.) 2. Creative ability. 3. Arts—Psychological aspects. 4. Artist’s block. 5. Artists—Psychology. I.
Title.
BF408.M2325 2013
53.3'5—dc23 2012049576
First printing, April 2013
ISBN 978-1-60868-162-4
Printed in Canada on 100% postconsumer-waste recycled paper New World Library is proud to be
a Gold Certified Environmentally Responsible Publisher. Publisher certification awarded by Green
Press Initiative.
www.greenpressinitiative.org
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
For Tiffany —
so glad you’re part of the family!
For the artists everywhere with whom I’ve worked.
And, as always, for Ann.
CONTENTS
Introduction
1. The Mind Key
2. The Confidence Key
3. The Passion Key
4. The Freedom Key
5. The Stress Key
6. The Empathy Key
7. The Relationship Key
8. The Identity Key
9. The Societal Key
Appendix 1. Your Artist Plan
Description:Writers, painters, singers, filmmakers, musicians, craftspeople, and actors confront daunting challenges every day. It is hard to produce new work, find success in the marketplace, manage relationships, and keep spirits up. Many doubt that solutions to these very real problems exist, but they do, an
