Customer Reviews

The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard): 10 Guides to Creative Inspiration for Artists, Poets, Lovers and Other Mortals Wanting to Live a Dazzling

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're looking for your own team of personal coaches, then this is the book for you. Author Jill Badonsky has taken the concept of the nine muses of Greek mythology, and turned them into personalities that resonate in the modern world. The book not only outlines principals for tapping into your creative power, but includes hands-on exercises as well.

Having a writer's block? Call upon Albert who encourages you to try something different. When you're feeling stressed out, then Bea Silly is the muse for you-- she tells you its time to go out and play. If you're worried about what other people think, you need Audacity, or Muse Song, who keeps track of your accomplishments and reminds you of your unique gifts. And when you're sure you don't have enough time to finish that novel, prepare that business plan, or finish that watercolor... Marge will tell you to start with just 15 minutes a day.

Each chapter introduces a new muse, and includes exercises to help you tap into the power of that muse.

One of my favorite muses is Shadow who actually gives you permission to have negative thoughts. From doing expressive drawings of your own shadow, to writing letters expressing your anger, the exercises in this chapter teach you to harness the power of those negative thoughts by channeling them into art or by releasing them.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to live more creatively whether in writing and visual arts or in endeavors such as running a business or raising a family. The principals outlined in this book apply to all "Mortals Wanting to Live a Dazzling Existence." And the best part is, the information is imparted in a fun and whimsical way.

Despite the catchy title and Badonsky's sense of humor, this book is far from fluff. Because I make my living as a writer, paying rent and buying groceries depend on being able to tap into my creativity every day. Some days are more difficult than others. Some days, if I didn't laugh, I'd cry. This book helped me to lighten up and allow my creativity to flow, rather than trying to force it out of of myself. I loved Arnold, the bodyguard. He reminded me that my tender, young ideas do need protection. I recommend this book to others who create professionally as well as those who are exploring creativity as a way of self expression.

I have so enjoyed reading and working through this book and found it useful, but entertaining at the same time (how many things can you say THAT about?).

I've been formulating in my mind what I wanted to write here, about why this is such a great book and great approach, but every single attribute I wanted to highlight has already been expressed; and I don't wish to be redundant LOL!

Simply put, it isn't for artistes only, and it will add sparkle and personal depth to your daily existence. Definitely worth the money.

Like dessert, it's not enough to build a life on. But fun is itself worthwhile. (Thinking about this, I'll upgrade my review from the '3' I was going to give it.) If you've been taking yourself and the whole business of personal growth too seriously, this book may be just what you need.

Gotta go . . . my muse is calling.

This is the freshest guide to open one's creativity & enjoy the world of discovering your true potential. If you often stumble or put-off creative endeavors in your life, these muses will amuse you & pinpoint your block. Once you pinpoint your blockage, the fun words & exercises will knock it out of your way. Enjoy this mastery of Jill Badonsky's cleverness in creating the avenue to your own creativity. The Nine Modern Day Muses is kept on my bedside table to keep my creative juices flowing....which is also now keeping my life flowing. My life is creativity & creativity is now my life thanks to Jill Badonsky's Muses.

If you want to do more than just live, you should read this wonderful book. What a delightful collection of inspirations. You will reach for it again and again.

Jill Badonsky had a clear vision when she wrote this book - to help struggling & working creatives dig through that yucky junk that clogs up our creative pores and allows our minds to wander, explore & rejuvinate. When you start reading this book & acquaint yourself with the different muses there are some you will relate to more then others - - some WAY more than others. For me, Audacity reigns!! This book has been a true work of what creative expession is all about - it's awesome!! Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

I just finished Jill Badonsky's new book. What an incredible catalyst to stimulate creative thought and energy! The muses of greek mythology such as Calliope and Terpsichore have been playfully and skillfully tranformed by Jill into Modern Day Muses with names such as Bea Silly and Spills the Imp. The book explores the roadblocks to tapping into your own creativity, and then provides fun, unique and concrete exercises to jackhammer them away. This one is a "keeper"- a treasured addition to the library of any person who understands that creativity is oxygen for the soul!

I used to think that creativity was just for professional artists, writers and performers. Boy, was I wrong! Jill Badonsky's Nine Modern Day Muses and a Bodyguard helped me to discover that creativity is just another name for having fun. Jill's book is an entertaining and humorous adventure into the creative process. The book is practical and informative with simple and easy exercises that cleverly coaxed me into being creative. I was so busy having fun, I forgot about trying to be creative. In no time, I was amazed at how creative I could be. If you already enjoy your creativity, the Muses will inspire you to more fully explore the inifinite universe of creative possibilities. If you don't think that you are creative at all, I am warning you, the Muses will prove you wrong.

Many of us come to writing/art wearing angst and sophisticated black, wondering why we're blocked. The Modern Day muses just cluck and giggle and gently lead us into the garden of creativity where we're urged to run and play and yes, lighten up! It works. If you've done the Artist's Way and cleared away the monsters, then you are ready for the next great adventure: come play with us!!! Thanks to this book, I've seen my words performed on stage in New York. What's your dream?