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by Cary Tennis (Introduction by), Cary Tennis (Author)
"Citizens of the Dream" contains 41 intelligent, inspiring answers to questions from writers, painters, musicians, singers, designers, actors and standup artists about how to overcome creative blocks, avoid distraction, find the best medium of expression, make art-related life changes, manage relationships and make a living while staying creative. Written by Salon.com's much-loved advice columnist, Cary Tennis, it seeks to help the creative person persevere and excel by defining him- or herself as not only a unique individual but as a special kind of being within society. In his introduction, Tennis explains the book's intriguing title: "The idea behind the title 'Citizens of the Dream' is that as creative people we live in our own country with its own physics and history, its own atmospheres and rivers, its own maps. It is a strange country but it is where we belong. It is our country. When we try to live in 'the real world' the way we think we're supposed to then we become unhappy. We do not know why we are so unhappy living in the real world because we figure we ought to be able to live in it just like other people. But we are different. We are citizens of the dream. And we might as well accept that we're different and set about establishing a way of living that meets our particular needs."If you are a creative person, take heart. This book will help you solve many of the strange, tricky problems peculiar to the creative life, such as: "Should I move to the city for my art?" (Probably not)"I'm working for a cokehead at a free arts magazine," (Get out of there ) "I'm restless and creative but don't know where to begin" (Spring into action )"I need more ideas -- where do they come from?" (It's not about more ideas)"Should I give up on having a life in the theater?" (No ) Perhaps you are a creative person who needs a little help. Or perhaps you have a friend who needs a little help but doesn't know it. Either way, this book will delight you and amuse you and enrich your life as well as the lives of your friends and family.
