When I was contacted to review a copy of a new book by Kim Piper Werner called Make It Mighty Ugly, a new book to inspire and help people who are having a hard time developing a creative practice, I didn’t think I would really actually benefit it. I was wrong.
I mean, I sew a new project every week, take photos all the time, and am always doing creative things. However, the book did help me. I learned about my creative blocks and negative thinking, and some new techniques on how to unblock them. I’ve been in a sort of creative slump all summer, still producing, but not feeling very inspired. So this book came just at the right time. And I haven’t read a book this helpful to artists and other creative types since reading a little book called The Artist’s Way years back when I was studying acting.
The book takes a step by step approach to help channel our creative demons to turn into more positive and productive helpers. Part one helps you identify strengths and weaknesses that are holding you back. Part two has lots of creative exercises and list making activities, then making of an intentionally ugly creature to get over perfectionism. And part three help you establish a creative routine, working you through blocks and procrastination. Then the book explains why it’s so important to find your own creative community and how to find one.
Some of the exercises were actually quite emotional. Reading the book and completing the exercises while alone in my hotel room in suburban Houston during Couture Sewing School was pretty heavy. I learned about my self sabotaging attitudes that keep me from moving ahead in my life, creative and otherwise, and how to quiet those negative thoughts down. A good thing.
There’s an exercise where you write down all the good things about your creative self. And then you write down all the negative things you tell yourself. Once you get past that part, you learn how to reconcile the two. 
Even though I never did make the ugly doll or finish that exercise, I did enough of the exercises to feel I really benefited from the book. And I totally recommend it to anyone who wants to be more creative but somehow can’t get motivated to start making. But even if you do make stuff like I do, it’s still helpful. Also, the writer has a funny and motivating voice and I really liked all the little interviews with creative professionals. There are also lots of link to interesting Ted talks and web articles to take it even further.
Would you like to win a copy of Make It Mighty Ugly?
Leave a comment here or Like Sew Country Chick on FB in the rafflecopter widget to enter. Your emails will not be shared and will stay private. I’m not getting paid for this review but did receive a copy of the book for free. But I liked it a lot and hope it’s helpful for y’all.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I really need that book 🙂
Just what I need…
When I read the title of your post I though hmmm ugly? Doesn’t match my sewing demons demands! Sounds like a perfect book to read, because all of those other than block sounds familiar. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I did the Artist’s Way years ago, and it was great, but you can’t do it twice! Or I can’t, anyway. This looks like a great kick starter. I’m going to look into it–unless I win!
I love books!! I am finishing one up and could just start right in 🙂
How interesting. I’m sure I really need to read this book. I need to learn how to carve out that time and find that inspiration in the midst of life happening. I finally sat down and started a sewing project in the first time for quite awhile. It felt really good. I am so much happier when I take the time to create.
That looks like a really interesting book. I just took an assessment for work that told me I’m a perfectionist. Would be great to learn some ways to ‘let go”!!
Looks like something we could all use most of the time!
I NEED this book- everything you described is exactly what I do; doubt myself, procrastinate because I don’t think I will do it “right”, doubt my abilities etc and meanwhile I have material, glitter, scrap paper and more lying around, just waiting for me!
I love the idea of this book, I sorely need it in my life. Thanks!!
sounds like a book I need. I’m stuck….how to proceed from here?
Looks like it might give me a little kickstart — thanks for having the drawing, Justine!
Its always lovely when something surprises us and inspires us. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I’m sure a lot of people could use a little help when their creative mojo is on hiatus 🙂
I’ve been meaning to get ahold of a copy, it looks great!
Thanks for offering this giveaway. This book looks to be quite interesting, please include me in the giveaway.
Looks like an interesting book! I feel like there is ALWAYS something that I can learn. 🙂
Sounds like a book I would like to read, very interesting.
I never considered myself as having any creativity hangups, but you have certainly got me rethinking that!
I think everyone needs to read this book. It doesn’t seem like it would apply to just arts and crafts. I am hoping to win this book and put it to use!
I’m not usually big on creativity books, but this one is really intriguing. If I don’t win this copy, I’ll be looking for another one. Thanks for sharing!
I am very interested in this book. Sound like it could help anyone and I would love to own a copy of it! 🙂
gotta have it!
Looks really interesting ~ and something I could use to figure out how to be more creative.