Carrie Schmitt - On Writing Books and Manifesting Your Creative Dreams
EPISODE 107
Carrie Schmitt is back on the podcast, and this time we are chatting about what it is like to write an art book.
I’ve always wanted to write a book, but it always ends up in the “too-hard” basket! The process seems daunting, and I worry about how I would fit it in with all the other aspects of running an art business.
It was wonderful to chat with Carrie about this, as Carrie is a full-time artist, instructor, and author. She sells original paintings, teaches online and in-person workshops, licenses her art with various companies, and always has a few books on the go.
Her latest book, The Story of Every Flower, is a celebration of her 10-year journey as an artist.
In our conversation, Carrie takes us behind the scenes. You’ll hear about what inspired the book, the rituals and routines that have helped Carrie to create it, why she chose to self-publish, and how she is approaching the marketing and distribution of the book.
If you have ever thought about writing a book, I encourage you to take a listen!
To find out more about Carrie and to order her new book, The Story of Every Flower, click here.
Carrie’s paintings are vibrant and rich with colour, pattern and texture. During Covid-19 she painted her car, Poppy, to encourage others to express themselves and life a life out loud!
“You have to let yourself make a mess first. I’d rather have more to work with than less. ”
A few things Carrie talks about in this episode:
Being prepared to make a mess first and how this applies to both writing and painting.
Making creative decisions that honour your values and reflect the legacy that you want to leave behind.
Focusing on the book for a year and allowing it to guide and inform everything else i.e. paintings, classes, products and so on.
Using daily rituals and rewards to stay energised and make the book writing process enjoyable.
The pros and cons of self-publishing versus using a traditional book publisher.
Choosing how you respond to difficult situations such as Covid-19 and allowing good things to grow, such as new online offerings, deeper connections, and more self-expression.
CARRIE’S LINKS
Instagram
Website
Carrie’s Book ‘The Story of Every Flower’
Carrie’s Book ‘Painted Blossoms’
Episode #68 Carrie Schmitt: Being Brave Enough to Listen
MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
Bird by Bird: Anne Lamott
In the Garden of My Dreams: The Art of Nathalie Lété
Anna Valdez: Natural Curiosity
The Chilton Method
WANT MORE INSPIRATION?
This month’s featured class is Watercolour Explorations. The class is ON SALE for 28 USD (normally 35 USD) until the 19 October 2020. Click below to find out more.
Loosen up, get messy in your sketchbook and learn how to paint watercolour abstracts!
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