About validation and hope
“First of all, I wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your book!!!! I hang out at Borders a lot and I came across it in ‘THAT’ section where I go to figure out what on earth I’m gong to do with my life and there was your book. “Creative and Unconventional’—well, that’s me, allright,” I thought. And then I started reading your book and it was just so cool because everything you describe in your book—well, it’s just ME! It’s a little bit scary, actually . . . also the stage you describe is exactly what I’m going through: trying to figure out what to do with my life and while I’m doing so I feel SO lost and confused and I feel like everyone just thinks I’m crazy because I have these far-out whacked ideas. Actually, just the other day an acquaintance of mine tells me, “Abby, you just have a different way of thinking!” Well, that confirmed it. I’m a weirdo. But in your opinion that’s good! . . . I really wanted to thank you for your book because it REALLY gives me so much encouragement.”
“The great gift that the book has given me is to recognize and appreciate how that spark manifests itself in me . . . it fills me with confidence to think that all the elements you examine and to which I relate, are part of one thing--the creative personality--which can never thrive in certain environments (however hard you try) and really does deserve to be exercised and nurtured.”
“Your book gave me some things I didn’t realize I needed--an affirmation that I’m really all right; an understanding of how my ‘critical, challenging, independent, emotional, non- repressed and anxious’ nature might perhaps make others uncomfortable and the knowledge that there’s more than one of me. These were extremely comforting revelations. I’ve always worked alone but am currently making a career change. Using what you taught me in your book, I think I can work within a company now. I’ll just make certain I find a nest of people like myself.”
“I’ve just put down your book The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People after reading nothing else for two days. I loved it. I hate that I didn’t know about it sooner.... You helped me realize that I am good at something.”
“I cannot express how incredibly validating it was to have someone voice the process I have been going through as a struggling artist in this culture. I, as many creative types, have felt the pain and isolation of not fitting in. But perhaps my biggest pain centers on lacking a framework of understanding as to why I do not fit in so easily. Your book provided this framework in a very practical and straightforward manner and also offered some great insight into the creative process itself.”
“Before I begin ranting and raving about how unfulfilling my life/career is, let me tell you what a wonderful job you did with your book. Not only was it informative and entertaining, but it also validated my experience as a creative person.”
“I have this routine I do when out of work, which I am... I go to my library and pick out tons of career guides and tests and hope to find some inspiration to try something new... Luckily your book was in my big stack and when I began to read it at home it sent chills down my spine... Yes, I am very unique and it is comforting to read your book and be reminded that I am far from alone and that if I keep searching, like I do... I will come up with something that works.”
“My name is Katie and I finished reading your book recently. I just wanted to write you to echo what I’m sure you’re heard from many readers—Thank you!! Every aspect of your book was really helpful for me—the exploration of the psychology of creative people, the explanation of the Holland codes and the variety of creative suggestions you offer to people who need them. Although I’ve always been able to list my varied interests offhand (music, dance, writing, film), until recently I thought of them as disconnected and frankly, irrelevant from my job options. . . . I was confounded . . . when I picked up your book and it provided me with clarity and affirmation very early on. I no longer feel afraid to navigate my way until I find a connection to the path I choose. Although I still have a lot of thinking and deciding to do, it seems a much less frightening task when you are equipped with sound advice and the knowledge that you aren’t alone!”