Matt Appling has graciously allowed me to give away two copies of his new book to my readers. As someone who always wants to create, but doesn’t feel ‘good enough’; as someone who has been stuck in the mire of depression, and still struggles sometimes; as someone who strives to be childlike, but wrestles with the grownup world – this book was like a great, warm blanket wrapped around me.
There are so many secrets to be learned within the world of creativity, and Matt helps us understand that creativity is not limited to the traditional definition of art. (Which, as you know by this post of mine, For People Who Feel They Fail At Creativity, is a epiphany near to my heart.) I recommend this book particularly to anyone struggling with depression, stagnancy, or hopelessness. I wish I’d read it years ago, and I look forward to reading it at the beginning of every new season of my life. If you’d like to go ahead and purchase Life After Art, you can do so here. It’s on sale!
Safety is not something we often find in art as adults, and Matt helps us find it again. Thank you, Matt.
PS: Would you mind Liking this post too? I want as many people to see this book as possible, because I think it’s so important and so encouraging! Thank you! xoxo
Love the idea of this book so much! Can’t wait to get a copy, whether through the giveaway or not! [boles.melissa@gmail.com] <3
Heard a lot about this book, but that’s probably the best description so far. Sounds like a good read.
dive_171@mac.com
Oh goodness, yes. Been meaning to pick up a copy for days now.
Everyone seems to be raving about this book…of course I’d like to win it!
i would lovee to get on this 🙂
HannahSals@gmail.com!
<3
Love the idea of this book! [ thelaurenjean@gmail.com ]
Sounds like exactly what I need to read at this point.
yashikaellis@yahoo.com
Oooh, I saw this book somewhere else. The cover alone is great!
kikutsk@gmail.com
I saw you post about this on your twitter feed over the weekend. Very interested in reading it!!!
Looks like a good read! 😀
I’ve heard many good things about this book, can’t wait to read it 🙂
k.anderson217@yahoo.com
Looks like a good read! 😀 kelsey.westerhof@gmail.com
This looks like something I need to read! kristin.marie@me.com
Ahh, can’t wait to read this!
shannon.craig7@gmail.com
Would love to hear his perspectives on this subject – Have had this book on my to-read list for some time now! emilyweckesser@gmail.com
Can’t wait to read this, I’ve so many good things about it so far 🙂
k.anderson217@yahoo.com
So excited about this book. Thanks for what you do Lauren! I’m blessed & inspired by your blog and GWP.
vmwesterman@gmail.com
This is exciting! My email is han.l.johnson at gmail.com
Lauren, your opening about why this book has helped you sounds like words I’ve spoken before. I would love to read this book… even if I don’t get a free one. Thanks for sharing about it!
Lauren, your opening about why this book has helped you sounds like words I’ve spoken before. I would love to read this book… even if I don’t get a free one. Thanks for sharing about it! My email is katie.razor@gmail.com
This is exactly what I need:)
hannah.m.pickrel@gmail.com
I write this from behind the counter of the coffee shop I’m quitting in two days…quitting to pursue more of what I feel God has made me to do. Of all I’ve heard about this book, it seems like I’ve gotta pick it up, especially since I’ve struggled all my life with believing I’m “creative.”
Anthony – best wishes to you as you embark on a new chapter. This book is just for the guy like you who doesn’t feel comfortable calling himself creative. I hope it blesses you as you go into the unknown!
oh, wow, I would love to win this. xoxo
imhannahnicole[@]gmail[.]com
Sounds like an amazing read, definitely something I think about regularly. I’d love to receive a copy!
SO EXCITED about this book. Our ability to create is so precious.
butlerjo3[at]gmail[dot]com
Looks really interesting!
andralauren[at]gmail.com
lindamonique@rocketmail.com
LOVE the idea of this, especially as a Creative Writing major (read: creativity that pleases the professor). Would love to win a copy of this!
this sounds amazing!
stephanienorvid@gmail.com
<3
summersk88@gmail.com
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! I’m at resqued1@comcast.net
hello [at] bethanybarkey.com
I would love to read these. I’ve always felt I am not a creative person. After reading your post a few weeks ago about creating to battle depression, I realized just how essential and integral creativity is to my soul.
Yes! You’ll find out about two pages in that I’ve written the book just for a person like you who struggles to say they are “creative.” I hope the book is an encouragement to you.
Would love to read this book! Been missing my art for a while, and just switched my major at school to pursue an art degree. Never thought it was a “real” enough degree, but I am deciding to follow God’s gifting wherever it leads me. Never been happier with the direction of my life! email is rachelprobasco@gmail.com
I would love to read this book! Sounds so great.
moffitt.erin@gmail.com
The artist in me is screaming with glee! Sign me up! brigittabeam@yahoo.com
Thanks for doing the giveaway!
jillian.wilzbacher@gmail.com
This sounds amazing! As an artist with many artistic friends, this sounds like such a great resource to have!
My email didn’t show up!
Elizabethaheflin@gmail.com
This book sounds awesome! I’d love to read it! Thanks for sharing! indy.aria412@gmail.com
oh yes yes yes, i’d LOVE to win a copy of this. 🙂
christismyhero@hotmail.com.
This book looks incredibly interesting! Love it!
I am definitely someone who struggles to be creative and believe that I have the capacity to be creative….and also have a tendency to struggle with depression! I think this would be a great book to read!
This book is EXACTLY for you and every other person who doesn’t think they are “creative.” You’ll find out about 2 pages in. 🙂
Relevant to my life in every way right now. Sounds like a great read!!
lindseyblackmore@gmail.com
I wish we could all get free copies of this book!
a.venkatesan@umiami.edu
I’ve been a big fan of his for a while! It would be awesome to win a copy!
Yay! merussell@ymail.com
Lovely giveaway! allysonwonderlandphotography[at]gmail[dot]com
yes please! 🙂
georgiane.deal@live.com.au
Madeleine L’Engle’s “Walking On Water: Reflections on Faith and Art” is one of my all-time faves, so this looks right up my alley. Thanks!
I have been hearing a lot about this book recently. Sounds like a great read.
Oh man! So hope I win!!!! chicchic_rocker@yahoo.com
This would be perfect to read while I’m overseas!
m.tucker213@gmail.com
I’ver heard nothing but great things about this book! Aj8173@aol.com
Ohh! eee! This is the wonderful! Thanks for doing this Lauren, and Matt too! Exciting 🙂
hanleeg at hushmail dot com
this sounds like an amazing read, especially since i’ve grown up in a culture where creativity is not the norm (and encouraged to be squashed). (: dianeleowyq@gmail.com have a lovely day! x
Diane – that is too bad that you come from such a background. I think it’s tough for all of us in the adult world to hang onto creativity and make it a priority. I hope the book inspires you!
mmmm books. 🙂
believe.in.dreams[a]hotmail.com
It sounds like an excellent book!
I seriously want to read this! It looks amazing.
sas1020x@gmail.com
Omgee I would love to win a copy of this book! It sounds amazing! I really want to read it ♡
Ilikari@yahoo.co.uk This is my email ^^
Can’t wait to check it out!
jljones27@atlasok.com
This sounds great!
brittanymorrison08 [at] gmail [dot] com
This book looks amazing! I can’t wait to read it!
mattscotbarkley@gmail.com
I would love to read this book!
reginedarius@gmail.com
Oh man, feeling like I need this so badly in my life. Pick meee!
irene.jaw@gmail.com
Looks like a really great read, something that I would love to read and share!
I’ve honestly never heard of this book…until now.
But I did love your post of depression and creativity and have read it multiple times and shared it with others who needed to hear what you had to say.
charjosephs@hotmail.com
very, very excited for a chance to get this book. sounds wonderful!
This sounds like such a wonderful book. As a dancer and artist, I agree its so important to remember the why. (hjfinch@pointpark.edu)
love the quote on the back of the book.
(kris10sheehy@gmail.com)
Ohhhhhh I want this book!!
sheercj@gmail.com
This book sounds wonderful and would love the chance to have this book. Thanks for giving it away!
becks.rar@gmail.com
Thank you so much for the opportunity! This book is going on my to-read list whether I win or not… sounds marvellous! 🙂
My email: oksie [dot] k [dot] 837 [at] gmail [dot] com.
I’m definitely buying the book if I don’t end up winning! Sounds like it could be a real eye-opener for me at this stage in my life. Thanks so much for this opportunity and for introducing me to the book in the first place! 🙂
nicki_8_glinsky@hotmail.com
Being creative with life itself is one of the scariest ways to explore creativity, but it is also the most rewarding. I just dropped everything to move to Asia for an unforeseen amount of time, and I have no idea what I’m doing. But, day by day, the story unfolds as I make a conscious effort to live with intention & try to meet my goals. I’d love to gather some inspiration from this book! (chelsea0601@aol.com) Thanks for the opportunity!
That is incredible, Chelsea! I hope you get the book – winner or not, and are encouraged by it. 🙂
first time visiting your blog, what a great space! this book addresses a struggle i have daily! hoping to win. …
elizabeth.s.kim@gmail.com
You and me both, Liz! Everything in the book is something I struggle daily with the reality of. I hope it inspires you.
When life got to busy to create art. I started to get ill. I need a jump start. It is nice to know inspiration is still out there. Thanks for being there.
e.worgan@live.com.au
This book looks original and perfect and like just what I need.
Thank you for hosting this giveaway. This book looks like an awesome book that is healing and empowering. I have already added it to my wish my list on Amazon. Blessings to you.
lilakiliano1@gmail.com
sarahmdickson@googlemail.com
x
Oh my does this sound like a book for a recovering perfectionist like me!
Samantha, you have no idea. 🙂 I spend a great deal of space on perfectionism, because I myself am the worst. I hope it encourages you!
looks like a great read!
racheljoy02@msn.com
I know exactly the person I would gift this to! Sounds like an agent of healing to me!
1sam167@comcast.net
: )
jhutchison7@Yahoo.com
em.graham@live.com
Free book?! Yes please
The caption on the cover of the book is what caught my eye. “what you forgot about life and faith since you left the art room.” Someone definitely needs to tell me since A) I have the worst memory, and B) I struggle constantly with bringing it out with me when I leave the (music) room.
I loved your post about creativity Lauren! It was like a breath of fresh air 🙂
Keep doing what you’re doing
Sounds like a lovely book. I have a friend who would love to read it.
email: mistifee@msn.com
I think this is EXACTLY what I need right now!
lovewokemeupthismorning@gmail.com
Ahhhh, this sounds like a great book. Would love to read it.. and will probably be getting it even if I don’t win it! Thanks for hosting the giveaway… my email is kelleyjo [at] kelleyjoimaging.com
I could use this book in my life right now. Thanks for sharing, Lauren. merrilljessicalynn at gmail.com
This book looks great ! rachelelizabeth.bevan@gmail.com Thanks Lauren 🙂 x
Struggling with stagnancy.
Fingers crossed that I win a copy of this book!
I’m always looking for something new to read!
jerricakristine@gmail.com
This sounds…awesome. Not wanting to grow up right now…
rebeccabagg11@augustana.edu
YAY!
estafaye@gmail.com
Ayyye!
YAY!
missarenee88@yahoo.com
From personal experience, these are two things I’m incredibly passionate about!
hcwatts@gmail.com
This book sounds incredible… would definitely love to read it!
erikaspitler [at] gmail [dot ] com
margosbo@indiana.edu
x
oooh! yes, please.
Thanks for this opportunity. I’m trying to exercise my creativity more 🙂
sounds like a great book!
Would LOVE to win this!! elise.rabatin@yahoo.com
Awesome! aliciacorrine17@gmail.com
Would love.
These books seem like the PERFECT read for me right now. I’ve just recently been hit with this huuuuge desire to want to create things and base my living off of creating, yet I’m struggling with believing in myself and my abilities. So awesome that you’re doing a giveaway on these books, Lauren!
This sounds like exactly what I’ve been looking for! ces351@msstate.edu
When do we find out who won the books??? 🙂
resqued1@comcast.net
i know the issues of depression as well. they hit hard and take forever to leave. it takes pursuing God and pursuing deep friendships to help with the healing process. would love to get this book. hope its not too late
Amazing. Liberating. And inspiring!
I can’t wait to get my paws on this.
xxxoo.
Yes, please! (liveoutloud92 @gmail.com)
🙂 l.mostadkreider@gmail.com
Umm, yes, please! (kateambrosepollard[at]gmail[dot]com)
Sounds like an amazing book! I LOVE your blog.
buckleyle@mail.lipscomb.edu
Yes, yes please! Here’s to hoping!
najee [dot] chua [at] yahoo [dot] com! =)
jazii.gui@gmail.com
please..?
mgerman2@kent.edu
i need to wAKE uP & c R e A t e again…
Longing to reignite my passion to create, despite the hubbub of grown up, newlywed life!
vee.kelsey@gmail.com
<3
Sound like a fantastic book! I often struggle with viewing my art as something that is beautiful and not just mediocre. Can’t wait to get my hands on this book! kkmccully@gmail.com
this looks amazing!
rosemaryaquilina@gmail.com 🙂
I’m reading all the way from England! I’ve loved reading your blog as an aspiring artist and a young christian women- so helpful and so honest. Your words are beautiful. My email is bethanlowe@gmail.com.
Struggling to feel good enough. Would love to take a step forward in movingout of that feeling. justcarrots@msn.com
please send this to me
I would love to get this book!!! (sengelbrecht@nnu.edu)
how this work?