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Keep Going
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad | Austin Kleon
The world is crazy. Creative work is hard. And nothing is getting any easier! In his previous booksSteal Like an Artistand Show Your Work!, New York Times bestsellers with over a million copies in print combinedAustin Kleon gave readers the key to unlock their creativity and then showed them how to share it. Now he completes his trilogy with his most inspiring work yet. Keep Going gives the reader life-changing, illustrated advice and encouragement on how to stay creative, focused, and true to yourself in the face of personal burnout or external distractions. Here is how to Build a Bliss Stationa place or fixed period where you can disconnect from the world. How to see that Every Day Is Groundhog Dayyesterdays over, tomorrow may never come, so just do what you can do today. How to Forget the Noun, Do the Verbstop worrying about being a painter and just paint. Keep working. Keep playing. Keep searching. Keep giving. Keep living. Keep Going. Its exactly the message all of us need, at exactly the right time.
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review
Erynecki
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Pickpick

Forget the noun, do the verb.
More from the author and artist who wrote Steal Like an Artist. Simple (but often overlooked) observations about finding inspiration and staying true to your artistic dreams. A good book to pickup if you feel stuck and are hoping for some ideas to help you get unstuck in your creative endeavors.

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annejasmin
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“If you‘ve never changed your mind about something, pinch yourself; you may be dead.”

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Catsandbooks
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Always reminding myself of this! 🐛🦋
#thinkpositivebepositive

Chrissyreadit ❤️🙌😘 2y
peanutnine Love this! 💖 Thanks for the tag ☺️ 2y
See All 7 Comments
SeaToSkyes Thank you 💖 I have to remind myself of this more often than I care to admit 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love this! Thank you 🙏🏻💛 2y
Eggs So true👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks for thing of me. 2y
Texreader Awww thanks! 🤗 2y
51 likes7 comments
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
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I'm traveling for work this week (hello San Antonio!) and it's super easy to skip my workouts BUT I won't. I may need to adapt since I'm not lugging a yoga mat around, but I won't be deterred. I want to be healthier and that won't happened if I lay in bed all night. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally finishing Well Matched all in one day thanks to the plane ride, but first...movement.

You can do it, too! Whatever it is, keep going.

BookNAround I needed to see that right now! 2y
Gissy Yes! You can do it!💪 It is so important to do some exercises. 2y
See All 7 Comments
wanderinglynn Love it! You got this! 🙌🏻 2y
Soubhiville If you can while you‘re there, check out Nowhere Bookshop! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Gissy @wanderinglynn Thank you! I did it! @Soubhiville Thanks! I knew there was one around here. I may be coming down every couple months so if not on this trip, next time for sure. 2y
53 likes7 comments
review
IndoorDame
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Pickpick

This little book was filled with useful reminders of how to live a good creative life, and quotes from artists and writers about their process, beliefs, etc. I found this very comforting to read in such trying times. #NewYearWhoDis #BBRC Yeah Baby How To #Nonfiction2022 @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @monalyisha @LibrarianRyan

LibrarianRyan 🌟😁❤️ 2y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Stacking, sounds like a positive read! 2y
66 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Kaylamburson
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Feeling incredibly overwhelmed today by this news. It has been my home and family of 4+ years, and none of us truly know what will happen next. It was such a shock this morning and we are all still processing. The good news is all of us are guaranteed a job for at least 3 years which I know is unheard of in an acquisition. I'm hopeful this means there will be opportunities and growth, but could use some extra love today from my Litsy friends. 💜📖

MicheleinPhilly The job guarantee is lovely! While any change of this magnitude is going to be jarring, just think of how many more bookworms you‘ll get to know. 🤗 3y
DrexEdit Acquisition is hard. I went through that when I worked for Harcourt Brace. Ultimately it worked out well for me. I hope the same is true for you! 3 years is a nice stable starting point anyway. Sorry! Trying to look on the bright side if there is one! 😊 3y
Kaylamburson Thank you @MicheleinPhilly ,that's such a good point. And hopefully it means even MORE free books. 3y
See All 14 Comments
Kaylamburson Thanks @DrexEdit ! It's encouraging to hear that it worked out well for you, and I'm just trying to have that same mindset. This could definitely be an opportunity if I allow it to be. 3y
wanderinglynn That‘s great news! Mergers & acquisitions are always stressful. It‘s great news to hear that they gave job security for 3 years—that usually means they have loads of confidence in the acquisition and expect great growth, which should translate into some awesome opportunities! I hope you now have a chance to process & decompress. I‘m sure it has been rather stressful. 💜 3y
Kaylamburson I hope so and thank you! Definitely a positive perspective and something I'll keep in mind @wanderinglynn 3y
Jas16 Sending you all the love and support. Changes like this are scary but I am hoping this one ends up being amazing. 3y
Kaylamburson Thank you @Jas16 , means so much to hear you say that. 💜 3y
Christine Lucky Hachette to have you! ❤️ 3y
MaureenMc 💗💗💗 3y
Kaylamburson ❤💜💛 that's so sweet. Thank you! @Christine 3y
CarolynM Hope it turns out well❤️ 3y
Reggie 🤞🏼 good luck! 🍀 3y
Kaylamburson Thank you so much! We will hopefully be learning more over the next month. @MaureenMc @CarolynM @Reggie 3y
61 likes14 comments
review
Shae_Purcell
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Mehso-so

Keep Going shares practical tips to keep the creativity flowing when your days start to look and feel the same. Kleon says in the very beginning that he wrote this book because he needed to read it. There are some small but helpful ideas here - tidy up, change your mind, create a “bliss station“ for your work, etc. I enjoyed this book more than the second one, though the first is still my favorite (if only because it felt original at the time).

36 likes1 stack add
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Shae_Purcell

The last chapter, Plant Your Garden, may be my favorite in the book. The author says, “Our lives too have different seasons.“ Some of us “blossom“ when we are young and some of us when we are older. Society tends to favor the young, but Kleon is inspired by “the people who found the thing that made them feel alive and who kept themselves alive by doing it. The people who planted their seeds, tended to themselves, and grew into something lasting.“

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Shae_Purcell
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“Imitate the trees, learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long.“

May Sarton, Belgian-American poet, novelist and memoirist

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Shae_Purcell
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“You do not need to have an extraordinary life to make extraordinary work.“

Thank goodness for that! 👏

allthatjas Love this ❤️ 3y
35 likes1 comment
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Shae_Purcell
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In the second book of his trilogy, Kleon stresses that if your work isn't online then it doesn't exist. In the third book, he advises us to ignore likes, shares, and followers. Those metrics are shallow, he says, and shouldn't be used to decide what to focus our work on next. According to Kleon, “. . . everything online is now click-bait, optimized for the short attention span.“ Do we share and let it be?

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash.

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Shae_Purcell
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“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and philosopher

Hazel2019 Love it! 3y
NikkiM5 Yes!! 🙌🏾 I have a lot of old nonsense to leave behind 😆 (edited) 3y
Shae_Purcell @Hazel2019 It's such good advice! 💖 3y
Shae_Purcell @NikkiM5 Oh goodness, me too! I need to frame this one and put it next to my toothbrush or something. 3y
32 likes4 comments
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kspenmoll
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#Keepgoing #walk #nature #reading #ThinkpositiveBepositive

Short book to inspire on both good & bad days.
Liked his recent newsletter article:

https://austinkleon.com/2021/07/22/diving-in/

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💙💙💙 3y
49 likes1 comment
review
jen_the_scribe
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Pickpick

I really needed this one. I wrote down some key points as a reminder. This pandemic has made it harder for me to actually practice my writing and drawing, even though you'd think I'd have more time for it being home all the time. But my kids being home 24/7 has added extra duties for me. I'm grateful that we've been able to stay safe and healthy, but my mental health has suffered. A lack of time for creating has definitely contributed to that.

Trashcanman Wish you the best 3y
jen_the_scribe @Trashcanman Thank you 🙏 same to you ❤ 3y
15 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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jen_the_scribe

"When you pay attention to your life, it not only provides you with the material for your art, it also helps you fall in love with your life."

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jen_the_scribe

"Whether their latest thing is universally rejected, ignored, or acclaimed, they know they'll still get up tomorrow and do their work."

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jen_the_scribe
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Finally reading my signed copy of Keep Going. I'm a student Graphic Designer, aspiring Illustrator, and a writer, so books on art and creativity are a must for me.

10 likes1 stack add
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Monyca
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Pickpick

Loved this little book! Quick inspiring read!

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Bathilda
Pickpick

My favorite bit was “find like-hearted people instead of like-minded people.“ I thought that was an excellent piece of advice and elegantly worded. It was all about encouraging people to be creative even in bad times.

Short and pithy book. I really enjoyed it.

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jen_the_scribe
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I love that he doodled in it 😁

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SESchend
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Pickpick

Great reminders on how to continue creating when it gets tough

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Heatherfeather
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Pickpick

I am in a terrible reading and creative slump. Holding a book and following words has been difficult. As has been creativity. This was a helpful and delightful (and short!) read in needed times.

Bookzombie I hope the slump passes quickly! 4y
Heatherfeather @Bookzombie ugh I know. Thank you! 4y
15 likes2 comments
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nikirtehsuxlol
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If you‘re working on something creative - blog, writing a book/fanfic/screenplay, drawing, painting, whatever ...or even if you feel you‘re not creative at all, I find Kleon‘s work helpful in motivating me to pick up that pen or paintbrush again and get back to work!

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sherri
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Well, here's a good reminder to make art and not worry about waiting for the right tools.

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sherri
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Milo disagrees with this book title. #catsoflitsy

Smarkies Recharging first. 😁 4y
8 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JulietReads
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Bookwormjillk Love this 5y
43 likes1 comment
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JulietReads
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"Walking is good for physical, spiritual, and mental health. 'No matter what time you get out of bed, go for a walk,' said director Ingmar Berman to his daughter, Linn Ullmann. 'The demons hate it when you get out of bed. Demons hate fresh air.' "

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JulietReads
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JulietReads
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SamanthaMarie I REALLY like this ♡ 5y
29 likes1 comment
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JulietReads
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JulietReads
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#clickbait
"Your attention is one of the most valuable things you possess, which is why everyone wants to steal it from you. First you must protect it, and then you must point it in the right direction."

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JulietReads
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That's doable.

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JulietReads
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JulietReads
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52 likes1 stack add
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Charityann
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I really enjoyed Austin Kleon‘s other books, so excited to start this one tonight! 😊

LeticiaToraci I read another book by him and it was great. 5y
44 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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LazyOwl
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Week 2 #BFCr2 check-in.

After having sick kids all week, I'm happy I met my step goal 3 times and finished 2 books.

I'm giving myself a pass for no other exercise this week, as my energy was spent looking after my kids.

I've started week 3 on a good note though and went on the treadmill for an hour today.

#BookFitnessChallenge #BFC @wanderinglynn

julesG You have done well. Have sick kids at home is tough. Hope they are feeling better. 5y
Libby1 I hope your little ones are feeling better and that you‘re able to have some free time soon. 💕 5y
BookwormAHN I hope your kids feel better 🍀 5y
Dawnrod1970 Great job! 5y
wanderinglynn Way to go! 🙌 Having sick kids is tough. I hope everyone is feeling better. And great job on focusing on the positive! 🎉 5y
30 likes5 comments
review
JoyBlue
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Pickpick

Yasss! Preach, brother! I really enjoyed this series of little reminders and encouragements. I can't wait to transfer the tags to my very own copy so I can return this to the library for others to enjoy. I'll have to put this someplace obvious so I can replenish myself with a nugget as needed.

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JoyBlue
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I'm not even halfway through this tiny gem, and you can see how much I'm digging it. I've already ordered my own copy (from bed, via my phone), because I can't bear the thought of returning it to the library and not having it available on a whim for inspiration/support. Just what the doctor ordered!

55 likes1 stack add
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swishandflick
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My mantra during these times we're living in. Thank goodness my experience with Litsy has always been positive. Other social media sites feel so toxic these days! I have to bite my tongue on a daily basis to avoid confrontation with random folks 😂

Leftcoastzen Some folks I enjoy are leaving Twitter because of all the negativity and attacks.Love Litsy because it‘s a more positive environment. 5y
AmyG Litsy is the nicest place I‘ve ever been to on the internet. By a long shot. (edited) 5y
kyraleseberg Litsy is the only social media I've encountered where the community is respectful of different opinions on all topics. Definitely my favorite spot on the Internet! 5y
See All 6 Comments
mjdowens I am hardly on any other social network sites anymore. Litsy is my one constant. I never feel like I am going to be attacked or talked to like a piece of trash. Besides, books are mostly what I want to blab about anyway😂 (edited) 5y
blank I'm not even on Twitter or FB anymore and I don't miss either one (edited) 5y
JoyBlue I'm with you! I spend less time everywhere else (social media-wise) and more time here. Litsy is a happy place! 5y
94 likes6 comments
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merelybookish
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My daughter and I went to hear Austin Kleon at the Tattered Cover tonight. He writes books about the creative process. His most recent one is about how to keep going even when you aren't sure what you're doing. He was entertaining, inspiring, and funny. He has a weekly newsletter that I really enjoy, lots of good links, and book, movie, music recommendations.

vivastory Sounds like an interesting event. I'll have to check out his newsletter. 5y
merelybookish @vivastory He has a website. You can probably subscribe there. It comes each Friday and I look forward to it. 5y
Louise Thanks for mentioning his newsletter! Just subscribed! 5y
merelybookish @Louise I hope you enjoy! 🙂 5y
readordierachel Cool! I'm gonna check him out. 5y
66 likes5 comments
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alysonimagines
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Yep! I can go deep and shallow in the same convo. 😂

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alysonimagines
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Good advice. 🤔

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alysonimagines
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I think this is my favorite newspaper blackout poem from this book. 🖤

JoyBlue I'm not very far in yet, but this one really spoke to me, too! 5y
alysonimagines @JoyBlue Yay! Great minds... 😉 5y
JoyBlue @alysonwrites 😉 💙 5y
12 likes3 comments
review
alysonimagines
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Pickpick

I loved Austin Kleon‘s Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work, so I had to read his latest. Each of his books tackles a different aspect of creativity, and this one addresses the timely dilemma of how to keep making art when you “feel as if the world had gotten dumber and meaner overnight.” A pep talk both inspiring and practical, illustrated with Kleon‘s newspaper blackout poems and other art, plus lots of great quotes.

11 likes2 stack adds
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LitDrivenGirl
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Who needs a table to eat on when your have a growing collection of awesome art to display?!? The corner of my table is quickly becoming a mini gallery. So happy to display Austin Kleon's print from Workman Publishing in celebration of the publication. I reviewed 'Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad' in February and couldn't wait to own a copy. This is a definite revisit read and a sign I need to own all of Austin's books! ⬇️

LitDrivenGirl My review can be found at the link in bio if you need further convincing of its awesomeness 😉. Thank you for the print and the book!!!!!! Pre-order incentives make book buying even easier, more please 😍. 5y
10 likes1 comment
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biblio_ginger
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My preorder came! 😄 I can't wait to read this! My sister and I preordered the book because you got a free print of one of Austin Kleon's black out poems!

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DeweysReadathon
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2/3 of the way through the readathon! Way to go, everyone! 🎉 - @Liberty

Tamra I needed this, unfortunately for work life and not reading. 5y
59 likes1 comment
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LitDrivenGirl
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Pickpick

This is the first book I have read by Austin Kleon. I am familiar with his work through social media because my sister led me to him after she read his previous books. Apparently I must remedy this error immediately, any excuse to buy more books and to read more ART encouraging words… yes please, sign me up. (My full review on here, checkout here: https://madmadelyne.tumblr.com/post/182837143731/why-i-need-to-create-a-survival... )

wordzie 5y
9 likes1 comment