This updated post, which is as much for me as it is for you, has 7 personal recommendations plus 28 that others have added to the list. Add yours!
The post 35+ Novels with art and artists (2026 update) appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>Ready to dive into some fun fiction about art and artists? I have some novels for your summer reading. (I say your but this list is as much for me as it is for you.)
The list below is broken down into 4 categories.
- My Favorites
- Others I Recommend
- Recommended by Others (in order of my interest)
- Vote on your favs or add to the list in the comments
I am not a book reviewer. I don’t have any fancy words about these choices, and I’ve not been good about keeping good notes.
When I read fiction—which I’m trying to do more of since I discovered it helps combat dementia—I look for books that revolve around art or artists.
You will notice a recurring theme: One reason I keep these on my shelf is that I need to read them again to remember why I liked them so much. 
I’d love to read more so please add your favorites to this Instagram post.
Please note: All Amazon links here are affiliate links. I am grateful when you click and purchase as I earn a small commission.
I’d love to read more so please add your favorites to this Instagram post.
Please note: All Amazon links here are affiliate links. I am grateful when you click and purchase as I earn a small commission. My Favorite Novels
about Art or Artists (so far)
Minor Black Figures
This book came out in 2025 and I read it in 2026. And I wanted to re-read it almost immediately because I know I didn’t catch all of the subtleties.
There is a complex plot centering on Wyeth, contemporary artist who has side jobs at a gallery (where he has complex feelings about a “hack” artist group) and with an art conservator (where he conserves works on paper by a mostly uncelebrated Black artist.
All the while he is dealing with pain from his childhood and a new relationship with an ex-priest.
L’Origine: The Secret Life of the World’s Most Erotic Masterpiece
This book is a novel that revolves around Courbet’s scandalous painting, L’Origine du Monde.
Lilianne, who is also an accomplished artist, was my guest on episode 87 of The Art Biz and I can say without any prejudice that I loved this book.
The Swan Thieves
From my short notes in 2010: “Slow start. Very long. Many artist stereotypes, but I loved it. Couldn’t put it down toward the end.”
To this I will add that I kept my copy so I could re-read it, as I often do with books I have loved. The short chapters make it easy to pick up and put down.
Spending
Middle-aged female painter is offered financial freedom from an admirer who serves as her muse. Loved it so much that I have read it twice and know I’ll read it again. Themes of creative freedom, sex, control, and power.
Notes From An Exhibition
I love the way this is organized—as if we are reading the labels next to the artwork in a retrospective.
You get a real sense of what it is like to be an aging artist.
The American Painter Emma Dial: A Novel
Another seemingly true picture of what it’s like to be a working artist. Emma Dial is stuck as a studio assistant for a powerful male artist—unable to make her own work. Makes you pissed off at the male-female / mentor-assistant power dynamics.
Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him
The title of this book is the title of a painting at the center of the story. I checked it out from the library, but quickly ordered my own copy because I knew I was going to want to reread it.
To the extent that this artworld has a sense of humor about itself, it’s in this book.
Other Novels
about Art or Artists I have read and can recommend
by Christopher Moore
by Kate Christensen
An Artist of the Floating World
by Kazuo Ishiguro
by Kurt Vonnegut
Recommended by Others
These novels about art or artists were recommended in the comments, on my Facebook page by two or more people, or inside the Art Biz Connection community. I have put them in semi-order of my interest in reading (I have yet to make it through Atwood’s Cat’s Eye though I’ve tried twice and lost interest both times).
by Susan Vreeland
by Margaret Atwood
The Lost Painting: The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece
by Jonathan Harr
The Passion of Artemisia: A Novel
by Susan Vreeland
by Jane Urquhart
by Jane Urquhart
by Stephanie Storey
by Donna Tartt
by Dick Francis
by Dick Francis
Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper
by Harriet Scott Chessman
by Judith Merkle Riley
The Lost Diaries of Frans Hals
by Michael Kernan
The Cheese Monkeys: A Novel in Two Semesters
by Chip Kidd
by Joris-Karl Huysmans
by Evan Lee Heyman
by Oscar Wilde
by Delia Owens
by Mario Vargas Llosa
by Irving Stone
Vote
I’d love to continue adding to this reading list for artist and art enthusiasts.
Please consider leaving a comment on this Instagram post for the following:
- Vote for your favorite(s) and tell us why.
- Tell us why you didn’t like one or the other.
- Add any art-related fiction I missed. (Links are fine.)
This post was first published on June 10, 2013. It has been updated with comments intact.
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]]>But this had an addition. It included a reference to one of my clients after the words Podcast Pitch. One of my favorite clients. This one I have to pay attention to.
The podcast pitch in question came from Lilianne Milgrom, who had just finished writing a book. (Again, the thought of "oh no" entered my head. Another artist-turned-author.) You can see that I was skeptical, but her pitch was perfect. I get tons of podcast pitches, but none have been better than hers. It was right on target.
I gave her book a go and, truthfully, couldn't put it down. I looked forward to reading it every night. I didn't want to finish. It was that good.
It contained art history, intrigue, sex, and scandal. How could it not be fascinating?
My conversation with Lilianne in this episode of the Art Biz Podcast isn't only about the book. It's the story of how the book came to be—which is a lesson in itself—and has its roots in her decision to be a copyist at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, copying Courbet's scandalous painting, L'Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World). She learned valuable lessons, exercised her courage muscle, and became a better artist as a result. The experience led to the writing of the book that so engrossed me.
Lilianne and I talk about all of that and how she juggles her art and writing. She also shares tips for pitching to podcasts, which are equally valuable for other media pitches.
⚠️ WARNING: This post and interview contain art (and what some might see as imagery and conversations for adults only)
The post The Art Biz ep. 87: Secrets from Copying a Masterpiece with Lilianne Milgrom appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>The subject line in my inbox said Podcast Pitch. Oh no, another one of these, I thought.
But this had an addition. It included a reference to one of my clients after the words Podcast Pitch. One of my favorite clients. This one I have to pay attention to.
The podcast pitch in question came from Lilianne Milgrom, who had just finished writing a book. (Again, the thought of “oh no” entered my head. Another artist-turned-author.) You can see that I was skeptical, but her pitch was perfect. I get tons of podcast pitches, but none have been better than hers. It was right on target.
I gave her book a go and, truthfully, couldn’t put it down. I looked forward to reading it every night. I didn’t want to finish. It was that good.
It contained art history, intrigue, sex, and scandal. How could it not be fascinating?
WARNING: This post and interview contain art (and what some might see as imagery and conversations for adults only)
My conversation with Lilianne in this episode of the Art Biz Podcast isn’t only about the book. It’s the story of how the book came to be—which is a lesson in itself—and has its roots in her decision to be a copyist at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, copying Gustave Courbet’s scandalous painting, L’Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World). She learned valuable lessons by copying a masterpiece, exercised her courage muscle, and became a better artist as a result. The experience led to the writing of the book that so engrossed me.
Lilianne and I talk about all of that and how she juggles her art and writing. She also shares tips for pitching to podcasts, which are equally valuable for other media pitches.
Listen
Music by Wildermiss
Highlights of Copying a Masterpiece
- Lilianne shares the timeline of her artist journey. (3:22)
- The difference between a consistent studio practice and making consistent work. (5:56)
- The premise and genesis of Lilianne’s book L’Origine. (9:15)
- A full list of Lilianne’s reasons not to become a copyist of this scandalous painting. (13:08)
- The fascinating rules for copying a masterpiece at the Musée d’Orsay. (16:36)
- Overcoming the most uncomfortable aspects of this endeavor, including the unsolicited comments from museum visitors. (20:21)
- Differing male and female reactions to the painting. (25:43)
- The inspiration that comes from writing about your painting. (26:55)
- Turning a once-in-a-lifetime artist experience—and the painting it centers on — into a novel. (29:40)
- What makes a piece of art timeless and relevant? (35:13)
- If this artwork is shocking today, imagine how it was received in the 1800s. (40:20)
- Lilianne explains why her copy of L’Origine du Monde is not currently on display. (42:12)
- Lessons learned from interacting with such a famous and controversial artwork. (43:38)
- What does Lilianne’s studio practice look like now? (46:43)
- The secret to pitching your idea in a way that gets results. (48:10)
Resources
- Musée d’Orsay in Paris
- L’Origine du Monde (the painting)
- Little French Girl Press (L’Origine, the book)
- Video of Lilianne copying the painting—almost 9million views!
- Art in Fiction website
Lilianne Milgrom Quotes
“Writing is like painting with words.”
“This painting gave me the sense of empowerment, which at the beginning felt like an embarrassment, and it turned out to be this enormous feeling of liberation and empowerment.”
“This certainly changed my life. As far as my art, it’s made me fairly fearless.”
“The written word and art, they can’t be separated because you’re going to need to express yourself.”
About My Guest
Lilianne Milgrom was born in Paris, grew up in Australia, and currently resides in the United States. Milgrom holds two degrees from Melbourne University and an associate art degree from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She exhibits her artwork around the world and is the recipient of multiple awards.
In 2011, Lilianne became the first authorized copyist of Gustave Courbet’s controversial painting L’Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World), which hangs in the Orsay Museum in Paris and draws over a million visitors a year. After rendering a near-identical copy of Courbet’s masterpiece, she spent close to a decade researching and writing L’Origine.
Find Lilianne on Instagram: @liliannemilgrom
Music by Wildermiss
The post The Art Biz ep. 87: Secrets from Copying a Masterpiece with Lilianne Milgrom appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>Why not do it?!
Writing a book could increase your credibility, contribute to your legacy, and impact many lives.
A lot of people think that writing a book is the hard part of getting your book published. Not to take anything away from the difficult work that goes into the writing, but it is only a small portion of the entire book publishing process.
I learned about the process when the first edition of my book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio, was published in 2008 and was reminded of the long book-publishing journey when the 4th edition was released earlier this year. There are so many moving parts and, like many businesses today, book publishing is a fast-moving industry.
Those moving parts come, of course, with an expense line in your budget, which means it’s very helpful to know what you’re getting into before you start down the book production path.
You really want to know 1) that you will be able to pay for the cost to publish and 2) at what point you’ll begin to make a profit. In order to accomplish that second thing (the profit thing), you also need a marketing plan specifically for your book.
I confess I didn't talk to enough people.
My guest for this episode of the Art Biz Podcast is artist Carol McIntyre, the author of I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want. In the book, Carol teaches a step-by-step color mixing method for frustrated painters of all media who want to stop making mud and start mixing the colors they want with ease.
Listen now to hear Carol's process and advice so you can avoid the sticker shock of publishing your own book.
The post The Art Biz ep. 37: Publishing a How To Book for Artists with Carol McIntyre appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>Why not do it?!
Writing a book could increase your credibility, contribute to your legacy, and impact many lives.
A lot of people think that writing a book is the hard part of getting your book published. Not to take anything away from the difficult work that goes into the writing, but it is only a small portion of the entire book publishing process.
I learned about the process when the first edition of my book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio, was published in 2008 and was reminded of the long book-publishing journey when the 4th edition was released earlier this year. There are so many moving parts and, like many businesses today, book publishing is a fast-moving industry.
Those moving parts come, of course, with an expense line in your budget, which means it’s very helpful to know what you’re getting into before you start down the book production path.
You really want to know 1) that you will be able to pay for the cost to publish and 2) at what point you’ll begin to make a profit. In order to accomplish that second thing (the profit thing), you also need a marketing plan specifically for your book.
I confess I didn’t talk to enough people.
My guest for this episode of the Art Biz Podcast is artist Carol McIntyre, the author of I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want. In the book, Carol teaches a step-by-step color mixing method for frustrated painters of all media who want to stop making mud and start mixing the colors they want with ease.
Listen now to hear Carol’s process and advice so you can avoid the sticker shock of publishing your own book.
Music by Wildermiss
Highlights
You will hear Carol and I talk about the following.
- Where the idea for the book came from and how she got encouragement to make it happen.
- How the book fits into Carol’s vision for her art business.
- The difference between print-on-demand books and self-publishing larger quantities.
- The must-have book specs that led Carol to work with a Chinese printing company.
- An account of all of the people Carol hired to help her in the publishing process, and the role of each person.
- What it costs to publish a book.
- What Carol’s profit is per book depending on whether she sells at a local bookstore, from her website, or on Amazon. Spoiler: Support an artist and buy direct from her!
- What Carol wishes she had known in advance.
- When and how Carol began pre-selling the book and the brilliant thing she did to keep early buyers happy when the book was delayed.
- The additional marketing she is doing to promote the book.
- Why it’s critical to have people around who support you during the long process.
- Carol’s very honest disclosure of experiencing burnout and how she got back on track.
Mentioned
- Colorado Independent Publishers Association
- My podcast with Helen Hiebert, Carol’s accountability partner, about multiple income streams
- Carol’s color-mixing course on BluPrint (formerly Craftsy)
- Carol’s book, I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want
About My Guest
Carol A. McIntyre’s first run-in with the “color police” happened when she was in kindergarten. Her teacher asked the class to choose two favorite colors that went well together. Carol spoke up. “Red and orange,” she said, whereupon the teacher declared, “No, these two colors don’t go together!” She grew up and proved her teacher wrong.
Early in her painting career, she was surprised by the lack of easy-to-understand color theory classes. This motivated her to develop a simpler way to mix color which, in turn, would empower artists.
Carol has helped over 3,500 painters see and mix color differently. She is an award-winning artist who is a signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and holds associate memberships with the Oil Painters of America and the American Women Artists.
Follow Carol on Instagram.
Music by Wildermiss
This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program, the Art Career Success System, a program I have perfected for more than 17 years working with artists.
All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will do over and over again throughout your art business and career. That’s why it’s a SYSTEM.
In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation using my video and audio lessons, worksheets, and transcripts. And you will be part of a community of artists who are forward-thinking and forward-moving.
Join us now and get your business in shape.
The post The Art Biz ep. 37: Publishing a How To Book for Artists with Carol McIntyre appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>I hope you'll read and share your own favorite things in a comment.
Food
Bert’s Eggnog
On last year’s favorite things list, I saved the best for last. This year, I won’t make you wait.
This family recipe has made many a doubter into an eggnog convert. I’ve tried others that professed to be THE BEST, but they’ve never come close. I defy you to make a single batch of it.
Nopalito
Luck steered my husband and me into Nopalito restaurant in San Francisco last spring. WOW! If I could live a healthy life on their totopos alone, I’d do it.
But I don’t need to wait to return to San Francisco because their cookbook had recently been released and, ever since, my husband been earning the title Chef. We have had many delicious meals from the Nopalito cookbook.
Rosemary-Mezcal Paloma Cocktail
Some people live on Mai Tais on Maui, but we lived on Palomas. If we have to have them away from that island paradise (twist our arms), we add our spin - inspired by the delicious version at Vesta Dipping Grill in Denver. We make it with smoky Mezcal instead of tequila and add homemade rosemary syrup. Heaven.
Cleansing
In last year’s favorite things post, I mentioned The Plan: Eliminate the Surprising "Healthy" Foods That Are Making You Fat--and Lose Weight Fast (2014)
Reads
Both of these books were gifts from my wise coaches.
The Book of Joy
You can’t go wrong when the two main characters are
The post My Favorite Things 2017 Edition appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>You won’t find raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens on this list, though I’d argue that they are both delightful. Instead, here’s a peek at the things that made me happy over the past year (or longer).
I hope you’ll read and share your own favorite things in a comment.
Food
Bert’s Eggnog
On last year’s favorite things list, I saved the best for last. This year, I won’t make you wait.
This family recipe has made many a doubter into an eggnog convert. I’ve tried others that professed to be The Best, but they’ve never come close. I defy you to make only a single batch of it.
Nopalito
Luck steered my husband and me into Nopalito restaurant in San Francisco last spring. WOW! If I could live a healthy life on their totopos alone, I’d do it.
But I don’t need to wait to return to San Francisco because their cookbook had recently been released and, ever since, my husband been earning the title Chef. We have had many delicious meals from the Nopalito cookbook.
Rosemary-Mezcal Paloma Cocktail
Some people live on Mai Tais on Maui, but we lived on Palomas. If we have to have them away from that island paradise (twist our arms), we add our spin – inspired by the delicious version at Vesta Dipping Grill in Denver. We make it with smoky Mezcal instead of tequila and add homemade rosemary syrup. Heaven.
Cleansing
In last year’s favorite things post, I mentioned The Plan: Eliminate the Surprising “Healthy” Foods That Are Making You Fat–and Lose Weight Fast (2014)by Lyn-Genet Recitas. This approach to eating the foods that are right for you is right for me. Whenever I feel off-track with regard to eating (often!), I jump on her 3-day cleanse and lose a few extra pounds while gaining energy.
Reads
Both of these books were gifts from my wise coaches.
The Book of Joy
You can’t go wrong when the two main characters are His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Douglas Abrams, the author of this must-read book, brings them together for a week-long conversation in South Africa. Page after page you are reminded of our common humanity.
My copy has a lot of notes and underlining, along with plenty of tabs on the most meaningful passages for me, such as this one: “… if we can discover our role in creating the situations that upset us, we are able to reduce our feelings of frustrations and anger.”
Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg
I confess to falling for any productivity book or tip, but this one is different.
Duhigg, whom you may know as the author of The Power of Habit, breaks down productivity into eight key concepts. I was particularly drawn to his insights on motivation: “Self-motivation … is a choice we make because it is part of something bigger and more emotionally rewarding than the immediate task that needs doing.” Think about that for awhile.
The best part about this book is the stories he tells to punctuate his points. They will keep you turning the pages.
Gadgets & Apps
Foot Massager
I got this Homedics Shitasu Air Pro Foot Massager (with heat) in 2016, but wanted to make sure we used it before I wrote about it. I am not a fan of extra electronic gadgets around the house, so it was a big step (no pun intended) to add this to the collection. But, boy, it’s pretty wonderful.
It’s perfect for after a hike, a night of dancing at Art Biz Breakthrough (it happened!), or a full day of cooking.
Inbox Sanity
I heard about SaneBox on a podcast earlier this year and jumped on it. Now I’m completely devoted to this app that allows me to train the messages headed for my inbox.
If I’ve written the sender personally in the past, SaneBox will likely deliver it to my private inbox. Otherwise, it goes to “read later” or junk, or disappears forever into a black hole (after I’ve trained those).
Music
Jain
At Art Biz Breakthrough we’re known to cut a rug or two and music from Jain kept us energized during the 3 days. I discovered this French singer-songwriter earlier in the year and I’ve yet to tire of listening to her.
Wearables
3 Things from Our Local Running Store (even if you don’t run)
- We can never get enough of Tasc bamboo exercise clothing. Truly, I have lost count of how many Tasc shirts my husband has or how many we’ve given to my brother and our nephews. And they continue asking for more! (Love the sport bras and shirts for women, too.)
- My teenage cousin asked if I always hike in high heels. She was referring to my Hoka running shoes. The Hoka site refers to their “marshmallow, rocking chair, and bucket seat technologies.” Whatever. They are the perfect padding for my tender feet.
- Everyone in my family got a pair Oofos “recovery footwear” this Christmas. There’s everything to love about these flip flops, which makes it feel like you’re walking on air.
Ladies Only
One Coobie bra alone will not do because at some point you have to wash it and then what do you do? Wear a different brand? No!
Melanie Kobayashi introduced me to Fabulous Lip Prime on her blog, Bag and a Beret. It’s done the trick to keep lipstick in place instead of running outside the lines, which tends to happen to us women of a certain age.
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Related Episodes
More of my favorite things.
The post My Favorite Things 2017 Edition appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>I was intrigued to learn how Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin came together to write their new book Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts, and Conversations.
It’s a gorgeous tome that has quickly become the go-to resource for anyone who wants to know anything about cold wax. (We were talking 2nd printing already!)
In this episode we discuss:
- How Rebecca, in Wisconsin, and Jerry, in the Bay Area, collaborated long distance.
- How they funded the book’s production.
- How they divided the writing process.
- How they are marketing (successfully!) Cold Wax Medium.
I also asked them to share advice for other artists who might be interested in writing a book.
Please enjoy this behind-the-scenes peek at how this book has become a hit.
LISTEN NOW...
The post The Art Biz ep. 9: How Two Artists Self-Published and Are Promoting a Successful Book Together appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>I was intrigued to learn how Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin came together to write their new book Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts, and Conversations.
It’s a gorgeous tome that has quickly become the go-to resource for anyone who wants to know anything about cold wax. (We were talking 2nd printing already!)
In this episode we discuss:
- How Rebecca, in Wisconsin, and Jerry, in the Bay Area, collaborated long distance.
- How they funded the book’s production.
- How they divided the writing process.
- How they are marketing (successfully!) Cold Wax Medium.
I also asked them to share advice for other artists who might be interested in writing a book.
Please enjoy this behind-the-scenes peek at how this book has become a hit.
LISTEN NOW…
Music: Keep It Simple by Wildermiss. Used with permission.
Listen to or subscribe on iTunes.
About My Guests
| Jerry McLaughlin has been a working visual artist for twenty years and has exhibited at galleries throughout the U.S. His work is in collections around the world.
An expert in all things cold wax, he focuses his major energies on painting, teaching, and writing. As a teacher, Jerry’s strength lies in identifying and addressing his students’ individual needs. Trained as a pediatric intensive care physician, he also holds a certificate in adult education from the University of Washington. Jerry lives in Oakland, California. |
 |
| Rebecca Crowell has been a professional artist for thirty years and is widely known for her innovative painting techniques involving cold wax medium and oils.
She teaches these methods both in the US and internationally. Her work is handled by fine art galleries in Chicago, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Telluride, and Dublin, Ireland and is found in hundreds of private, public, and corporate collections. Rebecca holds an MFA in Painting and lives in rural west-central Wisconsin. |
 |
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]]>The post Why You Should Read Eric Fischl's Memoir appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>
At the time, I held on to art magazines for about 15 years, so this one is etched in my memory. And it reminds me of my early connection to art history and contemporary art. It’s nostalgic for me.
So I was thrilled to hear that Fischl had a new memoir out and even happier that my local library had a copy.
I devoured the book and thought I’d share why it should be on your reading list. Here’s a quick video review of Eric Fischl’s Bad Boy: My Life On and Off The Canvas.
Have You Read It?
I’d love to hear your insights after reading Bad Boy. Please share.
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]]>The post Best Gifts for Budding Artists appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>
Some people were glib:
- “Acid”
- “An exorcism”
- “An application for a job”
But most of my fans took the question seriously.
Several offered advice in lieu of a gift. They said the recent high-school graduate needs encouragement and support. They stressed, “Don’t get influenced by the party crowd. There will be enough time for that later on.”
Other fans said the best gift would be mentoring.
MANY people said the kid needed businesses classes and a copy of my book (thank you!).
I question this. Does a kid straight out of high school really need business classes when he should be focusing on developing a studio discipline?
I’m still not sure, although I wouldn’t mind the topic being introduced in year 2 of school. Too many schools offer business classes during the final semester only, which seems far too late for anything to stick.
The Top 6 Gifts for Artists
The graduation gifts for budding artists that seemed to attract the most votes were, in no particular order:
- Money
- Art supplies
- Books, especially Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland
- Gift certificate for art supplies and restaurants
- URL/Domain name
- Museum membership
One person observed that most of these would make good gifts for any artist.
Read all of the responses here.
What are your favorite gifts to give and receive?
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]]>The post Quick! 4 Lists to Review in IRBITS appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>I think of IRBITS as a reference book, but some people read it cover to cover and never look at it again. I’d like for that to change. There is plenty of face-saving information between the covers that you shouldn’t miss.
Here are four to review right away (all page numbers are from 2011 edition).
1. General Guidelines for Writing Your Artist Statement
Pages 41-42. They’re just guidelines, but should give you some structure when you sit down to write your artist statement.
Pay close attention to: “Stick to the current direction of your work.”
2. My Rules for Artists’ Marketing Materials
Pages 79-80
Really let this section sink in!
Pay close attention to these rules: “Nothing upstages the art” and “Get a second set of eyes (besides your mother’s).”
3. Tips for Managing Social Media
Pages 136-37
Pay close attention to: “Complete your profile” and “Monitor your time.”
4. Email Newsletter Checklist
Pages 155-56
Pay close attention to: Everything!
Every one of these reminders was included because I’ve witnessed artists making these mistakes. Adapt my list from these pages to make your own checklist. Review your list with each email blast you send.
What’s your favorite section in IRBITS to review? Or what have you found most helpful?
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]]>The post A Simple Approach to Writing Book Reviews for Your Blog or Newsletter appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>In my previous article, I wrote about why it’s a good idea to write book reviews.
Everyone will have her own book review style. You want to express your personality. Your reviews will be one way you distinguish yourself from others online.
Here are a few suggestions for making your book reviews less onerous and more effective.
Don’t feel pressured to write a critical review.
In the past I struggled with reviewing. I thought I had to deliver a highly articulate and intelligent opinion on the work. This pressure made reviewing miserable.
But when I remembered how much I enjoyed recommending books as a bookseller at Capitol Hill Books, I regained my enthusiasm.
Now, with my video reviews, I simply recommend books. I choose one memorable thing about the book and emphasize that. It’s still an intelligent review, but I don’t have to be complex or long-winded.
Share the learning.
What books helped you grow as an artist? Think of each book as a teacher. What juicy nuggets did you get from each one?
Share those as a list in one post, or break the list into a series of posts.
Keep it short.
A written review could be done in 100-200 words. I try to keep my video reviews, like the one featured here, to one minute.
Don’t feel you have to summarize the whole book. Choose one or two points to share.
Check the facts.
Be sure to spell the author’s name and the title correctly. If you’re doing audio or video reviews, learn how to pronounce the author’s name.
Give accurate information about where to buy the book. Use appropriate tags on Goodreads and Amazon reviews.
Try it.
Recall a book you recently enjoyed. Write your review within the next week to practice and find your review style.
What helps make reviewing and recommending books easier for you? What’s your signature review style?
About Our Guest Blogger
Cynthia Morris has been coaching writers at Original Impulse for as long as she’s been writing her novel. Set in Paris 1937, Chasing Sylvia Beach is now available for your summer reading. Find out more.
The post A Simple Approach to Writing Book Reviews for Your Blog or Newsletter appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>The post Free Content for Your Blog or Newsletter: Write a Book Review appeared first on Art Biz Success.
]]>When I teach the Blog Triage class with Alyson, many of our artist-students include books among topics they want to write about. [update: this class is no longer available]
Books do many things for us, but writing about books can help us both personally and professionally. Here are four reasons to consider reviewing books for your blog or newsletter.
4 Reasons to Write a Book Review
1. Increased Credibility
Recommending a book or any other resource helps position you as an expert, or at least someone with something to say, on the topic.
With so many resources available now, people who recommend or curate the possibilities become more valuable and credible.
2. Increased Engagement
Books go a long way to connect with your audience. When people scan my list of recommended books or Goodreads profile, they get a pretty good idea of who I am and what I care about. It almost immediately brings someone in my target market closer to me, a stranger, simply because she’s interested in or likes the books I recommend.
A lot of my interaction with my readers is about the books and resources I recommend. Think of a book as a social object. It gives us something to connect over without talking about ourselves.
3. Knowledge Grows
In The Eighth Habit, Stephen Covey tells us that when we recount something recently learned, we solidify the knowledge in ourselves.
Sharing information enhances all involved, including the author.
4. More Visibility
There are a lot of places to post reviews, which allows you to pop up in searches more.
I post my video reviews on my blog, YouTube, Goodreads, Facebook and Amazon. That’s a lot of places to be found!
Okay, so you’re a book lover and you’re convinced that reviews are a good idea for your business. Let’s look at types of books to consider.
Types of Books Artists Might Want to Review and Why
As a former bookseller, I feel an obligation to share my favorite books with people. I love talking about books. As a writer and writer’s coach, doing so fits nicely into my publishing agenda.
But I am careful to share only things that are very relevant to my audience. Such books for my readers include novels and books on being more creative or productive.
My bottom line question to myself is always: Will this book make my readers’ lives better?
Think of your audience. What do they want to know more about? Types of books you may consider sharing:
- Novels with artists portrayed. If you write about the lifestyle of artists on your blog, this would be a great type of book to review. It’s also interesting to see how reading the story of an artist can impact your art.
- Novels that include your subject matter as a primary theme. For example, if your art is inspired by Paris, you might take a look at Chasing Sylvia Beach, my new novel about a young bookseller who finds herself on the doorstep of her literary heroine – 70 years in the past.
- Business books for artists. Do you write about the business of art? This type of reading shows that you are serious about your career and savvy enough to run it as a business. Buyers might like seeing that you know what you’re doing, or better yet, demonstrating that you’re doing it.With instructional books like I’d Rather Be In The Studio, you can engage your audience by creating a challenge from the book that you do alongside your readers. Offer a prize and accountability, a great way to bring people back to your blog and generate a sense of community.
- How-to art books in your medium. If you like to discuss the process of your art making, how-to books can be helpful to your readers.Chances are good that you’ve devoured every how-to book in your medium, and you’ve perhaps even written your own. This makes you a curator of a specific type of book, and your expert opinion on which is best is very valuable.Post a list of your favorite how-to books. Tell why they’re the best. What’s the absolute must-have how-to in your studio?
In part two of Book Reviews, one week from today, I’ll share strategies for how to write an effective book review.
What books do you already recommend? What might you add to the mix that can strengthen your brand?
Cynthia Morris has been coaching writers at Original Impulse for as long as she’s been writing her novel. Set in Paris 1937, Chasing Sylvia Beach is now available for your summer reading. Find out more.
The post Free Content for Your Blog or Newsletter: Write a Book Review appeared first on Art Biz Success.
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