Your Inner Critic Is a Big Jerk

And Other Truths About Being Creative

By: Danielle Krysa

Narrated by: Danielle Krysa

Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

This book is duct tape for the mouth of every artist's inner critic. Silencing that stifling voice once and for all, this salve for creatives introduces 10 truths they must face in order to defeat self-doubt. Each encouraging chapter deconstructs a pivotal moment on the path to success - fear of the blank page, the dangers of jealousy, sharing work with others - and explains how to navigate roadblock.

Packed with helpful anecdotes, thoughts from successful creatives, and practical exercises gleaned from Danielle Krysa's years of working with professional and aspiring artists, this audiobook arms listeners with the most essential tool for their toolbox: the confidence they need to get down to business and make good work.

©2016 Danielle Krysa (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Creative people beset by self doubt are fortunate to have feisty author-narrator Danielle Krysa help transform an unwelcome inner critic to their very own inner cheerleader! Krysa tackles the obstacles that artists of all mediums encounter after the endearing confidence and enthusiasm of creating art in childhood disappears with maturity. She's quick to point out that the inner critic is NOT the same as constructive criticism which can be helpful and greatly aid the creative process. Simple exercises are introduced to help listeners become their own cheerleaders when self criticism or a creative block strikes. Krysa adds depth when she interviews professional artists who also admit to self doubt. Everyone can hear themselves in these anecdotes. Krysa's infectious humor and clever word choices add to the listening pleasure along with her final admonition that by not trying to overcome internal criticism, the critic wins." ( AudioFile Magazine)

This book is a Treasure chest.

This book is amazingly helpful. I will recommend it to all my friends who love to create stuff (or used to love to create stuff but are being held hostages of their own inner critic). I related in so many ways to what Danielle explains here... I know this book will have an impact in my work because I will return to it whenever I feel creatively blocked and in need of assistance to reset and restart.

The perfect creative block buster!

This was a perfect book to help me find ways to break through the barriers my inner critic creates for me! It was so very helpful to hear that I am not alone through the experiences shared. Thank you, Danielle, for a perfectly timed book!

Just what every creative person needs

This book is a must for anyone who is drawn to the creative world. It has so many moments that make you want to scream “me too!!!” This book spoke to me on so many levels, encouraged me, even made me cry (yes, I’ll admit it). I listened to it at such a critical time in my life; I cannot even begin to express my gratitude. An excellent listen. I highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling to tame their own inner artist. You are not alone! Let Danielle Krysa show you!

Not adapted for audio book

Usually in an audio book, there are special adaptations because of the format, but this book refers to page numbers and references as if it's a printed book. The advice is good, but just buy the printed version, or you will feel that you are missing out on something.

Applies to life and not only arts

Most ideas and stories apply to life in general and not just artistic things... I enjoyed it.

Thoughtful and actionable

great actions, failures and story of how to be creative and how to resolve issues.

Encouraging and Therapeutic

I enjoyed this one a lot. Excellent encouragement and motivation for those of us with imposter syndrome, insecurity, etc. Thanks, Danielle, for a great book!

works for me

this book helped me get back into creativity after giving it up for the last 10years of badness

A Lot Covered In Less Than 3 Hours But--

You may have heard it all before if you've done the whole Oh-my-god-I'm-Stuck book hunt thing. Which I have. I have dozens of books on how to try to get out there and create (because listening to a book means I don't have to actually do anything... I know... I'm sorry...), and a lot of what I've heard before in Your Inner Critic Is a Big Jerk is kinda sorta old news. The main thing is:
Choice! We have choices about whether we want to turn our creative impulses into hard work, or fun play. We can shackle ourselves to the idea that we need more/advanced schooling, or just realize that by doing, we're getting better. We can go it alone, or we can find community with other artists, people who inspire us. We can be frozen by our seething jealousy, or we can turn it into rocket-fuel inspiration. We can stare at a blank page, a blank canvas, or we can work on something already scribbled upon, maybe build from there.
So choice, my friend!
That's what's here, and you may've heard it all before, but really. Less than 3 hours? You might need the hope, the snippets, the gentle and courageous prodding.
God knows, I do...!

Inciteful

I liked how the author provided lots of self help tips. She provided a great example to never give up