Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: Jones has created an inventive and unorthodox premise that she semi-convincingly defends in Artist. While the author makes many valid claims, the foundation here, that actors hold the key to fixing society, may seem a bit of a stretch to some readers.
Prose: The author is a solid writer, able to express her ideas clearly and succinctly. Jones demonstrates effective and confident command of language and structure.
Originality: This is a highly original and unique work, that draws from a singular premise. Readers will find many of the arguments to be insightful and eye-opening.
Character/Execution: The central theme throughout this work centers on the belief that waking up the artist within will solve our collective ills. Jones makes a focused argument that remains center stage throughout.
Date Submitted: December 05, 2022
Hollywood acting teacher Jones delivers a motivational debut that encourages artists of all types to connect to their muse or spirit—the ultimate source of their inspiration—to power their creativity and achieve personal goals. “The artist seeks to discover what we can be beyond what we already are,” Jones writes. She urges readers to know themselves, first and foremost, exploring their values and heeding their inner voices, particularly in a time of social unrest, when media influencers bombard the public with overpowering messages. Jones urges readers to tune out the noise and connect to inner truths, arguing “It’s time to wake up and realize who you are and what you’re capable of.” Jones first tackles the importance of identity, encouraging analysis of questions like whether one’s goals contribute to one’s art, well-being, and community—and encouraging readers to say “I am an artist” rather than “I want to be an artist.” Each chapter opens with an enlightening story from Jones’s own life to illustrate how experience can be a guide to awareness. There’s even some welcome glamor when she shares that her father, the character actor Henry Jones, whose flair for storytelling that blossomed at Hollywood dinner parties, like Alfred Hitchcock’s retirement soirée, which Jones attended at age 14, gaining insight into her father’s gift and how it might help her cope with personal challenges. Jones also delves into the discomfort that comes with not having all the answers, encouraging readers to continually explore uncharted territories, declaring “Once you think you know, you’re done learning.”
Readers will appreciate the uplifting tone of Jones’s guidance as she outlines how to perceive without prejudice and attributes living in the moment to a confidence in our own decision making. Hands-on activities like sample meditations, exercises, and journaling prompts offer readers user-friendly methods for taking Jones’s advice to heart. The result is a practical and upbeat guide to living a creative life through spiritual awakening.
Takeaway: Artists of all kinds will find inspiration in this guide to knowing and expressing yourself.
Great for fans of: Marti DeLeon and Cameron D. Rodriguez’s You Are Worthy!, Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
“Concise, insightful, and often funny.”
“Grounded in intentionality and internal inspiration.”
“Appealing guide to living a more creative life.”
“Masterpiece!”
“Explores human life and how we live it.”
“Spoke to me deeply with each swipe of the page.”
"I was led into the world of the actor."
"The stories and encouragement here may be the very thing a budding artist needs to get started."
"A classic work."
"Shows readers how they can tap into the core of their creative genius."
"Prose not just crisp but delectable."
"A gift that will be treasured not only by those who want to succeed in the acting industry but by anyone seeking light and clarity on the path they have chosen."
“Visionary hybrid of a memoir and self-help book.”
“For anyone with a bent for soul-searching or growth.”
“A charming guidebook to creative inspiration and the evolution of an open heart.”
