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Wild Ideas: Creativity from the Inside Out Kindle Edition

by Cathy Wild (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 123 ratings
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"Wild Ideas" is the winner of multiple book awards and honors for writing, concept and design, including:
*    The Nautilus Book Award
*    The International Soul-Bridge Body-Mind-Spirit Award
*    The Shelf Unbound  Notable 100 Books Award
"...Beautifully written and delivered, Wild Ideas is flawless in its presentation, lyrical style, and potentially life-changing message. Like a good friend who knows how to comfort and catalyze at the same time, Wild encourages others, not with a push but a gentle nudge, to press through the doubt, insecurity, and other roadblocks that threaten to sabotage their fulfillment. For readers who sense that something is missing -- not just working artists... -- this book is the perfect place to begin." --BlueInk Review

 "...An engaging road map for artistic expression that successfully explores the necessary routes while supporting those who are taking the trip." --Kirkus Reviews

Award-winning Wild Ideas: Creativity from the Inside Out takes you on an intimate journey through the seven stages of the creative process. All along the way,  counselor and artist Cathy Wild interweaves her own deeply personal story as well as provocative insights gleaned from her many years in private practice. Discover your authentic voice while exploring timeless themes that compel creative expression--curiosity and imagination, mystery and mourning, chaos and clarity, suffering and gratitude and many more. Reading Wild Ideas is a dynamic experiential process that will support you on a profound personal journey of transformation.

"Wild Ideas: Creativity from the Inside Out is about tackling anything in life with confidence: an art project, a business, relationship or lifestyle. The book is about living more authentically and not fighting the sacrifices required to do so...Wild Ideas is a wonderful read." --Pensacola News Journal

"Cathy Wild's book, Wild Ideas: Creativity from the Inside Out, goes beyond a few simple suggestions to stimulate creativity. ..You'll be inspired to stay the course through the chaos of creation as you tap into Cathy Wild's deep wisdom, fully expressing what has meaning and value to you." --Justine Willis Toms, Co-founder and Host, New Dimensions Radio

"Cathy Wild is a creative spirit who has written a brave exploration of her personal journey interwoven with wise, encouraging guidance and beautifully chosen quotes... Wild Ideas will support you in discovering and following the voice of your soul." --Kayleen Asbo, Ph.D., cultural historian, musician, writer, and faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of  Music
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  1. Print length
    326 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 6, 2017
  4. File size
    2.1 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"An engaging roadmap for artistic expression..."-- Kirkus Reviews

"Wild Ideas is a unique creativity workshop in a book that should be required reading for anyone who struggles with fear, insecurity, emotional trauma, or simply unrecognized creativity. It unlocks the process to show you how to reach your deepest creativity."--Laura Hynds, MyShelf.com

"...Beautifully written and delivered, Wild Ideas is flawless in its presentation, lyrical style, and potentially life-changing message. Like a good friend who knows how to comfort and catalyze at the same time, Wild encourages others, not with a push but a gentle nudge, to press through the doubt, insecurity, and other roadblocks that threaten to sabotage their fulfillment. For readers who sense that something is missing--not just working artists, but those who "just want to feel more alive and connected" --this book is the perfect place to begin."--Blueink Review

"...The structure of Wild Ideas is unusually creative in that it enables one to read the book from start to finish or to select any one or more self-contained parts and read them separately. Either way, the book makes sense...Within each part, Wild is unafraid to expose her own vulnerability, discussing troubling aspects of her past, the difficulty of writing the book, and the general challenges of creativity...'Every creative journey plunges us into mystery,' Wild says. Wild Ideas, however, is no mystery; it is a well-crafted, impassioned discussion of creativity that should make a real impression on every reader. - Foreward (Clarion) Review

"...What I really loved about this book is that Cathy Wild did not limit her words and her advice to one kind of artist and art."--Rabia Tanveer, Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

From the Back Cover

"After struggling for years with my fears and insecurities, the creative process offered me a way to express my deepest passions. Beyond that, the mysterious inner workings of creativity turned out to be a blueprint for navigating life's challenges. This revelation changed my life, and it can change yours, too!"--Cathy Wild

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N3CQNQW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Standing Place Press, LLC (February 6, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 6, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 326 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 123 ratings

About the author

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Cathy Wild

Cathy Wild

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Cathy Wild has spent more than thirty years developing innovative approaches to healing that integrate powerful body-centered techniques with the creative process. While expanding her private practice, Cathy became a popular speaker, workshop leader, and corporate consultant.

She has facilitated women’s groups, writing groups, and book groups; and has taught in the extended education program at Santa Rosa Junior College.

As a pioneer in somatic counseling, the expressive arts; and the field of life coaching, Cathy was featured as a creativity expert on the PBS television series: "In the Prime". Today, her life's work has deepened and evolved into Body-Centered Healing—a dynamic, experiential process that supports clients on a profound personal journey of transformation.

For more information, visit Cathy’s website: http://CathyWild.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
123 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking and engaging. They describe it as a creative guide for times in life or during creative projects. Readers praise the writing quality as great and brilliant. The book makes them feel comfortable and happy inside.

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Thought provokingReadabilityWriting qualityComfort
13 customers mention "Thought provoking"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and helpful for exploring creative ideas. It provides a guide for better understanding oneself through stories and insights from others. The author provides a clear voice that helps readers overcome obstacles to creativity. Overall, it is described as wise, vulnerable, warm, inviting, and thought-provoking.

"...The author seemingly effortlessly combines a thoughtful exploration of the universal aspects of the creative process with her personal story, which..." Read more

"...OK, I'm now on Page 43 and this review is finished. I'm sunk so deeply into Cathy's psyche I don't want to share any more of my feelings...." Read more

"...of her secret sauce, but somehow she has created a truly helpful self-help book I couldn't wait to come back to, to curl up in at bedtime and enjoy." Read more

"...Consistently, Wild Ideas has provided clarity and encouragement in areas which were once murky— and assurance that I am not alone in the struggles..." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging and well-thought-out, with a compelling storyline that keeps them hooked. The book is described as precious and effective.

"...beautiful dialogue in the book of the universal and personal is extremely effective as it is deeply engaging and compelling...." Read more

"...I'm getting into the really good stuff, now, and reading parts of it to my wife who is also a writer...." Read more

"Wild Ideas was a delicious read, which surprised me, since I rarely get past the first few chapters of most self-help books...." Read more

"...The narrative carries me along and is never boring...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality and engaging content. They find the book written with conviction and praise the author's brilliant use of words. Readers describe it as a delight to read, inspiring storytelling, and profound insights.

"...Like other reviewers have said, you can read the book cover to cover; or, you can delve into it randomly, or based upon where you are in your..." Read more

"...In John Gardner's book, The Art of Fiction, he says great writing, art and music all have in common is they all suspend time and place...." Read more

"...This is a book about the creative process, written out of deep conviction by someone who has walked the walk and helped many others find their paths...." Read more

"...is also structured and thoughtfully ordered: each self-contained chapter covers a concise theme and includes prompts for further reflection at the..." Read more

4 customers mention "Comfort"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book comforting. They say it makes them feel cozy and happy inside. Readers also relate to how the author views and feels life.

"...It is like an old friend that makes you feel cozy and happy inside, but also one who somehow knows your soul intimately and can speak to it directly...." Read more

"...Like a favorite poem, I find both comfort and newness in this book each time I turn to it...." Read more

"...and open to any page in order to feel a sense of self-empowerment and comfort. Wild Ideas would be a great gift—and it doesn’t have to be for..." Read more

"...I relate to how she sees and feels life...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • DM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Step into Cathy Wild's "Secret Garden" and be transformed...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    My adventure with this lovely book started with a thorough research into all kinds of written works on creativity. Creativity is a popular topic these days; yet, all other books I encountered in my research seemed to be severely lacking in content and ironically perhaps, originality. Amid this disappointing search I stumbled upon Wild Ideas, and my life was changed in an instant. This book is like an invitation to enter Cathy Wild’s “Secret Garden,” and once you step into it, you will be transformed.

    I cannot tell you enough amazing things about this book. In a nutshell, Wild Ideas is a precious and wondrous excursion into the topic of creativity. The author seemingly effortlessly combines a thoughtful exploration of the universal aspects of the creative process with her personal story, which she shares with moving honesty and vulnerability. There are ample stories and insights from other people, too, and you will be certain to find yourself in the pages of this book, no matter why and how you came to it, or what your story is. The beautiful dialogue in the book of the universal and personal is extremely effective as it is deeply engaging and compelling. Each chapter begins with one or more quotes from different creative people, writers and poets, philosophers and thinkers, scientists, and others. The content is thought-provoking, and the writing is exquisite. Each chapter ends with an invitation to the reader to engage in your own personal reflection on several inspiring questions to help you relate the content to your own story, dreams, ideas, your hopes and fears. You can write or journal your answers; or you can draw or paint them, or whatever manner of creative expression makes sense to you. Like other reviewers have said, you can read the book cover to cover; or, you can delve into it randomly, or based upon where you are in your creative process and what you need at any given moment in time. The book only requires you to open the page that you think you need the most, and voilà, you will find yourself instantly absorbed by the words with your mind and soul responding and engaging.

    Wild Ideas is wise and vulnerable, warm, inviting, thought-provoking, engaging, and compelling all at once. It is like an old friend that makes you feel cozy and happy inside, but also one who somehow knows your soul intimately and can speak to it directly. This book is guaranteed to help you connect more deeply with yourself. What a beautiful gift the author gave us. Don’t wait a minute longer, and make sure to get this book now!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Jim in Sebastopol
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delight to read. I'm looking forward to reading more.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I met Cathy at a writer's gathering today and she told me enough about her book I just purchased it. I want her to know the book is better than I thought it would be and, from our conversation, I thought it would be quite good. I'm getting into the really good stuff, now, and reading parts of it to my wife who is also a writer. A good book is the best gift (other than a new friend) you can give yourself.

    I tried to sleep but Cathy's book wouldn't let me so I'm up and now on page 17. As I read along, her brilliant use of words reminds me of the stream of consciousness writing of Jack Kerouac in On the Road. I'll check back in.

    On page 40, Cathy discovers one of the five truths, spiritual journeys begin with forgiving others. But you have to remember to forgive yourself, too. On page 42, she weaves creativity into relationships. All the lovelorn out there will benefit from this part, alone." "Whether this spark ignites a creative fire depends on how well you nurture the qualities from which all acts of creative inspiration spring: desire, imagination, purpose, curiosity, and risk." As a former book reviewer, I quote this writer only once.

    OK, I'm now on Page 43 and this review is finished. I'm sunk so deeply into Cathy's psyche I don't want to share any more of my feelings. I strongly recommend this book to every writer, editor, poet, painter, potter, musician and dreamer I know. In John Gardner's book, The Art of Fiction, he says great writing, art and music all have in common is they all suspend time and place.

    Cathy, you suspend time and place. Thank you.
    30 people found this helpful
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  • Carol Fitzgerald
    5.0 out of 5 stars Transcends the Self-Help Genre
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Wild Ideas was a delicious read, which surprised me, since I rarely get past the first few chapters of most self-help books. The main enticement was Cathy Wild's unique blend of inspired storytelling and profound insight. Unlike authors who begin with a single premise and withhold their pearl of wisdom to the end, she surprises line by line, page by page, with fresh perspectives and rich understandings, packed in sentences worthy of reflection in themselves. In fact, my copy has so many corners turned to mark my favorite parts, it looks twice as thick as when I started.

    This is a book about the creative process, written out of deep conviction by someone who has walked the walk and helped many others find their paths. But more than that, it is a guide to becoming our best selves, fulfilling our greatest potential. The medium is the message here, for in this innovative format, as we confront our own barriers to self-expression, we share the birthing of the book from the inside out.

    Moment to moment, Ms. Wild is fully present, an accessible role model and companion, offering evolved vision, humor and nurture to anyone wishing to challenge their personal status quo. I don't know the exact ingredients of her secret sauce, but somehow she has created a truly helpful self-help book I couldn't wait to come back to, to curl up in at bedtime and enjoy.
    18 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Miss Tamsin E R Harrison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book for helping to explore one's own relationship with the creative self. I almost didn't buy it as previous reviews said it is too focused on creativity as a career choice but actually I haven't found this to be the case at all. I think whether you're wanting a creative career, a creative hobby or just want to explore the concept if what creativity means in your life this is a great book to help you.
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  • li
    5.0 out of 5 stars Drawings in the middle of the book
    Reviewed in France on March 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A perfect guide for every creative soul !
    But one thing due to the printer: Between page 164 et page 165 there are 14 pages of drawings , nothing to do with the subject. Strange error of printing...I'm not sure Cathy Wild would apreciate...
    Customer image
    li
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Drawings in the middle of the book

    Reviewed in France on March 7, 2022
    A perfect guide for every creative soul !
    But one thing due to the printer: Between page 164 et page 165 there are 14 pages of drawings , nothing to do with the subject. Strange error of printing...I'm not sure Cathy Wild would apreciate...
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    Report
  • Karen Hume
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books about the Creative Spiral I’ve Ever Read... and I’ve Read Dozens.
    Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have shelves of books about the creative process. It used to be that reading those books was a great substitute for actually engaging in creative activity of any kind. Now that particular curse has been broken — Hallelujah! — I still read all of the books, but now I’m much more discerning. I want an author who is honest, transparent, gritty and real; someone who has been there, understands all aspects of the creative spiral and who can ask the right kinds of questions that will help bring me to deeper and deeper levels of insight. Cathy Wild does all of that. This is one of the best books about creativity I’ve ever read. It might even be the very best.
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  • Julie in England
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I love the composition of this excellent book. It's separated into an easy read of a very involved subject. As I read I kept coming across "me" and found time and again ways out of the problems I was having, not only in my creativity but in life itself. It is very insightful, helpful and inspiring. Thank you Cathy
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  • APWidd
    2.0 out of 5 stars This is a self help book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is a nicely written book which captures an interesting life. Cathy Wild comes across as the sort of person you would enjoy meeting. However, it is really aimed at business creatives, not art creatives and I would not have wasted my money on it had I understood that.

    The misunderstanding starts with the tile, which is a pun on the author's name. The content, however, is far from "Wild" and is in fact a relatively pedestrian attempt to rationalise the creative business process. If you are an artist looking for an offbeat source of "spark" to turbo charge your creative work, this book will be a disappointment and you should look elsewhere.
    Report

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