We Need Your Art

Stop Messing Around and Make Something

By: Amie McNee

Narrated by: Amie McNee

From Amie McNee, the voice behind Inspired to Write, a manifesto on the vital, human importance of creating, with guidance for all artists in all endeavors, whether they're starting their journey or seeking a fresh perspective.

In We Need Your Art, Amie McNee calls artists and aspiring artists of all kinds to do the work they’re meant to do: create.

Using her own experiences as a novelist and the inspiration she’s shared as a creative coach, Amie guides you on why we need your art and how you can make it happen—starting with a two-week reset plan to help you kick-start your creative habit. This isn’t about writing your great novel in a month or painting a masterpiece in a flurry of inspiration. Rather, this process is about practicing small, sustainable creative steps every day over time—five hundred words of writing each day, a pencil sketch every evening—so that you avoid burnout, produce consistent, reliable content on your own terms, and begin to see yourself as an artist.

With frank and empowering conversations on the many issues creatives face, including impostor syndrome, perfectionism, procrastination, and the inner critic, as well as invitations to coronate yourself and celebrate your ambition, Amie provides the framework and encouragement you need to begin to take your art seriously. Each chapter also includes journal prompts that help you apply what you have learned to your new life.

We Need Your Art is a revolutionary reprogramming of everything we have been taught and told about being a creative, removing the shame and fear we may feel at dubbing ourselves artists and inviting us to create proudly, with celebration. This book is a warm hug, a pep talk, the wise teacher you always wanted, the loving parent you needed, and the fire in your belly that you need to get roaring.

Critic reviews

“A manifesto for anyone who wants to make art of any kind. A book against insecurity and the self-doubt that can stop us doing the thing we love. An empowering read and a battle cry for the creative spirit. A joy.”
—Matt Haig, New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Library and The Life Impossible

“A wake-up call for anyone stuck on the sidelines of their creativity. We Need Your Art is the book you need to stop procrastinating and overthinking and start doing and creating.”
—Jay Shetty, global bestselling author and award-winning podcast host of On Purpose

“With a voice of humor and compassion, Amie McNee speaks directly to the artist’s heart. This book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, revealing the often unspoken challenges artists face. We Need Your Art is both a comfort and a call to action.”
—Whitney Hanson, author of Home and Harmony

“If you are looking for permission to write the book, make the art, or do the thing, this was written for you. McNee’s relatable voice, vulnerable spirit, and encouraging nature radiates and makes room for us all to show up and shine.”
—Alexandra Elle, New York Times bestselling author of How We Heal

“I could not agree more. If you have creativity waiting to be unleashed, read this encouraging guide for inspiration, courage, and great insight. Be bold and share your art to help others—you never know who it will uplift.”
—Yung Pueblo, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"This book is desperately needed medicine for our hearts, our lives, and our culture. I will read it over and over until its many truths sink into every one of my cells. If you have ever felt the slightest impulse to create anything, I urge you to do the same. Well researched, beautifully written, and powerfully healing, WE NEED YOUR ART is not only a great read, but a manifesto for our personal and collective freedom. Thank you, Amie McNee!" —Martha Beck, PhD, author of Beyond Anxiety

Understood

Amazing author, writer, artist. I’m so so happy she decided to read the book herself because it’s what I was hoping for and more ✨🌱🍀💖 navigated all the pitfalls of creativity and how to make art despite mistakes or critics inner or outer in an enjoyable way, playful and genuine the book is beautiful and everything I needed.

Inspiration and encouragement

I appreciate the author’s passion for art, her generosity of encouragement, and advice. I recommend this book to all creatives.

AMIE UNDERSTANDS

Love the narration. Tears were shed. I will be purchasing the physical copy as well. The world needs this book.

Spirit guide

Thank you soo much Aimee! Even as I write this review my eyes are filling with tears. Your book spoke to all of my inner dialogue and helped me to see my challenges as I begin to rewrite the narratives that keep me small and safe. Your book is a blueprint for me as a performing storyteller and I will hold special prayer and place in my heart for you as I create. I am recommending this book to all of the artist/creatives I know. May you have all of the pleasure and Bliss this realm holds! Ase’O So it is!💖🧚🏾

REFRESHING & Delightful!

Amie has such a powerful way with words, and for me, she is able to speak in a way THAT LIGHTS A FIRE. Her tone helps me stay compassionate in my mind, but also really really inspires me and motivates me to make art and take action.

I’ve already told my mom, my sister and at least three other people they need to read this book, I’ve heard her speak live and have been waiting for the book to come out so I could relive being in her magic!

I’m positive this is a book. I will read over and over again. The questions and prompts are beautiful, insightful, and helpful and most importantly it’s just fun as well!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ART AMIE.