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)

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...!

Kick Your Inner Critic to the Curb

This audiobook is funny, full of lots of good advice to get your creative juices flowing, and an excellent means of procrastinating when it's time to be creative.

Who are you creative for? Do we create for an audience or ourselves? Danielle Krysa gives the tools, prompts and advice to get us out there and create for the sake of doing it. Stuck in a rut? Make a macaroni collage-- just get to it.

She gives your inner critic a swift kick in the pants while encouraging you to get on with it. I loved the interviews with working artists that let me know that EVERYONE has doubts about their abilities and can find an excuse to not create.

"Your Inner Critic Is a Big Fat Jerk" is genuinely helpful and is well and sincerely read by the author.

Excellent, quick, encouraging

Loved the length, i could listen again and still get information out of it. Loved her voice, just very good narration. And lots of truth in the book itself.

Only one downside. . .

This book, for me, needs visuals. It's the kind of book I would refer back to for ideas. I will listen to it again, though. Thank you for the free trial!

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.

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.

Repetitive motivation

This book has some great points on how to deal with negative self doubt being an artist. There are a few good personal experience stories and actual interviews that were conducted by the author.

However as an audio book it gets repetitive and feels like a PDF handout you’d get at a seminar or university. Some of the suggestions felt rushed, the quotes really did feel like they were directly pulled from pintrest (as quoted). Not sure l would recommend this to other artist or friends.

Lack of Creative Depth

Unfortunately, Danielle does not seem to tap into the source of creativity the book seems eagerly trying to give directions to. The language is casual and shallow, not touching. Danielle wanted to write a book, but a book didn't want to be written.

Makes you want to ART..... with a vengance

Essentially this is an honest and sassy book about how all people talk themselves out of being creative (or even considering themselves 'real artist'). while there is plenty of good advice and methods to argue against your own bs, it's the overarching message that it's normal and that your not alone if you struggle to live a creative lifestyle that's the heart of the book. If anything, it will help you work past that one teacher/family member that told you your horrible and should give up.

It rings true

I'm grateful for people like Danielle Krysa who are willing to remind us that we don't need to be perfect, we just need to be personally fulfilled and embrace the things that make us creatively happy, regardless of the opinion of outer and, more importantly, inner big jerks.

Being an artist....

Great book, allows you to look into yourself and reassure that what you do is worth doing and how to push negative thoughts away. I would recommend it to anyone who likes using different range of medications to express not just themselves. I’m an interior designer and really connected with the content so don’t worry if you are not an “artist” because at the end of the day what really matters is you and your passion for creativity.

A great starting point for creatives

Very motivating to listen to, not all the points were beneficial to me and my situation which is difficult to filter through when listening but some great points and a good starting point to anyone who is dealing with creativity issues and an inner critic! Definitely recommend a listen!

excellent kick start when your creativity is lost

easy to listen to, realistic, Frank & genuine - a great boost when your feeling a bit lost sinking without creativity - thank you one of the best books for a long time :-)

Nothing like it

As a recent fine art graduate, now trying my hand at design, this listen was invaluable! To hear others who have stood in front of the same hurdles was the uplift I needed. So nice to know I can listen to it whenever I need that creative boost.

Absolutely fantastic

Honestly this book is fantastic . As s creative myself it's like she speaks my mind and what is constantly buzzing around up there ! Reading it and now listening to it has allowed me to take control of my inner critic , my creative journey and also my professional development. Strongly recommended for anyone struggling with creative doubt ! And I would say to actually buy the book too and have those post-it's ready 🙂

Really useful and light heart

Easy to listen to, with great tips. Want to listen to her other book now