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The Lost Soul Companion: A Book of Comfort and Constructive Advice for Black Sheep, Square Pegs, Struggling Artists, and Other Free Spirits
The ultimate survival guide for starving artists, writers, performers — and anyone whose dreams can’t be contained by an office cubicle.
Filled with down-to-earth advice and sustenance for your most far-flung dreams, The Lost Soul Companion is the perfect guide for anyone grappling with the darker side of creativity.
A source of support when your day job gets you down, a refreshing reservoir of humor when you’re knee-deep in rejection slips, this remarkable little book offers both inspiration and compassion, plus surefire strategies for surviving in what can sometimes seem like “a world of meanies.”
From the anti-procrastination “chopstick plan,” to the importance of staying well nourished (toaster-oven-snack recipes included), The Lost Soul Companion will speak to anyone with big dreams and creative spirit who nonetheless finds it tough some days just to get out of bed.
Filled with down-to-earth advice and sustenance for your most far-flung dreams, The Lost Soul Companion is the perfect guide for anyone grappling with the darker side of creativity.
A source of support when your day job gets you down, a refreshing reservoir of humor when you’re knee-deep in rejection slips, this remarkable little book offers both inspiration and compassion, plus surefire strategies for surviving in what can sometimes seem like “a world of meanies.”
From the anti-procrastination “chopstick plan,” to the importance of staying well nourished (toaster-oven-snack recipes included), The Lost Soul Companion will speak to anyone with big dreams and creative spirit who nonetheless finds it tough some days just to get out of bed.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2000
3 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 4, 2013
I found this book in some obscure mall store that no longer exists. I bought it purely because the title was long and I found it incredibly amusing (and so, OK, I probably do consider myself to be a square peg and a free spirit).
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but upon reading it, I was surprised to find that I could relate to this woman. It's hard making it in a world that feels so different from your own. Sometimes you want to go on a murderous rampage, sometimes you want to commit harm to yourself because life can be so unfair, and sometimes life is good and you are surrounded by odd people who will amuse you like no other. How can life be so confusing? Brackney surely understands.
Not only does Brackney provide helpful advice to help distract the reader from their current life situations, she also includes her own struggles and accomplishments. She validates her own advice through the situations she's gone through, making the reader feel more at ease - here is someone who understands!
What I like most are the little crafty tips. Because of this book, I was able to make little snow globes for my loved ones. I love it when a book takes me beyond it's pages, and this one certainly does. You just won't catch me making road kill puppets!
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but upon reading it, I was surprised to find that I could relate to this woman. It's hard making it in a world that feels so different from your own. Sometimes you want to go on a murderous rampage, sometimes you want to commit harm to yourself because life can be so unfair, and sometimes life is good and you are surrounded by odd people who will amuse you like no other. How can life be so confusing? Brackney surely understands.
Not only does Brackney provide helpful advice to help distract the reader from their current life situations, she also includes her own struggles and accomplishments. She validates her own advice through the situations she's gone through, making the reader feel more at ease - here is someone who understands!
What I like most are the little crafty tips. Because of this book, I was able to make little snow globes for my loved ones. I love it when a book takes me beyond it's pages, and this one certainly does. You just won't catch me making road kill puppets!
November 2, 2008
This is a strange little book! But I read it through with the intention of finding something that resonated with me and getting some benefit from the hour I had lost! Well I found it. In dealing with meanies, the author wrote: "I don't need to tell you this, but there are some really horrible people in the world. People who want to see you fail. People who delight in your misfortune....." and in dealing with these meanies, the author wrote, "No matter what, remember this: you can only have enemies if you allow yourself to have them. If someone tries to engage you in some miserable, bilious conflict, don't give such nonsense your time or energy. I realized that my life is too short... You only have so long to offer your wonderful gifts to the people who deserve them, so don't waste your time on bad people."
After finding this little gem of wisdom in the book, wouldn't you know, I found another piece of wit. On giving yourself to others, the author wrote: "There's a lot to be said for giving of yourself to others, trusting people, showing your delicate underbelly a little more quickly than everyone else does. That sort of goodwill is, for the most part, contagious...even if it doesn't seem readily apparent."
Even though I rated this book as just ok, I have just written my longest review on a book! Someone else may perhaps find their own piece of wisdom from this book. Just send me a note if you would like my copy of this book!
After finding this little gem of wisdom in the book, wouldn't you know, I found another piece of wit. On giving yourself to others, the author wrote: "There's a lot to be said for giving of yourself to others, trusting people, showing your delicate underbelly a little more quickly than everyone else does. That sort of goodwill is, for the most part, contagious...even if it doesn't seem readily apparent."
Even though I rated this book as just ok, I have just written my longest review on a book! Someone else may perhaps find their own piece of wisdom from this book. Just send me a note if you would like my copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2022
I bought this because it was mentioned in something else I was reading -- I forgot what, but that author seemed really excited about this. At any rate, it feels a bit dated. Brackney writes about multiple artists/writers who killed themselves and speaks of their "selfish" acts of suicide that robbed the world of their creativity. While I suppose suicide can be a selfish act in some instances, Brackney's characterization of it here just came across as judgmental toward people suffering from some severe mental illness, even though she discusses her own bouts with depression. There are bits and pieces throughout the book that are entertaining and insightful, but a lot of it felt pretty random and/or like filler. Brackney's intentions are good, I just wish there had been a bit more heft to the final product.
April 9, 2019
This book is a good attempt. It lacks continuity because it starts out as a suicide prevention manual and morphs into life advice and some other random bits along the way. The title does not match the theme of the book at all, so if you read this book, be prepared for an unexpected journey.
June 2, 2023
I have read this book I think 3 times.
And I loved every word, and every page.
This is a book of comfort.
Thank you for making it for us.
And I loved every word, and every page.
This is a book of comfort.
Thank you for making it for us.
January 15, 2014
Ok, so the full title of this book is The Lost Soul Companion: Comfort and Constructive Advice for
Struggling Actors, Musicians, Artists, Writers, and Other Free Spirits and I received it for free from a lovely friend who was moving and needed to down-size. She actually gave me a whole pile of books, but this is the only she said anything about as the author is from Bloomington, a town where she used to live and a place I'd been to visit with her.
At first, I wasn't really sure about this book as its chapters are filled with drawings and words that propel each point along and I didn't know if I should take it seriously and then there were times that the book got way too serious talking about suicide and anti-depressants for those who struggle with the day to day task of living.
And, then I found the part of the book that spoke to me directly:
1] You only have enemies if you allow yourself to have them.
2] Spreading positive energy around take effort, but the effort is worthwhile.
3] Have good movies to uplift you.
4] The best part of travelling is coming 'home'. You always return a little bit changed--a little bit more than you were before you left.
5] The Bad Day Box...just the idea that there is a box to help you get over bad days is such a pleasant idea.
While I can honestly say that I would never have picked this book on my own, I am glad that I read it, as some of the quirky advice spoke straight to my little lost soul.
This is an autographed copy and the inscription reads: "May you find inspiration in these pages." I suppose, without meaning to, I did.
Struggling Actors, Musicians, Artists, Writers, and Other Free Spirits and I received it for free from a lovely friend who was moving and needed to down-size. She actually gave me a whole pile of books, but this is the only she said anything about as the author is from Bloomington, a town where she used to live and a place I'd been to visit with her.
At first, I wasn't really sure about this book as its chapters are filled with drawings and words that propel each point along and I didn't know if I should take it seriously and then there were times that the book got way too serious talking about suicide and anti-depressants for those who struggle with the day to day task of living.
And, then I found the part of the book that spoke to me directly:
1] You only have enemies if you allow yourself to have them.
2] Spreading positive energy around take effort, but the effort is worthwhile.
3] Have good movies to uplift you.
4] The best part of travelling is coming 'home'. You always return a little bit changed--a little bit more than you were before you left.
5] The Bad Day Box...just the idea that there is a box to help you get over bad days is such a pleasant idea.
While I can honestly say that I would never have picked this book on my own, I am glad that I read it, as some of the quirky advice spoke straight to my little lost soul.
This is an autographed copy and the inscription reads: "May you find inspiration in these pages." I suppose, without meaning to, I did.
Read
December 7, 2008http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Though I originally stole this book from Ginnie's shelf, and marked it as "to read," see the link--it's why I will never read this book. Thank god Cindy posted some excerpts. Because, Jesus, I really have no desire whatsoever to read some stupid book of psalms, anecdotes, and cliches. GACK! (Every time I see the word "gack" I think of Doonesbury and the comic that Anne Marie colored for my dad.) (Actually, no, maybe it reminds me more of the cat one. Shit.) Black Sheep, Square Pegs, and Struggling Artists don't give a shit about cliches! They have real problems.
What a waste...
Though I originally stole this book from Ginnie's shelf, and marked it as "to read," see the link--it's why I will never read this book. Thank god Cindy posted some excerpts. Because, Jesus, I really have no desire whatsoever to read some stupid book of psalms, anecdotes, and cliches. GACK! (Every time I see the word "gack" I think of Doonesbury and the comic that Anne Marie colored for my dad.) (Actually, no, maybe it reminds me more of the cat one. Shit.) Black Sheep, Square Pegs, and Struggling Artists don't give a shit about cliches! They have real problems.
What a waste...
May 30, 2009
This is an interesting little book - a bit light on truly meaty help but still a pleasant snack of quick thoughts on the creative life and its many ups and downs - especially the downs. The thing that struck me the most was the author's honesty and how that honesty was not off-puting in the least but rather quite reassuring and soothing. I will hang onto this book at least for awhile and I will read her follow-up book to this one.
January 19, 2016
I'm so glad the author wrote this book. She could easily have given in and believed it wasn't possible and many readers would have missed out on her message of self love and self belief. This book carries a message of hope and light at the end of the tunnel. There are funny and great practical suggestions. Great for anyone who is a free spirt, an artist, sucidal or suffering from depression.
May 23, 2014
I liked this book a lot in my early 20's but it seems to have lost some meaning since then. A good book to prop yourself up on when you're feeling low. The advice about buying health insurance is dated, too many people in situations similar to hers these days would have no chance in buying private insurance.
June 2, 2009
Very nice, sometimes a little dark, sometimes a little odd, but a very nice book.
April 19, 2009
While this book is very arrogant, it does what it sets out to accomplish - letting a lost soul know that they are not as alone as they think they are. Fun, light read.
Read
August 7, 2011Great idea, but just a good "Toilet Read"....
June 27, 2013
I didn't think I belonged, but now I know I do. This is a wonderful book for a left-brained creative soul such as myself.
July 24, 2013
I really loved this one.
March 10, 2016
This is a lovely book & easy to read. Lovely drawings intersperse the text too.
January 11, 2010
A wonderful book that brought me some relief in a difficult time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews