‎حياة بدون حسد : إدارة الأنا للأشخاص المبدعين‎

by Camille DeAngelis

حياة بدون حسد هو كتاب مغير للحياة بالنسبة للفنانين من كافة المجالات: دليل عملي للتعامل مع مشاعر الغيرة والإحباط وعدم الكفاية التي نمر بها جميعاً من أجل صنع حياة سعيدة بصرف النظر عن الاتجاه الذي تمضي (أو لا تمضي) فيه مسيرتك المهنية. في هذة الصفحات، سوف تجد استراتيجيات للهروب من حلقة التغذية الرجعة السلبية التي تعلق فيها متى قارنت نفسك بنظرائك من الفنانين. سوف تبدأ في علاج تعطشك للتقدير وتحول عقليتك من "إثبات نفسك: إلى تقديم إسهام والمشاركة كجزء من مجتمع خلاق داعم. أفضل ما في الأمر، سوف يتسنى لك أن تفهم أن جدارتك –كفنان وإنسان- لا علاقة لها بكيفية تقبل عملك في العالم الأوسع نطاقاً. حياة بدون حسد يقدم مخططاً لرضا حقيقي ودائم بصرف النظر عن العوائق التي تواجهك في حياتك الإبداعية.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Writing, Art, Adult, Philosophy

223 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2016

About the author

I'm the author of three fantasy novels for adults—Immaculate Heart, Mary Modern, and Petty Magic. My young adult novel, Bones & All, won an Alex Award from YALSA and the American Library Association in 2016 (thank you, librarians!!) This little teen-cannibal road trip novel has been adapted into a film directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet, Mark Rylance, and a bunch more stunningly talented actors. David Kajganich wrote the script, and I often say (0% kidding) that if I could go back in time I'd novelize the screenplay and put both our names on the cover. (Well, his name *is* on the cover of the spiffy new movie tie-in edition, but you know what I mean.)

Anywho, back to the bio! My favorite of my novels is my middle-grade debut, The Boy From Tomorrow. I've also written two books of practical philosophy: Life Without Envy: Ego Management for Creative People and A Bright Clean Mind: Veganism for Creative Transformation. I also researched and wrote the first, second, and third editions of Moon Ireland.

I love reading and writing about the supernatural: my second children's novel (forthcoming!) is a ghost story, as is my first published short story, "The Coroner's Bride," now available from iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Amazon. "The Coroner's Bride" originally appeared in Exotic Gothic 5, edited by Danel Olson.

CURRENT PROJECT: a retro-futurist screwball comedy. For updates, you can sign up for my (not too frequent) newsletter: http://bit.ly/cometparty

**PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE email me instead of using Goodreads messaging—I'm not on here often enough to give you a prompt reply! Thanks for understanding.**

Reviews

[Christine Zibas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We imprison ourselves in our minds. We enumerate our failures,sulking inside our heads like toddlers who didn't get their way."


If ever there was a book more needed by creative types than this one, I don't yet know it. So many writers, painters, dancers, musicians, sculptors, photographers, and (add your own favorite creative field here) face the demons of ego.

That ugly demon ego, so helpful in assisting us in reliving old traumas, bolstering grudges, revisiting what might have been, and wondering how all these other, more unworthy creative types have managed to become so successful while we have not, to paraphrase Author Camille DeAngelis. This book offers an alternative.

As creative people, we don't really want to be this way, but it's hard to stop ourselves. With so much vulnerability and self-worth tied up in our creative pursuits, rejection comes hard. Ask anyone who's tried to get his or her article published or painting into a gallery show and failed.
Basically, living a happy creative lfie requires a shift in thinking. DeAngelis offers a two-pronged approach: both ways to stop the ugly messaging that seems on constant playback in our minds when things get tough and also ways to positively create a new internal script.

I loved this book. One need only look at all the underlining in my own copy to see just how it resonated. It's the type of book that can be read quickly or lingered over. You're sure to revisit compelling passages and quotes that speak directly to you.

This book is a cool creative stream on a hot summer day of ego management. We are not doomed to our own negative internal voice. It's possible to change how we see our art and ourselves, and Life Without Envy offers a way.


Thanks to Good Reads, Camille DeAngelis, and St. Martin's Press for sharing this light with me.

[Jenn Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really spoke to me at the stage in the artist's journey that I find myself in. DeAngelis offers wise real life and creative life lessons applicable to so many creative people. Can't wait to pass this book along to my writing friends. A great read for anyone who likes Cheryl Strayed, Anne Lamott, and Elizabeth Gilbert.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would have been more useful to me when my biggest issue with writing was my own mindfuck, not the fact that I have a job and a child. Still, a good quick read for creative types.

[Ensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is a writer, a vegan, and a yogi, so let’s just say I connected with her. This is a beautifully written, fun read that will give a boost to all creative types. My only regret is that I would read it before bed, and may have to go back and reread when I’m not nodding off to sleep.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. Less than an hour from start to finish. Some good points and wonderful quotes. A little too woo-woo for a five-star rating from this reader, but very good nonetheless.

[Kepo Buku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rane membaca buku self-help ini dengan bermula dari kalimat "buku untuk kamu yang nggak suka baca buku self-help". Life Without Envy nggak diduga sangat menyenangkan untuk ia baca. Di podcast kami ia berbagi banyak inspirasi yang didapatnya. Kamu bisa dengar di https://kepobuku.com/?p=452

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this hybrid self-help/memoir, and spent a whole day reading it, and soaking in the wisdom between the pages. Life Without Envy: Ego Management for Creative People wants all the artistic souls out there to know one fact: they are not required to have a life of frustration, envy, and bitterness, where each day is another opportunity to compare yourself to those who are more successful.

Camille Deangelis is clearly influenced by Eastern philosophy, but the book never falls into the new age trap of becoming zen Buddhism cliche. She brings wisdom in from many places, including Irish mythology, Noam Chomsky, and Eckhart Tolle. The most entertaining sections of the book are stories about the writer herself, and her own struggles with envy, such as dealing with a friend who sells more books or makes more money as a speaker at a conference. Seeing these human foibles in such a talented writer as Camille (I've read her novels), helps you understand your own insecurities about your career. This book was written for someone like me, a writer who frequently gets frustrated with his career, and if you are like me, the book will end up with dozens of notes scrawled in the margins.

One of the best takeaways was the importance of thinking less about my status in the world, my own sense of importance, than nurturing myself with my own creativity, and taking part fully in life. Life Without Envy is a primer for changing how you view your creative life. It certainly doesn't have all the answers. Camille DeAngelis provides some interesting exercises for the reader to do (which I haven't done yet) and a slew of books in which to continue your journey of ego management.

Life Without Envy: Ego Management for Creative People is a great place to start.

[Jennifer S. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem for all creative people--and perhaps even non-creative people, because the wisdom given is useful in all facets of life. I'm not a woo-woo person, so I was admittedly hesitant at the early reference to Eckhart Tolle. Yet this book takes pieces from such a variety of sources that I found myself repeatedly having "A ha!" and "Yes, this is me!" moments.

The joy of this book is tiny bite-sized chapters that gave me real food for thought while also providing concrete suggestions on how to temper my own feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. I challenge you to show me a writer (or artist or musician or...) who doesn't grapple with this. DeAngelis uses lots of examples from her own life, so this often reads like memoir, but her style is so inviting and light that you glide through the book. I know this is a book I will refer to again and again. Should be required reading for all creative types.

(On page 164 DeAngelis tells you to Google a story to read online. Definitely do it. For the sake of ease, the name of the story is "The Enchanted Head" and it's in The Brown Fairy Book, which can be found on Gutenberg.org)

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not an artist, so I wasn't entirely sure what this book would have to offer me. But I was pleasantly surprised to find a quick, light-hearted read that nevertheless spoke to serious, core issues that reside in all of us, artists or otherwise. As someone who is at a crossroads in my life, dealing with past trauma and trying to determine just what lies ahead of me, I found this book inspiring. So whether you consider yourself an artist or not, I think you will find something of value in this book that you can apply to your own life. I know I did.
*I received this book as a winner of a Goodreads giveaway.

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so satisfying to read. It has a lot of ideas and brings to mind many of what's been written before in bite-sized pieces. So many writers insert their own experience and it takes away from the focus, but not this one. She offers just enough to relate the message and gets on with it. Lots of takeaways, lots of healthy reminders. This book acts like a devotional almost where any page you turn to, it can bring some sort of reassurance. I am thinking of getting my own copy once it's out! I see a lot of self-help books that serve only the writer, but this one can appeal to many, many readers not just artists.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

[Ellen Pilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but that doesn't effect my opinion. I loved this nook and found it easy to read and quite helpful. I don't know about you, but it is hard to never feel envious in today's world with people constantly showing off on Facebook. This book will help you stop comparing yourself to others and find you true you. It is filled with tips to help you relax and just be the you that you were meant to be. This book is geared to those in creative jobs, but I recommend it for anyone who feels that bit of envy when they start reading Facebook.

[Witianatalatas Dachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is basically like a collection of essays by the writer about her struggles being an artist. So it is written as a reminder to herself and also the readers who are probably going through the same thing.

Despite striving for having a bestseller novel, I guess finally this book is her successful one. The one which contains her nerves about being a creative person.

Reading this book is not limited to people who work in the creative industry. She talked about how we sometimes feel envy with younger people who have achieved the things that we haven’t done yet. Even if you are an office worker, I believe that you have ever felt that way. Feel stuck because of age, while the younger generation enters the business. But, age does not define your capability.

Most of the time we focus on what people have, then feel obligated to have the same things. It is what prevents us from maximizing what we have. Don’t care about what other people say. Don’t care about what people achieve.

Just keep doing what you are doing without expecting anything, but accept everything. It means to be open to any possibilities. Life path does not have to be the same with others.

The point is as a creative person, your skill or works are not defined by the success of the selling of your books, pieces of art, etc. I think it is similar to Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck. Keep doing what you are doing. Even when you feel belittled because other writers have more readers than your writings, if you are a writer.

Do it because you love to do it. Do not stop just because only a few people are paying attention to your work. To feel enough to ourselves, so we no longer look for external validation.

It is a good book when you feel you are not sure whether you are on the right track. DeAngelis was very convincing since she wrote it based on her personal experiences.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible and delightful read! It read quickly for me not only because of its short length, but also because the author has a beautiful and strong voice that connected to my soul. This book is now among my absolute favorites on living a creative life! DeAngelis is so inviting with her words, but will also call you out for your crap. She says it like it is and mentions aspects that most other artists don't talk about (like how up deal with that little voice that speaks up when a friend lands a contract or sale within months when you've been struggling for years). I LOVE THIS BOOK!! Although it is targeted specifically for artists, I feel the concepts addressed in this book are very applicable to life in general. After all, as Julia Cameron has taught, we are ALL creative beings at heart. Therefore, even if you don't consider yourself a defined "artist," you can still get meaning out of this book. I totally recommend this read!!

[Meta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Life Without Envy. Camille DeAngelis has tackled the intriguing subject of the role ego plays in a writer’s or artist’s life and creative work. She does so with wise insights, memorable quotations from famous creators and philosophers, advice, and humor. How can you keep doing the creative work you love rather than allow every shifting wind to affect you, whether it’s a less-than-stellar review or your envious feelings towards your more successful friend? Life Without Envy provides guidance for creative people looking to break through blocks by allowing their ego to help rather than hinder their process. As a creativity author and professor, I learned so much from this book, and I believe it is a must-read for all writers and artists!

[Hanan Shahin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed my perspective of the ego, in a very good way. This is the first book I read for Camille DeAngelis and I don't want it to be the last. I am intrigued to read her novels. Life Without Envy is a very interesting book that I would recommend to people who practice art or those who do not. It is definitely a must-read.

[R.L. Maizes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of wisdom and practical strategies for freeing up energy wasted on envy. DeAngelis is a marvelous writer and she has put together a book that is both moving and useful. It is the kind of book I will go back to again and again, turning to its advice whenever I feel jealous or entitled, whenever I forget that fulfillment is not found in external recognition.

[Critley King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for any creative who has ever felt a pang of jealousy when others have claimed your desired benchmarks faster than you were able. This book is a manual on how to not only be a good person as an artist that builds others up, but also in being confident in one’s own skills and talents. If you consider yourself an artist, READ IT!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and helpful for getting out of my own head this weekend, however, I found some of the advice prescriptive, trite and individualistic. I do think it’s important to keep perspective and also we live in a society that actively works against us being free to think and create. This is the struggle of writing a good self help book.

[Trey Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books gives great perspective on how to truly love yourself and your art.

One of the points that stood out to me was that we have to keep creating our art even if we don’t feel adequate enough. Because if we don’t, we deprive someone else of the possible joy they could receive from our art.

[Mara Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. A lovely book full of words of wisdom. I’m sure I will go back to it in the future when I need to message again. Or if I’m in the mood for some introspection. I don’t consider myself an artist, per se, but I found value in this book!

[Neri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Very relatable. I loved it, especially because of its flow.
The references to related works were included very organically, I searched many of these books. Great quotes, my favorite was the Anthony Hopkins’ one.
Thank you for this book.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite my thing. Didn't find it all that interesting. Some nice quotes and bits of artwork.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the kind of book I should have read gradually. The chapters are very short and full of good things to ruminate on. I may revisit this book in the future.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A release of the inner demons of manifestation and expression, to discover that you fly

[Kip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thoughtful book with clear advice and specific pointers for the kind of creative life I want to lead. Will be applying what I learned here for sure!

[Marissa Rapone · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom in this little book! Highly recommend for all creatives and non-creatives; excellent life advice in general.

[Darcy Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent read. I kind of zoned out with some of the chapters but I was still interested overall. I would recommend to a friend.

[Lucy Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well written, the quotes were good and references to her experiences were interesting but I am comparing myself to other authors now I have finished it.

Think I am a lost cause!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little book full of all different kinds of wisdom. Makes you feel calmer and more contented just to read it.

Read it in 2 sittings!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book an easy and enjoyable read. I found it helpful as an artist, easy to relate to and thoughtful messaging on common gripes.
100% recommend.