Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: On SARK and Being Kind to Yourself
When I first started wandering from creative blog to creative blog, I was struck by how often SARK’s books were recommended. Eventually I bought one and at first I worried that, since they were so heavily illustrated and written in coloured inks, they would be more style than substance, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The self-named Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy (aka SARK) has written and illustrated fifteen books, including Succulent Wild Woman, Eat Mangoes Naked and A Creative Companion. Her latest, Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper is subtitled “Gifting the world with your words and stories and creating the time and energy to actually do it.”
As glorious to look at as SARK’s other books, it’s about being a writer and the power of stories. In SARK’s own words, the book is for “Word adventurers. Story gulpers. People who love books. And anybody who feels drawn to express, play and explore life.” It’s about finding the time to write and getting the support of others (including other writers). It’s about sharing what’s in your heart and getting it down on paper. Like all of SARK’s books, it’s predominantly about being kind to yourself.
This book is so full of inspiration that I began marking the pages I wanted to rip out and frame, the messages I wanted to send to friends, and the paragraphs I wanted to make sure to re-read, but I had to stop because I was marking practically every page. If I had to pick just one quote, though, I think this is my favourite (I get a catch in my chest every time I read it):
You dare … to write your life. You dare to be viewed and projected upon as wildly successful and ingenious. To write yourself open. To write through the closures and scars and insecurities and sometimes loud voices that repeatedly say: How Dare You? and answer just as profoundly This Is How I Dare.
Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper is probably my favourite of SARK’s books, which is saying something. Highly recommended.
The copyright of the article Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: On SARK and Being Kind to Yourself in Books is owned by Carrieanddanielle.com. Permission to republish Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: On SARK and Being Kind to Yourself in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Read more at Carrie and Danielle: Books
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Ooh, I love SARK! Her books are so filled with juicy nuggets of inspiration.
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 am
SARK's “style” is so far from my own that I'd always been put off by it. Too bouncy and bright. But, I've come to adore her work. It come from such a loving and self-reflective place. I think she's a true teacher.
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:54 am
Wow – I've never heard of SARK before, where have I been? Off to order this now
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 am
I read Succulent Wild Woman years ago and had completely forgotten about her. She scared and amazed me at the same time. “I could never be that free,” I told myself. On my journey to find out why I'm here on the planet, I continue to put my 'real' writing aside to explore other things and I need to figure out why I do that. Fear I suppose? But, in the end the answer is always in our childhood and mine says 'WRITER!” I won prizes from the age of 8 years old, then life happened and now in the last third of it, I am going to finally do some authentic work and no more procrastination. I am a story teller and I have lots to say, so I'm getting on with it. Oh, I should add Danielle, that while reading your review of Sark's new book, it resonated and I began to cry… that's it. It's time.
October 7th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
SARK is amazing and is as real in person as she is in print. She honors the creative process like no one I've ever met. All of her books are excellent. Making Creative Dreams Real (I think that's the title) is a great one for SARK newbies. Thanks for sharing and reminding us about this wonderful resource!
October 10th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I am a SARK follower. I've met her twice and had the opportunity to participate in one of her workshops. She's so amazing and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all of her books.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:21 am
I've just attended a Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper workshop. Just wonderful. I highjly recommend it.