the bluebird
manifesto

hilary gan, author

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what is the bluebird manifesto?

live a creative life—sustainably

This site is a guide to building a realistic creative practice. It’s true that we may never be the kind of artists who create worldwide bestsellers or platinum albums, but it’s also true that we can make a living as artists and build a life that centers around our creative selves. It’s possible to balance our discipline with inspiration, our everyday lives with our imaginative ones, and our realities with our dreams. It’s possible to let our bluebirds out.

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Why bluebirds? Watch the video >>

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bluebird manifesto: the ebook

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A writer's guide to living an artistic life, sustainably. Some helpful exercises, advice on how to apply the concept of deliberate practice to writing, and four central tenets will guide you through shaping your artistic and creative life around the demands of everyday life--without sacrificing your authenticity.

recent articles

Learning to Chop Wood In a World of Screens
Learning to Chop Wood In a World of Screens

How the Writing Life Has Changed and Not Changed

How to Maintain Motivation Through Rejection
How to Maintain Motivation Through Rejection

Make your goals effort-based, not result-based

What to Do If You Can't Write Every Day
What to Do If You Can't Write Every Day

I promise it's NOT "find a way to do it anyway"

Seven Kinds of Writers' Block and What to Do About Them
Seven Kinds of Writers' Block and What to Do About Them

Overcome your blocks with self-knowledge

All You Have to Do Is Not Quit
All You Have to Do Is Not Quit

Breaks aren't quitting as long as you come back eventually

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