The Art of Non-Conformity Is a Butt-Kicking Book
The cover is what got to me, not going to lie. “The Art of Non-Conformity,” what an interesting title.
I purchased it after looking through some anecdotes regarding traveling the world, biking across the U.S, and starting your own business.
In a matter of days I devoured it. It was filled with how-to tips on facing fear, believing in yourself, and motivation. I jumped up and started changing my life around after reading of Guillebeau’s travels. It made me realize that anyone can really do what they want with their life. It also emphasized that you don’t have to live the life that others want you to live. This is an exciting and powerful thought. All of the conditioning melted away as soon as the tools and stories were said.
There was even a list on how to go to graduate school on your own! Do not waste your money in learning things that you can learn on your own. Find mentors, find books, be open to opportunity. Yes, it does take a lot of self-motivation to do so, but non-conformists usually are some of the most motivated and creative people around. Learning is a part of life that cannot be stopped. Every day be open to opportunities and learning. You never know what you may find. Read the rest of this entry »
Great British Authors of Children’s Books
Posted by admin in Children's Books on December 21, 2011
There are not many authors who can write compelling stories that both adults and children can both love. John Boyne, who wrote ‘The Boy in Striped Pyjamas’ is one such author. He says himself that it’s not a matter of writing books for children that adults will like; it is all about good story telling. John Boyne did a degree in literature at Trinity College in Dublin after which he took and year out and then went on the Malcolm Bradbury’s creative writing course at the University of East Anglia. Here he won the Curtis Brown award and never looked back.
Another great children’s and adult author is Roald Dahl who was born in Cardiff in 1916. He didn’t get much praise for his writing and was even told by his English teach he would never succeed in writing. This put him off going to university. After a stint in the Royal Air Force he rose to fame in the 1940′s and went on to become one of the world’s bestselling authors. In 2008 the Times places Dahl sixteenth in its lit of ‘The 50 great British Writers since 1945′. His books are known for their un-expecting and surprising endings, often using very dark humor. He worked at Cadbury the chocolate company which is where he got his inspiration for writing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which he wrote in 1964 and made in a film 1971 but renamed Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory. Apparently he dreamed of inventing a new chocolate which would impress Mr Cadbury himself. Instead he used his imagination to create the famous chocolatier and factory. Matilida was his most successful book which sold over half a million copies in 6 months, capturing hearts of many children and adults alike. Like most of his bestselling books Matilda was made into an award winning film. Read the rest of this entry »