From “the most exciting individual in American theater” (Newsweek), here is Anna Deavere Smith’s brass-tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In the manner of Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet, Deavere Smith mentors her young artist over a period of five years, sharing her hard won wisdom about the challenges and rewards of the artistic life. Drawing on her own life experiences as an actor, teacher, and playwright, Deavere Smith provides a motivating example for how to pursue one’s art without compromise, while addressing the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face—from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. Honest, passionate, and inspiring, this audiobook has life-changing potential.
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"Very good advice for creative people. Anna Deavere Smith has pithy observations about life, great stories about her life as an artist, and sets forth a very clear idea of what it means to be an artist and interact with the world." — Ben (4 out of 5 stars)
"Very good advice for creative people. Anna Deavere Smith has pithy observations about life, great stories about her life as an artist, and sets forth a very clear idea of what it means to be an artist and interact with the world."
“What emerges most persuasively is Smith’s sense of the complex interrelationship between one’s art and one’s everyday life. With a pithiness that wards away the preachy, Smith succeeds in conveying the pain, the joy and the effort that characterize a life on the stage and in the world.”
“Interesting, humorous, practical, and profound…Every bit of the author’s own life experiences is brought into this insightful audio presentation. Read by the author in a wry and touching tone, the production has a narrative style that is relaxed and direct…For an artist of any age, this advice is indispensable. This audio presentation is worth listening to again and again.”
“Smith reads her own book in a bright, encouraging style. This book will be enjoyed by aspiring artists and those who are interested in how artists think and pursue their difficult but vital craft.”
“Her letters are filled with anecdotes and stories about her own successes and failures, giving the book an accessible, conversational feel…The book reads breezily front to back but is also divided into categories so it can be easily used as a reference when needing inspiration in specific areas…a witty and inspiring guidebook for anyone interested in pursuing an artistic life.”
“Whether she is speaking about childhood memories, tough Hollywood situations, or finding inspiration in the work of others, Smith is generous, vulnerable, and perceptive. Readers of all disciplines will come away from these pages feeling opened, nurtured, and eager to follow Smith’s call to action.”
" what an interesting actress and author "
" i loved 'fires in the mirror' and perhaps approached this book with too high of expectations. the introduction was absolutely inspiring and there were some good sound-bites throughout- but i just couldn't get into it. "
" Never in my life have I read a more inspiring book. I was left each page with a strong desire to do anything and everything I've ever wanted to do. "
" Great advice for all ages, all disciplines not just "young artists" "
" loved her letter about stage fright... it is a must read before taking the stage. "
" did the audio version, read by the author. she is brilliant. good book for everyone, not just artists "
" A really delightful view into the mind of an incredible artist. "
" i read this as the art on paper in magazine special. would love to read it again. "
" I liked what she had to say about stamina. That is what I sorely lack. So hard to maintain an even pace in the "biz" when your body is holding you back. "
" i like this book. there are small gems and it can be the pep talk when you can't give it to yourself. "
" This book got me through my college auditions. I will never be without it. "
Anna Deavere Smith is an actress, teacher, playwright, and the creator of the acclaimed On the Road series of one-woman plays, which are based on her interviews with diverse voices from communities in crisis. She is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal from President Obama and two Obie Awards, and her work also been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award. Onscreen, she has appeared in many films and television shows, including Philadelphia, The West Wing, Black-ish, and Nurse Jackie. She is a professor in the department of art and public policy at New York University, where she also directs the Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue. In 2019, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
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