There are many books on Voiceover out there and while that's great, its important to expand your horizons beyond just Voiceover. Some of the best books to read are on creativity and imagination. I have recently discovered such a book that I think is required reading.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being is by Rick Rubin, a music producer who was produced such bands as Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Weezer, and many others. He is a true legend in music.
This book is all about creativity but not only from a music standpoint. It is about creativity in all art forms although he gives examples from his music career. The book is easy to read with not a lot of heavy prose. Rubin gets to the point, says what he wants to say and moves on. I appreciate that. There is no narrative as each chapter focuses on an aspect of creativity.
What makes this book remarkable is the knowledge dropped. There are countless bits of wisdom everywhere. Never before have I highlighted a book so extensively. He talks a good deal about being sensitive and aware of your surroundings. Noticing everything and being in tune with The Source. There is inspiration everywhere if we would only be open to it. He also covers topics like: Practice, Self-Doubt, Distraction, Cooperation, Habits, and so much more. I think this is an essential book for anyone in the creative arts and definitely for Voice Actors.
I can't resist leaving you with a couple of my favorite gems.
Imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting.
Look for what you notice but no one else sees.
The act of creation is an attempt to enter a mysterious realm. A longing to transcend.
The universe is only as large as our perception of it. When we cultivate our awareness, we are expanding the universe.