Anything I Can Do...You Can Do Better: How to Unlock Your Creative Dreams and Change Your Life

by Tessa Souter

Tessa Souter shows how she succeeded against the odds, how others have done it and how you can do it too.

Part inspirational memoir, part secrets-divulging interviews with celebrities and others who have successfully pursued their dreams, this book will show how Tessa Souter took herself from teenage mother to successful sub-editor at a leading glossy magazine, to international journalist, and on to become a singer, performing in top jazz...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0091902568
• ISBN13: 9780091902568
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Vermilion
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A WONDERFUL BOOK FOR ANY ASPIRING ARTIST

I'm a jazz singer that is absolutely committed to being successful and earning a living from my art. It's a hard road but worth it because singing is what feeds my soul. Tessa Souter's book is exactly the read I needed at the time to encourage me on this journey. She's like the mom we all need, informing us of the pitfalls and trouble ahead, but encouraging us to continue to follow our dream. For me Tessa Souter's book is a practical guide for any artist on this bumpy, joyful, scarey ride. What I loved about the book is that is it not so much about overnight success, or some unrealistic airy/fairy dream, but it gives practical steps on what any singer/artist must do to prepare for a successful career in the arts. This way, when the success does come, we are thoroughly ready for it(and if it doesn't come, the journey was great). I love the examples that she gives of other successful singers, writers, painters, artists, as we see their struggles too. Tessa's journey, fears and triumphs affirmed everything I already knew (but was afraid to ask). Plus, she's a hell of singer.

Clarification

Okay, so this isn't actually a review, because I wrote the book, but I have to clarify something about the LOVELY (thank you!) review below. That wasn't ME that overheard the agent demanding $100k for a gig. That was a great songwriter called Carol Hall, who I interview in the book, who had a brief career as a singer in the 70s. She came in on her agent on the phone. I do WISH that were me! Hahahaha! I don't have the book on me right now or I would tell you the page. But the idea that it could have been me reminds me of the time a friend brought her six year old, George, to one of my early performances. As soon as he saw me with a microphone he exclaimed: "Are you a MILLIONAIRE?" Hahahaha! I wish. I dream. I aspire. Listen Love

An Inspiring, Altruistic Book

Roughly two years ago, I had the pleasure of buying Tessa Souter's first book, Anything I Can Do, You Can Do Better. It is her way of encouraging us to pursue our dreams to the fullest-with a plan, of course. Souter's in a unique position to do so. She discusses her often difficult transition from single motherhood to magazine journalism to her current career as a well-regarded jazz singer. Although she discusses the importance of honestly assessing your abilities and aptitudes for whatever goal you have; the book is much more about the mental fortitude you will need to accomplish the goals. Supporting oneself financially, developing an emotional support system, finding mentors, coping with competition and feelings of professional jealousy;finding your own voice as an artist; and believing in yourself are the most demanding aspects of the quest. Souter tells the story of how early in her singing career, she was with her agent, who was talking on the phone to a club owner. Her agent mentioned the sum $100K. Souter asked the agent what he was talking about. The agent told her(I paraphrase)"That's the amount you'll be paid for the performance." Souter was speechless, but this was part of her process toward realizing that her talent is worthy of that price. Souter is not shy about the often scary practicalities involved. In short, to accomplish any goal of import to us, we must willingly be vulnerable. Anything I Can Do, You Can Do Better shows us how to do that-without losing our souls in the process.