Thank you for the challenge to “sit without hope”. Thank you for articulating it compellingly.

I eagerly anticipate your next offering…

“Last Wednesday I wrote a post called ““Self-Doubt.” - Self doubt should be a link that goes directly to that post. It’s not only good for your readers, its good for the search engines, which can more easily classify and list your writing. This is especially true in a blog like yours when the first page could have topics from a variety of different categories.

Thanks for “The War of Art.” I would like to say that it has saved my life, but that would be grandiose. It has however, given me hope. Hearing you read the audio version is priceless.

- Ryan Nagy

Your expressed certitude about the roots of Steven’s occasional inner turmoil is harsh, presumptive and unseemly at best. I believe the psychological term for the transfer of one’s dissatisfaction/frustration onto another is called “projection.” You’re way out of bounds when you presume (and publicly announce) that his condition is what you see, not by way of knowledge, but through the self-reflection of your imaginings.

How would you know what “percentage” of Steven’s motivation is for money? Or even that the gelt-ridden soul suffers? From what source do you draw to say that Steven’s voice is not honest and true to himself? Truth is, you have no clue much less actual knowledge. You judge from afar, and most erroneously.

I must say, your judgments sound more like high-sounding assumptions cooked up by a cynical imagination. With perhaps a pinch or two of envy. If you go face the bathroom mirror and repeat your above speech to yourself, at least you’ll have the right audience for your mean-spirited misconceptions. Then maybe you can make some progress in self-realization.

Speaking of faux knowledge, Krishna and Arjuna are of the Hindu, not Buddhist, tradition. Back to the drawing board with you, ol’ sport, and best of luck.

I always look forward to Wednesdays for a little ’starch and inspiration’.

Keep it coming.

How is “Tides of War” going for the gold? The man has granite balls. If ever there was a hardcore motherfucker who wrote for the poetry of the thing, it’s Pressfield.

- Jack

Thank you and Namaste!

Steven, what you said wasn’t so bad, faux Buddhism and all that, but misses the point of acting as a creator. And you miss the point and have doubts because 90% of what you’re doing is trying to make money (and succeeding at it).

You’re not doing anything at the level of Shakespeare or Tolstoy, etc, and so you try to content yourself with the commercial niche you’ve had some success in. Who can blame you in a world were money rules?

But the voice at the heart of your soul feels hamstrung, castrated, and narrow minded since it can’t ever say what it actually knows to be true or honest. Not that you’re lying as a writer. Just that you’re compromising and going for the gold.

When you work exclusively for gelt, the soul suffers.

I am not a writer. I am however a huge fan of your writing. I am also a huge fan of not only your novels, but of “War of Art” as well. In my profession, which is one of life and death – literally, most if not all of your “rules” or “teachings” apply. Fear? It is the greatest, craftiest and most lethal form of “resistance” in combat. As for what Krishna tells Arjuna? If you do what I do for promotion or awards or accolades beyond of that of your enemy or your own men – you are evil and immoral. And as for the “wrathful god of combat”…you ask from her very little, a worthy enemy and the chance to fight; and yes, she expects from you everything – even your life – as it should be.

I have taken “hope”, “wish”, and “luck” completely out of my vocabulary. They will only cloud the subject or task at hand and ultimately give “fear” (the mother of all whores)…a chance to get her claws into your back.

I enjoy your books and this web-site immensely.

Keep up the good work.

Mack