In We Need Your Art, Amie McNee calls artists and aspiring artists of all kinds to do the work they’re meant to do: create.
Using her own experiences as a novelist and the inspiration she’s shared as a creative coach, Amie guides you on why we need your art and how you can make it happen—starting with a two-week reset plan to help you kick-start your creative habit. This isn’t about writing your great novel in a month or painting a masterpiece in a flurry of inspiration. Rather, this process is about practicing small, sustainable creative steps every day over time—five hundred words of writing each day, a pencil sketch every evening—so that you avoid burnout, produce consistent, reliable content on your own terms, and begin to see yourself as an artist.
Goodreads Review:
The JLM Writing Books Book Club reviewed this book in February 2026. We found the material presented to be accessible and relatable, incorporating exercises that are practical and useful. The blunt nature of the author's voice puts the ideas and philosophies upfront and in the reader's face (in hopes that they can not ignore the truth that is right in front of them… the truth that their art is needed).
This book is not just for writers, but for ALL creative souls: artists, musicians, dancers, actors, etc. In general, we felt that the book focused on the idea of knowing yourself and doing your art (whatever form of art) with intention. Stop being anxious about calling yourself an artist (or writer), because that is what you are!
However, if you are confident within who you are as a writer (or artists or whatever title you give your form of creative expression), and are comfortable with why your art is necessary and are more than willing to claim your journey as your own, then this book might not be suitable for you. But that's not because it's not a good book (we wouldn't be giving it 5 stars if we didn't think it was a good book). BUT the messages in this book are targeted to those who are suffering in some form from self-doubt and might not have the support network around them to help them see the path forward.
From Amie McNee, the voice behind Inspired to Write, a manifesto on the vital, human importance of creating, with guidance for all artists in all endeavors, whether they’re starting their journey or seeking a fresh perspective.
In We Need Your Art, Amie McNee calls artists and aspiring artists of all kinds to do the work they’re meant to do: create.
Using her own experiences as a novelist and the inspiration she’s shared as a creative coach, Amie guides you on why we need your art and how you can make it happen—starting with a two-week reset plan to help you kick-start your creative habit. This isn’t about writing your great novel in a month or painting a masterpiece in a flurry of inspiration. Rather, this process is about practicing small, sustainable creative steps every day over time—five hundred words of writing each day, a pencil sketch every evening—so that you avoid burnout, produce consistent, reliable content on your own terms, and begin to see yourself as an artist.
With frank and empowering conversations on the many issues creatives face, including impostor syndrome, perfectionism, procrastination, and the inner critic, as well as invitations to coronate yourself and celebrate your ambition, Amie provides the framework and encouragement you need to begin to take your art seriously. Each chapter also includes journal prompts that help you apply what you have learned to your new life.
We Need Your Art is a revolutionary reprogramming of everything we have been taught and told about being a creative, removing the shame and fear we may feel at dubbing ourselves artists and inviting us to create proudly, with celebration. This book is a warm hug, a pep talk, the wise teacher you always wanted, the loving parent you needed, and the fire in your belly that you need to get roaring.