Claudia Kalb's Blog
March 9, 2021
New Book: Spark!
Dear Readers,
I'm thrilled to announce the publication of my new book: Spark, How Genius Ignites, From Child Prodigies to Late Bloomers. Spark will be published on April 27, 2021 and is now available for preorder!
Spark echoes the format of my first book, Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder, by delving into the mind and human behavior through biography. This time, I use a different lens to explore great achievement: moments of inspiration and how and when they happen.
I have long been intrigued by the ways in which people realize their passions: why do some people reach extraordinary heights early in life while others achieve greatness decades later? The individuals I profile are creative, talented, imaginative, motivated, and lucky (at times). But they're also fully human. I hope you enjoy their stories.
I'm thrilled to announce the publication of my new book: Spark, How Genius Ignites, From Child Prodigies to Late Bloomers. Spark will be published on April 27, 2021 and is now available for preorder!
Spark echoes the format of my first book, Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder, by delving into the mind and human behavior through biography. This time, I use a different lens to explore great achievement: moments of inspiration and how and when they happen.
I have long been intrigued by the ways in which people realize their passions: why do some people reach extraordinary heights early in life while others achieve greatness decades later? The individuals I profile are creative, talented, imaginative, motivated, and lucky (at times). But they're also fully human. I hope you enjoy their stories.
February 29, 2016
Thank You Dear Readers!
Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful and thoughtful reviews about Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder. During the research and writing stages of this book, I spent a great deal of time inside my own head. I read biographies, autobiographies, letters, journals, news articles, medical studies, and so much more. I asked myself endless questions: which historic figures should I include? How best to organize each chapter? Who else should I interview? What am I leaving out? All of this was challenging, fascinating, daunting and rewarding. Nothing, however, beats seeing the book land in the hands of readers like you. I'm so grateful for your feedback.
I wanted to share some of the impressions I'm hearing from you and other readers: You are learning about conditions you knew little about; discovering insights into the history of mental health diagnoses; asking questions about famous people and their inner lives; uncovering stories that mesh with your own experiences with mental health conditions or the experiences of people you know and love. I’m delighted by your responses and thrilled to know that this book, in its own small way, is opening a dialogue and making a positive impact. Thank you all!
I wanted to share some of the impressions I'm hearing from you and other readers: You are learning about conditions you knew little about; discovering insights into the history of mental health diagnoses; asking questions about famous people and their inner lives; uncovering stories that mesh with your own experiences with mental health conditions or the experiences of people you know and love. I’m delighted by your responses and thrilled to know that this book, in its own small way, is opening a dialogue and making a positive impact. Thank you all!
February 1, 2016
Welcome!
Welcome, everyone! Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of History’s Great Personalities is finally hitting bookstores and I am absolutely thrilled to share it with all of you. This book delves into the lives and minds of 12 famous individuals, from Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin to Marilyn Monroe and Betty Ford. My hope is that these stories will put a face on the complexities of the mind and unravel the mental health conditions that affect so many people.
Writing a book about historical figures means that your primary sources are no longer available for interviews. But each one of these individuals lives on in some unique way. Darwin left behind a trove of letters and journals, beautifully written and deeply honest. I spent quite a few lovely afternoons drinking tea and poring over his writings. Albert Einstein died in 1955, but slices of his brain tissue are on display for all to see at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. I paid him a visit. When I toured Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria, VA, with its stunning mix of glass, brick, and wood, I could easily imagine the architect holding forth on his aesthetic vision. And thanks to the Internet, I was able to listen to George Gershwin play "Rhapsody in Blue," watch Marilyn Monroe sing "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy, and see Princess Diana walk down the aisle at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
These are just a few of the many wonderful experiences I had while researching this book. Enjoy the tales of these remarkable people. I hope you’ll take solace in their challenges and find inspiration in their triumphs.
Writing a book about historical figures means that your primary sources are no longer available for interviews. But each one of these individuals lives on in some unique way. Darwin left behind a trove of letters and journals, beautifully written and deeply honest. I spent quite a few lovely afternoons drinking tea and poring over his writings. Albert Einstein died in 1955, but slices of his brain tissue are on display for all to see at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. I paid him a visit. When I toured Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria, VA, with its stunning mix of glass, brick, and wood, I could easily imagine the architect holding forth on his aesthetic vision. And thanks to the Internet, I was able to listen to George Gershwin play "Rhapsody in Blue," watch Marilyn Monroe sing "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy, and see Princess Diana walk down the aisle at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
These are just a few of the many wonderful experiences I had while researching this book. Enjoy the tales of these remarkable people. I hope you’ll take solace in their challenges and find inspiration in their triumphs.
