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My book, Abandoning the Road to Hollywood: How to Thrive as an Artist in Your Local Community, is non-fiction book chronicling the lives of several artists in the largest city of the smallest populated state, Wyoming. Their inspirational stories show artistic fulfillment and success can be found outside the art meccas of Hollywood, New York or Paris.
The discovery of my artistry is intertwined with journey stories from a tattoo artist, a band teacher, a female and male dancer, and an author. Together, we explore the challenges of the artists’ life, such as identifying as an artist, dealing with fear and doubts, sensitive emotions, and creative leadership. Each artist discusses what success means for them, and why they continue to pursue their art in the local community.
This book will inspire artists, from high school age to adults, encourage their creative dreams and validate their worth to their community.
What People are Saying:
They say that art is where you find it, and Rene McMillen finds a lot of it in small town America. She makes the case that the art world extends far beyond the hubs of New York and Los Angeles, and highlights artists who are experts in their craft in the small communities they love. An inspiration for anyone blessed (cursed?) with artistic ability, Rene shows there are lots of appreciative audiences for an artist’s work. Dave Lerner, retired TV anchor and newscaster, and writer
Reading Rene McMillen's, Abandoning the Road to Hollywood: How to Thrive as an Artist in Your Community, made me realize that although I haven't written a book that's landed on the best seller list, I can still be proud of what I have written, and that my creativity is mine to own and not based on monetary success. Merissa Racine, stenographer by day and author of Silent Gavel.
Through the seamless retelling of life events, McMillen creates an immensely personal connection for artists of any medium on their path – to publication, recitation, performance, or gallery space.
A self-confessed “searching artist,” McMillen’s journey isn’t built on gathering the most likes, followers, or comments. Rather, the Wyoming artist vocation began simply with a belief that she was an artist. From that belief, she pioneered a path to bring creativity into her life and her rural West community.
There are so many gems in “Abandoning the Road to Hollywood- How to Thrive as an Artist in Your Community,” you’ll find yourself reaching for a highlighter, dog-earing a page of the book, or texting a quote to a fellow artisan. Mary Biliter, Art Education Specialist at Wyoming Arts Council by day and author of seventeen books.