Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield is an American author known for his works of historical fiction and self-help books, particularly in the areas of creativity and personal development. He is best known for his writings on resistance and the creative process, and he has also authored several novels set in ancient and classical history.

Some of his most notable works include:

  1. "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" (2002) – Perhaps his most famous book outside of fiction, The War of Art is a self-help guide for artists and creatives. It explores the concept of "Resistance," a force that keeps people from doing their creative work, and provides strategies for overcoming it.

  2. "Gates of Fire" (1998) – A historical novel about the Battle of Thermopylae and the Spartan warriors who fought there. It is one of Pressfield’s most acclaimed works, praised for its vivid portrayal of ancient warriors and their code of honor.

  3. "Tides of War" (2000) – Another historical novel, this one focuses on the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, exploring the intricacies of ancient Greek warfare.

  4. "The Legend of Bagger Vance" (1995) – A novel that blends fiction with spiritual themes, it tells the story of a struggling golfer and his journey toward redemption with the help of a mysterious caddie named Bagger Vance. The novel was later adapted into a film.

  5. "Do the Work" (2011) – A companion to The War of Art, this book offers practical advice for writers, artists, and entrepreneurs on how to finish projects and overcome obstacles.

  6. "Turning Pro" (2012) – Another book focusing on personal development, Turning Pro urges creatives to stop treating their work as a hobby and embrace the mindset of a professional.

Pressfield's books are known for their motivational and no-nonsense approach to creativity, and they have gained a significant following among writers, artists, and entrepreneurs. His work is often focused on overcoming internal barriers to success and bringing one's creative visions into reality.

Articles by the author

As powerful as is our soul's call, so potent are the forces of Resistance arrayed against it. We're not alone if we've been mowed down by Resistance; millions of good men and women have bitten the dust before us.

Steven Pressfield

Artists, writers and people in creative fields are entrepreneurs by necessity. Nobody gives them a paycheck or picks up their medical insurance. The ones who succeed learn to think and act like 'independent operators.' I think people who are technically 'employees' have to think this way as well. The company is not looking out for you.

Steven Pressfield

Long-term, we must begin to build our internal strengths. It isn't just skills like computer technology. It's the old-fashioned basics of self-reliance, self-motivation, self-reinforcement, self-discipline, self-command.

Steven Pressfield

Turning pro is a mindset. If we are struggling with fear, self-sabotage, procrastination, self-doubt, etc., the problem is, we're thinking like amateurs. Amateurs don't show up. Amateurs crap out. Amateurs let adversity defeat them. The pro thinks differently. He shows up, he does his work, he keeps on truckin', no matter what.

Steven Pressfield