The Book
LIMITED EDITION ARTISAN BOOK
UPCOMING LAUNCH OCTOBER 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY ORDER HERE NOW
An UnRealistic Life
The Art of Following Your Dream Without Getting a Real Job
Are you feeling trapped in a conventional job or a routine that stifles your creativity? Do you dream of pursuing your passion and living life on your own terms?
An Unrealistic Life is colorfully illustrated memoir that chronicles a lifelong quest to live an authentic, self-directed life as an artist, defying societal norms and the persistent pressure to get a “real job.”
Intrigued? Sample the first 2 chapters here.
What if the “unrealistic” life is the only one worth living?
Why did Elena become an artist instead of following in the family footsteps to be a teacher? She was mesmerized by the Impressionists as a student in Paris, then spent years weaving, making paper, and creating large-scale sculptures.
A Journey of Art, Adventure, and Resilience
An UnRealistic Life is a testament to the courage it takes to pursue a dream, no matter the obstacles.
From the Midwest to the World: Follow Elena’s travels from an international paper conference in Japan to exploring ancient cave paintings in Borneo and photographing an Aztec dance ritual in the Mexican desert.
The Power of Creative Community: Discover unforgettable characters like Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher: photographers capturing African tribes’ ephemeral ceremonies; Eddy L. Harris, whose acclaimed book Mississippi Solo recounts his journey battling the currents in a canoe; Natasha Moraga, whose vision created a sparkling mosaic park in Puerto Vallarta.
Finding Home: Witness Elena’s personal transformation as she finds peace and a sense of belonging in the vibrant artistic community of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Her journey and that of the people she profiled proves that true wealth is the richness of experience, relationships, and the joy of creative expression. An Unrealistic Life is a call to embark on your own inspired journey of creativity and discovery.
GET YOUR COPY HERE!!!
Get a free sneak peek! Click here to read the first 2 chapters.
Book Reviews
Your story is bold, lyrical, unflinching—and inspiring…full of vivid imagery, vulnerability, travel, art, and yes, tango—it’s incredibly moving. You dared to follow your dream, not just in words but in the way you’ve lived: with curiosity, defiance, and grace. You created something truly special. It’s clear how much care and soul went into every page. This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a visual and emotional journey, an invitation to live more freely and authentically.
––Allan Karl, WorldRider Productions: Speaker | Bestselling Author | TV Host | Global Adventurer
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Elena Houlihan is an artist and writer who combines her talents in An Unrealistic Life, a beautifully written and illustrated memoir. She blends her story with the art and stories of other artists in a way that will uplift and inspire her readers’ creativity. A beautiful gift for anyone interested in writing, art, and creativity.
—Michael Larsen, coauthor of the six books in the Painted Ladies series about Victorian houses; coauthor, 5th Edition How to Write a Book Proposal with Jody Rein; cofounder, San Francisco Writers Conference
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You write eloquently with a strong voice seasoned with vast experience. I think your book will inspire many people to step out of the box and have the courage to forge their own artistic destinies.
—Michael Castleman, author of The Untold Story of Books: A Writer’s History of Book Publishing.
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You are the real deal, a true artist in talent and heart. I’m so impressed with your life and how you express yourself on the page. To write in such a flowing manner is a gift. You have such artistry on so many levels. Your book gives people like me inspiration. And it shows that the unconventional path can be hard, but, oh so worth it. Your book is an art piece in both writings and the photographs/creative layout.
—Christina Demetro, Sculptor
GET YOUR COPY HERE!!!
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