If you have a Kindle (or Kindle app), I highly suggest downloading the free book Do the Work by Steven Pressfield. Pressfield is one of the reasons I wake up at 4:40 A.M. and write. His books are inspirational and they actually motivate you to do the work of creating your art — whether that be writing, painting, programming, etc.
The War of Art is another book he’s written that teaches about the “resistance” and how to overcome it. Very intriguing for anyone who has started a project and never finished it.
Do the Work is free right now (4/20/11), but it may jump up to nine dollars soon. Check it out!
And if you find the above books helpful, here are some others you can purchase:
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Poke the Box by Seth Godin
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
RISE AND CONVERGE 
When first read this post I thought that this couldn’t be THE Steven Pressfield, the one famous for Gates of Fire and The Afghan Campaign. Do the Work, at first, didn’t seem up his alley. Gates of Fire is renown throughout the military for being a great work on leadership and combat, and a great piece of historical fiction to boot. Ask any Marine and he’ll probably know the author, or at least the book. A quick Google searched proved me wrong. Anyway, I read Do the Work, loved it, and look forward to the War of Art.
Here’s an interesting article/interview juxtaposing his two sides:
http://www.stevenpressfield.com/2011/06/writer-of-two-worlds/
If you haven’t read Gates of Fire, I highly recommend it. The Afghan Campaign is a close second, in case you’re open to suggestions.
I’m glad you liked Do the Work. I hope you got it for free on your Kindle because I think it’s up close to 9 bucks now.
The War of Art is very similar, but worth the read; especially if you’re trying to get motivated to get something done.
I’ve seen the movie Gates of Fire but never read the book. Maybe I’ll put it on the summer reading list. Also, Pressfield has a new book out that sounds pretty interesting.
I did get it free. Glad you pointed it out. Cheapskate that I am sometimes, I probably wouldn’t’ve bought it otherwise. Now that I read it, I’d pay for it. You’re right, the Profession sounds like it could be good. I’m sure your Kindle is already bursting at the seams with summer reading. Gates of Fire is worth the extra effort.