10 Books That Ignite and Inspire My Creativity

Looking to fuel and expand your creativity?

Check out my list of 10 books that could help you along your journey.

Are you a big reader? Does the “10 books” in my title scare you away? I find in our digital time that reading is a bit black and white: people either really love it, or it’s an easy pass.

I get it; my relationship with reading has been love-hate for quite some time.

At 13, I enrolled in a speed reading course at my school during summer break. I spent a week in a classroom learning how to cut out unnecessary words and read as quickly as possible, even competing against a motorized plastic bar that raced down the page. The course undeniably improved my reading speed; I can finish texts and books in impressive times with full comprehension. However, the mindset of rushing to complete each page, chapter, and book has stuck with me. Reading was not a calming practice; it was a race, and my brain was on track to cross the finish line.

Because of this distracting stimulation, and with the emergence of Netflix and other digital content, I stopped reading for at least a decade. I began accepting myself as a non-reader, preferring to disconnect with TV or the internet, which seemed much more relaxing. But regardless of how intoxicating Netflix can be (I’m a TV series junkie), I knew I was missing out. In the last 5-10 years, I've reintroduced it back into my life, with the deliberate goal of slowing down and savoring (almost) every word. The impact of this intention has been remarkable; I've rediscovered the joy of the reading process and rekindled a passion I had truly missed.

I’ve finally found a reading routine that works for me, and I encourage you to do the same.

Whether it’s life, health or a creative lull, I find returning to any of the books below gives me a creative boost to keep calm and carry on. The list is quite eclectic, with some not appearing “creative” at first glance. But as discussed in Health and Creativity: A Match Made in the Stars, creativity is omnipresent, and I find these books help create a full picture of its vast incorporation into everyday life.

Reading about and relating to creativity opens my mind to challenge and push myself toward new creative paths and, in turn, more fulfillment, positivity, and better health in my life.

Ok, let’s get to the books:

(Please note that this blog does contain affiliate links below to Amazon)

“Atomic Habits” - James Clear

Clear mainly focuses on habits in this book, with his insights and suggestions applicable to all aspects of life. He introduces his “two-minute rule” and “habit stacking,” both of which, for me, have hacked the overwhelm of making new habits stick. I have also found that putting these ideas towards creativity has been helpful on my journey. For example, making creativity a habit through a consistent and productive routine, breaking it into smaller steps, and connecting it with who you are can help boost your creative abilities.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42oPpUa

“The War of Art” - Steven Pressfield

Pressfield digs deep into the world of resistance in this book. He talks about how it comes in many forms: procrastinating, doubting yourself, being scared, or getting distracted. Here, you get a dose of tough love regarding this resistance, with his message that creativity takes discipline, courage, and persistence to overcome the roadblocks in your way. He provides practical advice and a new way of thinking to bring your creative ideas to life.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49lJIZv

“Show Your Work” (and “Steal Like An Artist”) - Austin Kleon

Kleon has some amazing books to offer about creativity and its process. He talks about how creativity isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the process and the connection made with others. In “Show Your Work,’ he takes a more digital approach in his advice, especially for those wanting to increase the visibility of their artwork. He pushes for connecting to a community, where he finds creativity thrives the most.

I also highly recommend his previous book, “Steal Like An Artist.” There, he dives deep into his thought that art is and always has been recycled. He furthers that all ideas are influenced from somewhere, even the seemingly most original ones. He encourages you to be inspired by other creators, taking that influence and running wild with it on your own.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49ciLb7

“The Creative Habit” - Twyla Tharp

Tharp is really the “Atomic Habits” for creativity. Here, she says that creativity doesn’t happen by chance but comes from consistent habits and practices. She believes anyone can be creative by developing the habits that reinforce it. (Sound familiar?!) Her book reads like a practical guide toward building your creative potential and incorporating it into daily life.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HGSoxD

“A Light In The Attic” - Shell Silverstein

If only I could go back and read “A Light In The Attic” for the first time, what magic that would be. Shell Silverstein’s imagination always knocks me off my feet and inspires me to push myself and my creativity harder. This thought-provoking book of poems and illustrations proves that creativity isn’t limited by age and that your imagination is a treasure chest waiting to be explored. Read this book and revel in being a kid again.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HDNu4F

“The Artists Way” - Julia Cameron

If there were a Holy Book of creativity, this would be it. For me, "The Artist's Way" is actually the opposite of “A Light In The Attic.” I don’t want to read it for the first time but continue rereading it over and over to mark the progress I’ve made from her inspiring guidance. The book is a 12-week course with exercises for overcoming creative blocks, tapping into your artistic potential, and living a more creative life. Although I’ve read it through once (of many times) without doing any exercises, I do recommend completing the 12-week structure to extract the full experience. Her suggestions of morning pages, artist’s dates and self-nurturing are vital in creating your creative foundation. This book deserves more than two thumbs up; I’d give it a full 10 fingers (insert hallelujah emoji here).

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47WbvOV

“Codependent No More” - Melody Beattie

Beattie explores the concept of codependency, which often involves excessive caretaking and prioritizing the needs of others over one's own. She gives relevant advice on how to break free from these specific patterns of behavior. Her book focuses on personal growth and relationships, but her philosophies can easily be applied in the realm of creativity. By addressing codependent issues, individuals can be better equipped to embrace their creative potential, embrace their authenticity and express themselves confidently. If you are looking for principles on self-care, boundary-setting and self-acceptance, this book is for you.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w90gFu

“Wherever You Go, There You Are” - Jon Kabat-Zinn

Ah, John-Kabat Zinn, the “father” of mindfulness. This book really should be read by children in schools. Kabat-Zinn zen-fully guides you in the practice of mindfulness and its application in daily life. He emphasizes the importance of being fully present in each moment and cultivating awareness of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings.

While he doesn't explicitly focus on creativity, his teachings can create a fertile ground for creativity to thrive. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can unlock their creative potential, reduce obstacles that hinder creative expression, and approach their creative endeavors with a greater sense of openness.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SeZrCE

“The Complete Book of Calvin & Hobbes” - Bill Watterson

If you asked me the quickest way to connect with my inner child, I’d say this book (with a close second being “A Light In The Attic.”) Calvin, Hobbes and I were tight growing up, and every time I open this book I feel butterflies from that relationship, it’s like reconnecting with an old friend. In the comic, Bill Watterson challenges readers to ponder life's big questions through the relationship between the precocious 6-year-old Calvin and his rational stuffed tiger, Hobbes, who comes to life in Calvin’s vivid imagination.

Perhaps this comic isn’t for everyone, although I can’t imagine how (wink!), but I add it to the list to encourage you to find your own “Calvin and Hobbes.” We all have those connections from our younger selves that spark instant joy and imagination, and their effects on our psyches, souls and creativity are boundless.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vTzzoe

“Why Your Five-Year-Old Could Not Have Done That” - Susie Hodge

As an abstract painter, I love this book. The concept of art is wholly subjective and forever intertwined with creativity and imagination, and this book further reinforces these thoughts. Hodge encourages you to approach contemporary art with an open mind and a willingness to explore the diverse ways in which creativity can manifest in the art world. She explores the significance of abstract and conceptual art movements, including artists like Mark Rothko (my favorite artist of all time, by the way), all while explaining how and why this art may appear overly simplistic.

The takeaway from her book: She creates an appreciation for creativity in all art, whether technical skill, innovative ideas, symbolism or emotional expression. If you want to explore the concept of art, or just understand why a painting with one circle is relevant, read this book.

Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UqysXo

So, there you have it! A handful of my favorite books that will undoubtedly fuel and foster your creativity.

I do find that together, as a set, they cover all of the creative bases. They discuss fostering creativity by forming productive habits, beating resistance, releasing inhibitions, prioritizing emotional healing, engaging in mindfulness and interacting with the community.

These books reinforce that creativity isn’t limited by age or skill but within us all, always.

As always, thanks for being here!

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Take care & continue creating,