5 Inspiring Books to Spark Your Creativity
Are you looking for ways to spark your creativity? I was at the bookstore this week, and there was a big table filled with books for school summer reading lists. I wished that I had one so I thought I make one to share. These books will inspire you and spark your creativity.
Vacations and sunshine can call us from our offices, and that's ok. Summertime is perfect for picking up a few books to read outside on the deck or at the beach. I recently found some reader sunglasses which are great for outside.
We might relax while reading, but we can also grow, right?
You can click and buy from the Amazon links in the article [these are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you purchase from this link] or stop by your local library to see if you can find these titles.
Spark your creativity with the FULL LIST on Amazon
[with some extra books I love!] Click here for full list.
Gift From The Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
by Ed Catmull
Things are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives by Adam J. Kurtz
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Spending time with a book is well-spent!
A Gift from the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh
A groundbreaking, best-selling work that was initially published in 1955, Gift from the Sea continues to be discovered by new generations of readers. A deep look into what it means to be a woman, mother, and wife written at the beach on a rare vacation alone.
“Women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves.”
― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert will encourage you to create, infuse passion into your life, and face your fears.
“Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.” Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
by Ed Catmull
You might not know the name Ed Catmull, but I bet you've heard of Pixar. From Goodreads, “As a young man, Ed Catmull dreamed of making the first computer-animated movie. As a Ph.D. student at the University of Utah, he nurtured that dream, where many computer science pioneers started. Then, he forged a partnership with George Lucas that indirectly led to his founding Pixar with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter in 1986. Nine years later, Toy Story was released, changing animation forever. ”
This book is about how creative teams can work together and how to manage creatives but also plenty of magic to make the most of your craft.
“Craft is what we are expected to know; art is the unexpected use of our craft.” ― Ed Catmull, Creativity, Inc.
Things are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives by Adam J. Kurtz
This tiny book packs lots of small bites to ponder and perfect. Lots of great insights for creatives whether you're an artist, blogger, writer, or whatever creative thing you do.
“Honor the work of people that move you by being considerate as you take it in. Admire without appropriating. Dissect without duplicating. Be inspired! Find motivation in the work of others, then treat it with the respect it deserves.” Adam J. Kurtz, Life Advice for Creatives
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Even the title makes you say YES! Is there anyone who creates more content than Shonda? She's a powerhouse of ideas and implementation. This is what happened when she stopped saying no to everything and started saying yes. Life-changing.
“I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass.” Shonda Rhimes, Year of Yes
I hope you found a book or two that will spark your creativity. Please pin these to your favorite quote boards for inspiration. Don't forget to check out your local library if your budget is tight.
Happy reading, friend! xo
That second book looks pretty interesting! I always go towards fiction books on the “mystery” subjects but a self-motivating book can be a lot of help. Face your fears!