10 Books on Creativity
I’m trying a new experiment with my blogs this year; I’ll share a devotional one week and write about creativity the next week, with maybe a few extra treats put in along the way. I’d love to hear what you think of the different format.
This week is all about books on creativity and how they’ve influenced me. Many of the books below helped me break down barriers to creativity in my life, for which I’m very thankful. I hope you find this list encouraging and are inspired to complete your own list of books that encourage you. If you have any that aren’t on this list (or haven’t read any that are) let me know — I really enjoy connecting with everyone who reads this blog.
Now let’s get started (note: these are in no particular order):
My husband Michael recommended this book to me when I was feeling discouraged. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life and this book provides a great foundation for developing an artistic practice. Many of the other books I’ve read and mentors I’ve had have also been influenced by this one, and the practices of morning pages, regular walks and artist dates have that stuck with me. Okay I may not treat myself to artist dates as often as I’d like, but writing morning pages got me back in the flow of writing. 7 self-published titles later (with more on the way) there seems to be no lack of inspiration. Let me know what you think of it.
I found Big Magic both inspiring and encouraging. It’s been a while since I listened to the audiobook, and it’s on my list to read again this year, but I recall the inspiration and hope that I felt after listening to it. Definitely give this one a read (or listen) :)
This is the first book of Matt Tommey’s that I read. I was looking into his mentorship program and wanted to check out his books before I committed to anything. Reading this book really did unlock so much in me. I realized how much negativity and anger I was holding on to and found out how to let it go. This started me on the path to really releasing negativity in my life and receiving the goodness God has for me. This is a really good book on creativity rooted in Christian creativity. I did join his mentorship program eventually and even became a lifetime member! I recommend starting here or with his Created to Thrive Foundations book. (No, not an affiliate although I could be … I just really appreciate the message he shares.)
Yes! I Am Creative! Six Keys to Creativity for anyone who thinks “I’m Not Creative” - Jackie Scott
I was writing this list and realized initially I’d left this one off of it. Yes, it’s my book, but it’s a snapshot of all I’ve learned from different life-lessons, coaches, and mentors. Not to mention that God placed it on my heart to write, and when that happens, you have to put pen to paper. It’s a really quick read book on creativity, an introduction into a creative practice for people who feel they aren’t creative or feel like people will judge them for doing something creative if it doesn’t turn out “perfect.” (Spoiler alert - there’s no such thing as “perfect.” Get messy and have fun!) There’s also a free pdf workbook available for download to accompany the book. I’d love to hear what you think of it!
When writing seems like a struggle, check out this book. Bit by bit and “bird by bird” keep writing and finding encouragement with this classic. There are a few really good nuggets in this book that you have to read to discover. What I will say is she provides a great foundation for why to write each day.
Written before AI became a popular presence (and even more important since), this book provides the groundwork for how to “steal” like an artist. It focuses on how to receive inspiration but not copy what others do; how to develop your process from what you’ve learned and make art your own, as opposed to reproducing what others have made — or in today’s world, simply by asking generative AI to do it for you. Definitely worth a read!
This book gives you the foundation for why you need to sit down and work on your art every day. Keep plugging away, learning, growing, developing, doing the work. And not listening to the monsters in your mind that are trying to tell you not to — whether that be distraction, fear, or procrastination. Do the work — and of course read the book. Let me know what you think!
This is an inspirational book by CJ and Shelley Hitz, who run the Christian Book Academy. This is an affiliate link, because without them I never would have written anything, let alone self-published so many books. This has a great foundation in Christian creativity and why we should write each day, with inspiring verses we can draw on when we need to. Not only do I recommend the book, but also CBA itself. If you’re a writer and interested in learning more, check out their website here - they regularly have workshops and early in 2026 will have a free “open house” to celebrate their 11th year.
Part auto-biography and part writing workshop, this book by Stephen King is an entertaining and informative read. We learn about his early years as a struggling author and also what keeps him writing. If you’re considering writing as a creative outlet, this is definitely worth a read (even if horror isn’t your genre).
Dom was a force larger than life, that we sadly lost too soon. As my husband’s mentor I met him on video a couple of times, and even through the video screen he exuded joy and positivity. If you want to capture even a moment of that positive energy and take steps towards living a creative life, read this book. He tells how he made the brave choice to follow his dreams when everyone else told him to be responsible and get a real job. Over the decades he lived out his dream and inspired thousands of others to live theirs, earning the respect of those who tried to dissuade him. “Better is the enemy of good enough.”
Let me know which books on creativity you’re going to read first, and then tell me what you thought of them.
Jackie