19 Books to Spark Your Imagination
Some books light a fire in our minds and push us to think in new ways. They inspire creativity with memorable characters and fresh ideas. Here are 19 books to boost your imagination.
1. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
This little gem doesn’t just encourage you to think outside the box; it suggests you take the box apart, rearrange the pieces, and call it art. Kleon’s easy-to-read advice will make you see creativity as less of a mysterious force and more of a muscle you can flex.
2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert doesn’t sugarcoat the creative process. She talks about fear, failure, and the occasional brilliance that can emerge from both. Reading this feels like getting a pep talk from a wise friend who’s been through the wringer and come out sparkling.
3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Pressfield gives procrastination and self-doubt a face—and then punches it. This book is like a motivational speech that won’t let you sit down until you’ve done the work. If you’ve been stuck, this will give you the push you need to start creating, no excuses allowed.
4. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott’s approach to writing is refreshingly honest and laugh-out-loud funny. Her advice isn’t just for writers, though—it’s for anyone who’s ever tried to create something from scratch and needed a reminder that it’s okay to take it one small, awkward step at a time.
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5. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Think of this book as a 12-week boot camp for your creativity. Cameron’s exercises and insights are designed to strip away the layers of doubt and distraction, leaving your creativity free to run wild. Morning Pages might just become your new best friend.
6. Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
Austin Kleon strikes again, this time with advice on how to share your creativity with the world. This isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about showing your process, your failures, and your progress in a way that connects with others. Creativity isn’t a solo sport, after all.
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7. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp pulls back the curtain on her creative process, and spoiler alert: it’s all about habit. Tharp’s routines and rituals may be the antidote you need to turn creativity into a daily practice rather than a rare burst of inspiration.
8. Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes at Pixar? Ed Catmull spills the beans on how creativity and business can (and should) work together. His insights might just change the way you approach your own creative projects, whether you’re animating characters or balancing spreadsheets.
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9. The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
Todd Henry understands that creativity on demand is no small feat. His advice is perfect for anyone who has to stay creative while juggling deadlines and responsibilities. This book will teach you how to protect your creative process from the chaos of everyday life.
10. Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley
The Kelley brothers—powerhouses in design and innovation—demystify creativity, showing that everyone has the capacity to be creative. With a mix of stories and practical advice, this book will give you the confidence to dive headfirst into your next creative project, no second thoughts.
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11. Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland
This book tackles the two most common obstacles to creativity: fear of failure and fear of others’ opinions. Bayles and Orland’s straightforward wisdom will have you ready to face those fears head-on, with a paintbrush or pen in hand.
12. Imagine by Jonah Lehrer
Jonah Lehrer delves into the science of creativity, pulling from psychology, neuroscience, and history. If you’ve ever wondered why some ideas seem to come out of nowhere, this book will give you a peek into the mind’s hidden mechanisms, and maybe help you tap into them more often.
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13. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s work is all about embracing vulnerability, which is a key part of the creative process. This book encourages you to let go of perfectionism and start creating, flaws and all. Because sometimes, it’s the imperfections that make the work truly original.
14. The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin
Seth Godin challenges the idea that playing it safe is the best route to success. Instead, he urges you to fly closer to the sun, to push your boundaries, and to take creative risks. This book is a call to arms for anyone who’s tired of coloring inside the lines.
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15. Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie
This quirky book combines stories from Gordon MacKenzie’s time at Hallmark with insights on how to stay creative within a corporate structure. It’s the perfect read for anyone who feels like their creativity is being stifled by a system that values conformity over innovation.
16. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
A classic, but not just for writers. This slim volume is a reminder that sometimes the most creative thing you can do is to say exactly what you mean, as clearly as possible. Strunk and White’s advice is like a spring cleaning for your mind, sweeping away the clutter so your ideas can shine.
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17. A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
Daniel Pink explores the shift from a left-brain to a right-brain world, where creativity is becoming more valuable than ever. His book is a roadmap for navigating this new landscape, encouraging you to think beyond logic and embrace the power of creative thought.
18. Make Good Art by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech-turned-book is a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever faced a setback and needed a reminder to keep going. Gaiman’s wit and wisdom make this a must-read for anyone who wants to keep their creative fire burning, no matter what.
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19. On Writing by Stephen King
Part memoir, part master class, Stephen King’s On Writing is packed with practical advice for writers, but its lessons on discipline, persistence, and finding your voice apply to anyone with a creative itch to scratch. King’s no-nonsense approach will have you rolling up your sleeves and getting to work, no excuses.
19 Books That Will Open Your Mind
Books have the power to change how we think, and some do more than just entertain—they challenge us to see the world in a new light. Whether through philosophical ideas, scientific insights, or thought-provoking narratives, these books can expand your perspective. Here are 19 mind-opening books that will make you question what you know and think about life in a different way.
19 Books That Will Open Your Mind
10 Classic 90s Cartoons You Should Watch Again
The 90s gave us some of the best cartoons ever made. These shows were funny, full of adventure, and packed with nostalgia. Here are 10 cartoons from the 90s that are still just as fun to watch today.
10 Classic 90s Cartoons You Should Watch Again
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