There are most things that I think are creativity wrong. Often we treat it like something that turns it into optimization, monetization, or proof of productivity. Rather than realizing what the practice itself gives us, we are rushing to measure the final outcome.
But the real magic of creativity is quieter than that. It’s in a sketch you won’t show to anyone, scrap of sentences in your notes app, watercolors that don’t look like the photos you’ve been copying. There is such psychological importance to making things for no reason. It’s the kind of non-proven, creative work that no one else has to see, where you can actually build the life you want to live.
Recently I’ve been writing a piece that doesn’t leave my hard drive. They existed only for me, and it was strangely transformative. It creates to change how I see the world, how I see myself, and even how I approach the creative work I share publicly.
If you’re taking away the spark for your own practice, these four books are based on reminders of why creativity is important and how to get back to it with less pressure and more play.
Here are four of the best books to encourage creative practice.
1. Alchemy Book By Suleika Jaouad
This book is both a memoir and a manual, and guides readers in the process of turning pain into meaning. Jaouad writes about illness and survival, but more importantly, the meaning of creating while living in uncertainty. Her essays and prompts remind us that creativity is not about self-expression, but about self-connection. This is a way to turn heavy objects into something that holds light.
2. Birds by birds Anne Lamott
This is a book that every writer I know emphasizes and dies. Lamott’s advice is practical – create a “silly first draft” and execute things one step at a time, but it’s really her humor and humanity. She allows for the act of writing, even when you are staring at a blank page. It reminds me that imperfect appearance is the only way. I keep it on my desk, as just looking at the cover reminds me that I get something on the page.
3. Swimming research By Leanne Shapton
Some memoirs, some art, this book is about writing, not about writing. It’s immersive and sometimes strange, but in the end it’s really beautiful. Shapton reminds me that my creative practice doesn’t have to fit the mold. It can ripple over mediums and categories, and still resonate deeply. It made me think about my work differently. I feel more permission to experiment in my work and make the process more important than the product. Thanks to recent increase in popularity, it is currently difficult to find, but it is worth waiting for a reissue copy to arrive.
4. Creative acts By Rick Rubin
Rubin brings creativity back to its essence. His reflections aren’t about “how to make something,” but about “how to notice what’s already here.” This perspective helped me to see it clearly over and over again. It’s not a criticism, it’s meditation on redoing. This book is like a gentle but firm shoulder hand, and reminds me that creativity is not a rare resource. It is always available if you are willing to pay attention. For me, it’s a fundamental practice. Returning to recognition, work continues. Inside there is an infinite well. It is stored on a night stand.
Each of these books reminds us that creativity is important and does not require an audience. In fact, the most meaningful works often happen behind the scenes. You can scribble with notebooks, sketches that no one has seen, stories you wrote just to find out how it ends. Such works are not impressive or proven. It’s about remembering that you are the person you are creating and practicing that in a way the outside world can never do.
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Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and will forever be Test her creative muscle boundaries. Follow her on Instagram @witanddelight_.
Source: – witanddelight.com
