Top ten books on creativity

 

We know we need food and water, exercise and company to thrive. What we often neglect is the creative child in us. Once we’re adults, we often relegate activities that involve painting, dancing, singing, writing, to the ‘frivolous’ or ‘childish’ basket. Or, in the other extreme, we think of them as highly skilled activities that only the truly gifted and well trained should perform.

The truth, though, is that we all need creativity in our lives to prosper and feel good, fulfilled, content. But how to do it in a busy world like ours?

Here are ten books that will hopefully disabuse of those notions. Creativity is for everyone and should be exercised by all. Not as a profession but because it nourishes our soul and connects us to the truly divine in us, the child filled with wonderment and awe.

(a longer version is available on my website).

(Stephen King’s book On Writing is not included here as no one on this planet needs me to recommend it to them. You already all know about it and have probably read it.)

These books collectively explore the nature of creativity, offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical strategies for artists, writers, and dreamers. They delve into the habits, struggles, and philosophies that shape the creative process—emphasizing discipline (The Creative Habit), the mystery of inspiration (Big Magic), and overcoming self-doubt (The Artist's Way). Some focus on storytelling and the craft of writing (Bird by Bird, On Writing, Letters to a Young Writer), while others reflect on the deeper emotional and existential aspects of artistry (Faith, Hope and Carnage, The Luminous Solution, The Writing Life). Whether through personal anecdotes, meditative essays, or direct advice, these works champion perseverance, vulnerability, and the joy of creation.

 

1.     Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
This book is almost as famous as On Writing, but I would pick it any day over the S. King book. I actually did. I finished it and immediately started again. It is such a great motivator for those of us who question themselves and the time they devote to the creative process. Gilbert argues here that our creative side is as needed as exercising or sleeping if we want to be fulfilled and happy. I can’t recommend it enough.

2.     The Artist’s Way - Julia Cameron
Cameron is the queen of thoughtful deliberation and through gentle yet effective exercises guides you in the process of discovering your creative self and building creative habits.

3.     Bird by Bird - Anne Lamott
This is a beautifully written book regardless of the message but she manages to incorporate stories from her own life to underscore the most important message: hang in there, don’t let the doubts swallow you.

4.     Letters to a Young Poet - Rainer Maria Rilke / Letters to a Young Writer - Column McCann
Although there is a century between the writing of these two books, the message is easily summarised with this quote: Art is life. Life is art. Live! Trust yourself (definitely not the critics) and keep trying.

5.     Faith, Hope and Carnage - Nick Cave and Sean O’Hagan
The dialogue between these two artists seemingly meanders from god to loss to artistic endeavours, all the while drawing you in to consider the topics and how you express them in your art.

6.     The Getaway Car - Ann Patchett
This may be the most beautiful and poignant description of what an artist sees and imagines and their final product. It is confirmation that all artists view their work as unfinished, no matter their success.

7.     The Luminous Solution - Charlotte Wood
This is possibly an inversion of Rilke’s and McCann’s message: here, Wood shows how art and creative endeavours can help us understand ourselves better and ultimately live a better life. 

8.     The Writing Life - Annie Dillard 
This collection of short vignettes shows us that even the greatest artists have their moments of doubt and weakness but also points to how to overcome those.

9.     How to be an Artist - Jerry Saltz 
Very short and poignant collection of advice on how to live a creative life.

10.  The Creative Habit - Twyla Tharp
Out of all ten books (except The Artist’s Way), this book is the only on structured around creative practice and how to exercise the creative mind and spirit in a constructive, enjoyable and consistent fashion.

Are there other books you would recommend around creative practice?

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