What are you reading for inspiration? Please feel free to send me your suggestions!

I am going to list the titles and authors, but I am choosing NOT to include affiliate links here because I would much prefer you support your own local independent bookstore whenever possible. Thank you for understanding. 

The Artists’ Way by Julia Cameron
This is a 12 week guide to uncovering your creativity. If you’re serious about using your creativity for more, particularly if it’s in writing or fine arts, this book is a great choice. 

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book was one of my favourites on creativity. Elizabeth Gilbert’s writing style is so easy to become absorbed in, I felt like I had a glimpse into her own creative head and heart. There was so much inspiration and encouragement here. I would highly recommend this one. 

Bossypants by Tina Fey
While not simply a book on creativity, Tina Fey uses humour to look back on how she got to where she is, and of course she talks about her experiences in improv.

Cirque du Soleil: The Spark by John Bacon
This was a really interesting look into the creative processes at play behind the popular Cirque du Soleil. 

Creative Quest by Questlove
You might know Questlove from the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. He’s the drummer and joint frontman for the house band, the Roots. This book offers an interesting look at inspiration and originality, from his experience. 

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
This is a fascinating look at the history of Pixar. There is something in here for the creative people, people who want to be more effective managers, and people who live and think outside the box.  

A Dream About Lightning Bugs by Ben Folds
I really enjoyed this book, more so than I enjoy Ben Folds’ music (okay, there are a few songs I will admit to really liking.) This was a fascinating look at his life, career, passion, and how everything came together for him. I also appreciate him as a musician much more now. 

Let the Elephants Run: Unlock Your Creativity and Change Everything by David Usher
This is the book that really re-awakened my creativity. I am a big David Usher fan: he’s the lead singer for the Canadian alternative rock band Moist, has gone on to release several albums on his own, become a keynote speaker, and has founded an artificial intelligence company called Reimagine AI. So when he shared this book was coming out I actually preordered it (back in 2015 I guess) and read it right away. However, it wasn’t until a few years later that I realized how much the ideas had resonated with me, and I had kept them in the back of my mind. He encourages you to use the book as a workspace, to write down your ideas and fill in the spaces, to doodle and draw, highlight and make notes. I couldn’t bring myself to do that; I have a REALLY hard time writing in books, probably a throw-back to college – you can’t sell back a textbook you wrote in. Anyways, I went back to it, read it again, and I wrote all over it. I couldn’t help myself. He asks questions, assigns activities, and works through his own creative process. I would definitely recommend this book.

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
This is a pretty quick and easy read, with each chapter being devoted to a “lesson” on creativity that he wishes someone had told him sooner. 

Venture Girls by Cristal Glangchai
This was a really interesting books on Glangchai’s program, VentureLab, to encourage more girls to pursue entrepreneurial and STEM activities. I would highly recommend this book for parents of girls in particular (but boys are not excluded).