10 Books To Help Unleash Your Creative Genius

Creative? I prefer the term "outrageously spontaneous."

Everyone has their own way of expressing themselves. Whether it’s through music, art, or something totally different, we are all creative beings. This week I’ve been taking a closer look at books on CREATIVITY and how exploring it can benefit many areas of your life.

In the Daily Creative by Todd Henry, the reader is given 365 daily exercises and insights that help spark creativity - specifically when it comes to problem solving in the workplace.

In Move the Body, Heal The Mind by Jennifer Heisz, the author suggests that there is a direct connection between sports performance and creativity. She refers to Wayne Gretzy as an example of an athlete who had to create an entirely new way of playing hockey - “inside the rules, but outside the box”.

In Easy Crafts for the Insane by Kelly Williams Brown, the author describes how crafting (imperfect and sloppy crafting) were helpful mental health tools during a particularly challenging time in her life.

In I Didn’t Do The Thing Today by Madeleine Dore, we are reminded that we don’t have to make “grand creative gestures to find poetry in our daily lives - we can simply try something new or see something anew.”

“If productivity narrows our days, creativity expands them. Creativity doesn’t follow a plan but has its own ebb and flow.”

In How To Make Mistakes On Purpose by Laurie Rosenwald, Chapter 1 is titled : Trying to Be Creative Works About as Well as Trying to Be Charming. She believes that mistakes help people create truly original things.

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Can you tell that this is a favorite topic of mine? I don’t know about you, but I always loved art class. I love to paint and color and craft. It makes me feel creative and I get to express my thoughts in a fun way. Art is one of the most creative and expressive ways to express your inner feelings, thoughts, and emotions. It's a wonderful outlet.

Okay, let’s get to the Top 10 list!

1. Inspired: Understanding Creativity: A Journey Through Art, Science, and the Soul by Matt Richtel (2022) - Mariner Books | Inspired is a book about the science of creativity, distilling an explosion of exciting new research from across the world. Through narrative storytelling, Richtel deconstructs the authentic nature of creativity, its biological and evolutionary origins, its deep connection to religion and spirituality, the way it bubbles in each of us, urgent and essential, waiting to be tapped.

2. Daily Creative: A Practical Guide for Staying Prolific, Brilliant, and Healthy by Todd Henry (2022) Sourcebooks | Even if you don't think of yourself as creative, you'd probably be surprised by how many creative tools you use every day. You solve problems, design, write, invent, or in other words--create.

3. Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Unleashing the Creativity Within You by Rachel Marie Kang (2022) Fleming H. Revell Company | Rachel Marie Kang wants you to know that your art is not peripheral to life--it is at the very heart of why you exist and what you have to offer to yourself and to the world. In Let There Be Art, she gives you permission to embrace the peace, pleasure, and purpose inherent in your art and in the process of making it.

4. Core Creativity: The Mindful Way to Unlock Your Creative Self by Ronald Alexander (2022) Rowman & Littlefield | Looking to upgrade your creative abilities? Core Creativity offers ways to go beyond the limitations of ordinary creativity to access the core creativity that comes from the very center of your being: the depths of your unconscious.

5. Creative Genius You: The Equation That Makes You Great! by Patti Dobrowolski (1/1) Creative Genius Press | In this interactive, full-color, visual book, Patti Dobrowolski lays out a simple formula that anyone can use to access their unique genius and creativity. Using the Creative Genius Equation to combine exploration, visual imagery and dreaming your future, she invites you to open the flow of your own creative genius to achieve breakthrough life changes.

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6. The Creative Act: A Way of Being By Rick Rubin (1/17) Penguin Press | From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.

7. Unraveling: What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater by Peggy Orenstein (1/24) Harper | With her wry voice, sharp intelligence, and exuberant honesty, Orenstein shares her year-long journey as daughter, wife, mother, writer, and maker--and teaches us all something about creativity and connection.

8. Bang Bang Crash by Nic Brown (2/21) Counterpoint | A rock and roll drummer abandons his successful music career to pursue his true passion and discovers a deeper understanding of artistic fulfillment in this episodic memoir of swapping one dream for another

9. Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary By Ozan Varol (4/11) Public Affairs | From the acclaimed author of Think Like a Rocket Scientist comes a simple guide to unlock your originality and unleash your unique talents.

10. Slow Noticing: A Journal for Drawing Your World, Inside and Out by Mia Nolting (4/18) A creative journal for seeing the beauty in everyday life--one moment at a time. In the rush of everyday life, it can be hard to slow down and be present. This mindful journal prompts you to do just that. Filled with simple prompts that ask you to observe, draw, and reflect on your immediate world as it unfolds around you, this creative companion brings together mindfulness practices, art therapy principles, and simple creative fun.

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