(Part 3) Best books about creativity according to redditors
We found 2,488 Reddit comments discussing the best books about creativity. We ranked the 461 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
Articles from reputable sources are a decent source of knowledge, but some quality business books will get you an infinitely better understanding of concepts. Here is my personal business book list if you want to get a "universal generalist" understanding of business:
I am graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce Honors degree in May and I can easily say that one of these books (average price ~25$) has significantly more content than most individual classes I have taken (~600$). However, keep in mind that business knowledge and business acumen are two entirely different things. Knowledge is easily obtainable through books like these, and acumen is the result of applied experience with decision making. In short, it is one thing to be book smart, but it is another to get out there and actually apply it. No one can give you that in the form of an article or book - you have to do that yourself.
edit: added links to amazon
My mom is a huge writing/reading nerd, so she's getting a 52 lists journal and a book-shaped tea infuser.
My dad isn't a material person at all, so I'm never sure what to get him. He is outdoorsy though, so I'm tentatively thinking of getting him the camping version of Settler's of Catan, or a small point-and-shoot camera if I can find an affordable one.
My husband knows my Reddit, so honey, if you're reading this: nice try! Although it's safe to say he's getting homemade baking, a decorated house, a stocking full of more food and things he's expressed mild interest in but never bought for himself, and something specific to his interests that I know he'll love. :)
OMG this is great! Loved the idea :D
Anyone interested can check it here
edit: Happy cake day from Zoidberg (V)(°,,,°)(V)
The jump from horses to moon landing falls borders closely to the "Ancient Aliens" hypothesis that aliens surely must have built the pyramids. We had the steam engine back in Roman times. It took another 1800 some odd years before the idea became commercially viable. Asia had printing presses, of a sort, centuries before Guttenberg. What held back these advances?
People to work on them and knowledge of what was done already. This book does a decent job at explaining the latter part. I'm sure now that I'm linking to it I'll be corrected with far better ones (I hope? Always looking for more books.)
The gist of what I mean.
Part of what was holding back tech development was around the time we were using horses and buggies it took ~19 people farming to feed 20 to use a crude estimate from memory. We now live in an age where ~1 person with modern advances can feed 20. That's a lot of people freed up to work and develop elsewhere. Someone who may have been pulled out of school before "middle school" even two generations ago to work on the farm can now get a PHD. That is the legacy (the good one, not the combustible rivers) of the Industrial Revolution. You can see this in real time. Look at what China has been doing the last few decades. They're going through their own version of the I.R. with more citizens leaving farming for cities.
With the internet we have another boom similar to the industrial revolution. The I.R. freed up the brain power. The information revolution that is/has culminated with the Internet makes getting the known information. So research is easier. Look at how fast home brewed aerial drones are taking off or home brewed near space photography.
So I wouldn't say our technology is progressing faster now than it has in the past. I'd argue that technically our advancement was held back in the past by the needs of survival. We've reached or reaching the point where those shackles are increasingly removed.
Self care/pampering kit. Bath bombs, facial masks, polish, candles. Hand made card, they're the best.
Maybe a necklace of some sort. I went through a bad breakup years ago and my best friend bought me a little sterling silver necklace with a cute charm to replace the necklace he'd bought me (I wore his all the time). I started wearing the one she got me and it was a constant reminder that I was loved, seems silly I guess, but it worked.
A good book is always a must. Might I suggest Maya Angelou (And Still I Rise: A Book of Poems https://www.amazon.com/dp/0394502523/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-jPCybXYQ9MMY).
When she's healed a little and is ready for reflection, I also suggest "Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self Exploration." (Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399174826/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JmPCyb988RCV1).
Start here for some cool entry-level stuff. There are many more sites like it. Do some research on what skills you need to also score some jobs that are work from home, or that give you lots of free time, or that generally just seem like a "wow I can get paid to do that?" type job. And just assign yourself homework. Even if it takes years, eventually you'll be competent enough to apply to some things from self education, or otherwise maybe find a more traditional educational path the get you where you want to be. You have your entire life to find a niche to fill in this thing we call society, and you may find some niches where people are just like you--doing what they do, but living for life more than anything. It's about the journey, and maybe you'll find that niche at age 59, but between now and then you'll have some awesome memories about all the trial and error, experimentation, exploration, and realizations. Just poke around, see what happens!
EDIT: I'd totally recommend some fun, INFP fitting books also--not work related, but more "how to fit into the world related". The first one I finished last week and it makes me think about how society can be all a game, and extremely hard to escape from, even if you go to the fringe. The second two I read one summer, 8 years ago, and they completely shaped my worldview and decision-making about who I want to be.
My suggestions:
Lego blocks!!! Yes I know they're not directly programming related. Children who play with Lego blocks (or basically built anything with their hands) are better and more creative problem solvers later in life.
Kids are naturally "little scientists" so I'm a little wary of people who want to encourage their kids to have an interest in STEM, it's more important not to accidentally discourage them by being a real annoyance about it. Young children learn through play.
Someone wrote a full book about it, in fact!--Reader Magnets by Nick Stephenson. It's free to read with a Kindle Unlimited account and it's really short. I thought it was pretty helpful. It might be a good resource if you're interested. It goes through how you can use a free story to build your mailing list and sell more books. I haven't done it yet myself so I can't really offer anything useful beyond that.
The majority of the money came independently through individual investors. Of course, friends and family pitched in but the majority of it was plain old salesmanship. Rob and I both spent countless hours putting together professional sales packets going over the story of the film, the location, our experience, the financial possibilities, etc... A lot of salesmanship, but always being honest with potential investors.
We used Kickstarter sparingly having just hit a $5k goal recently for some extra finishing funds.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rbhamiltoniv/the-suffering-independent-horror-film-completion-f
Screenwriting wise, Rob and I both are ardent believers in reading all scripts you can get your hands on. Particularly if they are films you have seen and are familiar with. It's the best way to understand how a script translates finally onto the screen.
Of course, reading Save the Cat, and one of my favorites,
http://www.amazon.com/Save-Last-Book-Screenwriting-Youll/dp/1932907009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396988059&sr=8-1&keywords=save+the+cat+screenwriting
"How Not to Write a Screenplay"
http://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Write-Screenplay-Screenwriters/dp/1580650155/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396988100&sr=1-1&keywords=how+not+to+write+a+screenplay
But to be honest, it's all about the story. It's what helped us acquire our investors. Having a story that was genuinely intriguing and frightening helped us reach our goal. However, the script doesn't come easily it took well over a year to work out from inception to completion.
You're a thinker, that is all! Not that other people don't think but your brain is wired a little different, thinking gets you excited, it stimulates you to no end, you don't think because you have to you do it because you like it, like a lot of people in this subreddit, I suppose. I can tell you that because I am the same, I can get into thinking streaks that go for hours, subjects I mull over for days. This is great, this is your strength but it can be a bit of a hindrance once in a while. So here's my suggestion:
Two books I can tell you to read, if you only wanna read two books about meditation (they're both very brief):
On LSD: yeah I think most people are more insightful on LSD, except maybe people that just do it for the visceral experience (for example, people who wouldn't dream of doing it anywhere else but in a party setting) but if you're already a deep thinker you're gonna go to another freakin' dimension, you're gonna take a deep dive inside. Two things about this: while you're gonna get great insights, make sure to apply those insights in the real world or share them (here, for example or in a blog) as soon as possible, so they're making an impact on the world and help further your goals, people that think constantly, like us, can get into the trap of enjoying the thinking part too much and not taking action when needed, I'm not saying this is your case, just heads up 'cause I've seen it happen.
In Jean-Jacques Rousseau's seminal work The Social Contract, he (a fervent Christian) insisted that Christianity is incompatible with a sovereign state and suggested that it would be better if we had a national folk religion. I feel exactly this way about sports. It is our national religion. As an atheist, it's my only religion, and it's a naturalistic and humanistic one. I explicitly refer to it as religion, and I'm being serious about it. Play is an important element of human culture. You might want to read this book on the topic if you have further interest.
Somebody even wrote a manual:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Idle-Loafers-Manifesto/dp/0060779691
Say no more, fam.
You don't need a degree to run a business. Having your own business allows you to experiment with these books first hand instead of taking some professor's word for it. Professor's usually just read what the book says. If they were actually good at running a business they'd probably be doing that.
Read this book: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550502723&sr=8-1&keywords=big+magic+creative+living+beyond+fear
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Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Liz Gilbert. It helped me with a lot of things.
You underestimate what a bunch of motivated nerds with support from their friends and family can do. Science never has low hanging fruits, what's obvious to us now was the toughest thing for a person to imagine centuries ago. Further reading: Where Good Ideas Come From
SpaceX's first CTO used to design rocket engines as a teen. ISRO was started when India was way poorer than it is now. NASA had a motivated bunch of amateur hobbyists as the founding fathers of modern rocketry. As I said, general populace's interest leads to success and funding for innovation won't come until you capture the imagination of the people.
I'm sorry but China just copies, Japan has been forward looking for centuries and USA was founded by people who believed in doing things themselves and it still has that advantage today. Go back to history, they still had this deeply embedded in their respective societies before they were such behemoths.
As for R&D becomes valuable once a country has reached its peak, that's my point. The peak is only reachable once a lot of unsung heroes are given the freedom and helping hand by the society to work on making the country successful.
I recently picked up The 52 Lists Project to help me journal more throughout the year. I'm not one to sit down and really just write down my thoughts and feelings, it seems like that's more typical in times of despair or frustration, rather than happiness, so this seemed like a good way to journal in a more positive way. The also have a Happiness version too.
First off, welcome! We’re glad to have you :)
A lot really depends on how you want to learn. Everyone has different styles and techniques. Some pay for lessons or workbooks. Some trace and trace and trace some more. Some freehand copy. This sub is a good start!
Practice strokes from u/MyOwnGuitarHero (our tireless lead mod) if you don’t have access to a printer
https://www.reddit.com/r/BrushCalligraphy/comments/7wwcrs/practice_drills/?st=JDQI7DMR&sh=34264b22
https://www.reddit.com/r/BrushCalligraphy/comments/7p1cau/daily_drills/?st=JDQIB6UG&sh=515b6075
If you do have access to a printer there are lots of free printable PDF practice sheets to use. Below is just one I found from just a google search. Pinterest is a good resource as well
http://lghttp.56260.nexcesscdn.net/8037E40/tombowusa.com/media/wysiwyg/Tombow/pdfs/Tombow-Dual-Brush-Pen-Practice_Full.pdf
If you’d like a book to work from these are a couple of good choices or any from amazon with good reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Lettering-Beginners-Creative-Alphabet-Projects/dp/1546947299
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1948209004/ref=pd_aw_fbt_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W7TYCZCT757T7MJ9TAZH
And don’t forget some good quality paper as soon as you get a chance. Rhodia is good or some just use laser print paper. They’re both really smooth and hold ink well.
Check out the KM Weiland blog posts and podcasts about character arcs. She is very good at laying it all out. Also, this book is really good too: https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Character-Arcs-Masterful-Development-ebook/dp/B01M6VC68U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538078884&sr=8-1&keywords=character+arcs
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This post and interview about the "mirror moment" by James Scott Bell is a great thing to study too.
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It all boils down to: What is the lie the character believes, and what is it they WANT vs. what they NEED. Then are they doing a positive change arc to grow, or a negative change arc to descent, or a flat arc where they remain steadfast and those around them change instead.
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Reading that book would shed light on all this. Or just read her blog posts on character arcs. It's really really useful.
Ooh Ooh, I can answer this one.
The book The Now Habit focuses on this very problem. It was recommended to me on reddit, naturally. And it has helped me so much.
The basic concept: Focus all your energy on the idea of Persistent Starting. What is PS? Don't worry about finishing, don't worry about having enough time, don't think about that at all. All you have to do is ask yourself one question: "When can I start?" and then keep starting. Start start start, over and over. Before you know it, you're done.
So simple, but it works. Book will explain it in detail, and talk about the cycles of fear and procrastination. But Persistent Starting is the heart of it.
K.M. Weiland has a really good series of ebooks on fiction. The same principles apply to screenwriting, particularly with respect to solid character arcs, so I'd definitely recommend her work. I write full-time and she has improved my creativity and understanding of structure.
I'd recommend 'Creating Character Arcs', which also features extensive tips on character building.
https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Character-Arcs-Masterful-Development-ebook/dp/B01M6VC68U/
Currently reading Where Good Ideas Comes From by Steven Johnson. It's a book that discusses the mental process of idea generation, occasionally in abstract terms. It's pretty great.
I've posted about this before, but check out 52 Lists For Happiness. I think it would really help you to love yourself, and focus on positive things instead of the negative. Good luck!
Edit: formatting
If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland http://www.amazon.com/If-You-Want-Write-Independence/dp/9650060286
The Black Swan, by Nassim Taleb
Catching the Big Fish, by David Lynch
A note on the second choice. I know it's not standard non-fiction fare, but I'm a huge Lynch fan and I really enjoy this book. It's short and I think reading it would benefit anyone. He was an Eagle Scout for Christ's sake!
Writers don't 'read' scripts in Hollywood from outsiders because the industry is flooded with unsolicited manuscripts every year. And 99% are horrible.
In Hollywood, readers and low-level assistants/development execs are the filter that an outsider must get through to be taken seriously. These people are handed 20-30 scripts a weekend, some from the top executive's buddy's daughter from texas, some from an agent friend, some from a writing contest. These 'readers' are so pissed that they have no weekend that they look for any small issue with the writing to tell if it is a non-professional, an industry person or some flake from Nebraska.
So to make a long story short, there is an industry standard and if the script deviates in form or style from the standard, into the recycle pile it goes. Period.
So screenwriters out there? You MUST write for the beleaguered reader, these put-upon, exhausted people that would rather die than read another poorly written script. The script has to work on all levels and the format perfect. Just having a good idea is not enough.
Try this:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Write-Screenplay-Screenwriters/dp/1580650155
Great book on the simple things to avoid.
Oh and writing screenplays is an artisan skill, incredibly detailed and complex work. If you take it on as such you will need time and knowledge and practice, practice, practice.
Another great great great book:
http://www.amazon.com/Save-Last-Book-Screenwriting-Youll/dp/1932907009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253374543&sr=1-1
You can't do a half-ass screenplay that will sell. You need to know the rules.
I know how you feel. And I think as you get older you will find your passion and get better at coming up with great ideas. 26 is still very young.
Creativity isn’t just something people are born with, it’s something you practice at. Even coming up with good ideas comes with experience. Sure some people seem like they are naturally good at it, but those same people lack other qualities that you have. As an ESFJ I think our natural superpower is empathy, emotional IQ, whatever you wanna call it. It’s also our greatest weakness, which is where all the guilt and depression can come from.
For the longest time I felt unfulfilled and struggled to find my passion in life. I also would get really frustrated because I didn’t feel like I was creative or would be able to come up with a great business idea, which are things I always wanted to do. Even after having cofounded a successful company, I couldn’t give myself any credit, because it was my partner who came up with the idea.
Now that I’m 36 things have changed. I practiced being creative at things I felt frustrated with before, and it actually comes easier to me now. (For me specifically that’s writing songs.) With the business experience I have now, I’m also better at coming up with ideas. The reason for all that is because I’ve made a bunch of mistakes before. Without those mistakes I wouldn’t have that confidence or abilities.
I also realized what my passion is. And it was right under my nose the entire time. For me it was pretty simple - I like helping people, and dogs make me happy. So I foster rescue dogs, and also I mentor people who are recently released from prison. It’s the ESFJ in me I guess.
When I was really lost I got this journal / book called “Start where you are”. Honestly it didn’t give me all the answers I wanted immediately, but it helped me visualize where I wanted to focus my energy.
Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399174826/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kBTnDbEV7SPBS
Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ll get there at your own pace.
These are the two best resources on reddit. There's also this cool little book called, The Writer's Block, which I kind of dig.
There's a really great book that explains this and gives you some tips about going about it - and it's permafree! It's called "Reader Magnets" by Nick Stephenson. You can find it on Amazon here.
ETA a word I left out.
Totally a hijack but Where good ideas come from by Stephen Johnson.
Most of his 'talks' are +- 100 years of industrial revolution.
I feel you, man. I am in exactly the same boat. Last year I actually moved to a completely different state in the hopes of being part of a larger, more active art community, yet I still have not done anything to "put myself out there."
It is exceptionally hard to find the motivation within yourself, all by yourself. My best advice would be to find small art communities within your own city. If it makes it easier, look for these online using things like Nextdoor. See if there are small 'craft meetups' where maybe a few people get together once a month. Near where I live there is a small group that does a "Stitch N' Bitch" once a month. They get together and crochet or knit, but they are totally happy with people who do other forms of art or crafts to join. Or if there are local businesses that offer art classes, if you have the finances available, take a class! Try to surround yourself with like-minded people.
Personally, I am an introvert and have severe social anxiety which hinders my ability to go out and meet people, but as far as I've learned that is probably the best way to "get yourself out there".
Also, something that helped me A LOT was this book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert (although I am not usually a "self-help book" kinda gal) It offers a lot of different ways to look at your own creative process and how to not be so friggin hard on yourself about it. See if your library has a copy of it, or if your library uses Overdrive (ebook/audiobook collections through a phone app.) Seriously, it was a game-changer for me.
Best of the best of the best of luck to you!
1. something blue
2. summer vibes
3. unusual food, avocado hugger
4. this for my mom. shes the ultimate beach planner, and it would be such a good gift because it has the insulated bottom that she could bring snacks and drinks in!
5. girl in cabin 10 its a suspense, and Ruth Ware has quickly become one of my fav authors.
six- hmm coming back.
7. dog bed for burrow types
8. this useless gift is pretty funny though
9. inception because its just a giant mind fuck and its awesome
10. first aid kit for zombies just seems like you might need a band-aid or something.
11. DSM 5 pocket version im currently studying for my license to become a counselor, and this one be so helpful when I have to diagnose my clients. it's absolutely vital for a therapist, and it would change my life!
12. add- on
13. harry potter fandom
14. this painting is 235,000 HOLY CRAP
15. unicorn cupcake topper
16. bourbon vanilla candle
17. barbie dream house was EVERYTHING
18. writers block
19. makeup vanity I cant afford one right now, but I will save up and get one!!! Im obsessed with makeup and having a good place to sit while doing it.
20. bacon survival kit. for the true bacon lovers lmao
Edit: I literally give up on editing the numbers. But this was such a fun scavenger hunt! Thank you adoptee!
I have struggled with this and read about it for years and my favorite is The Now Habit by Neil Fiore.
Show Your Work by Austin Kleon is a quick, engaging read that deals with this exact question.
Yeah, that's very possible. In the book I'm taking this from, the last sentence just says something to the effect of "I don't think I'll ever tell another person what that scripture verse was." Someone who has the book might know better.
I agree with needing to seek help first. Step one is definitely to take her to a psychologist. Therapists and Psychologists are not the same thing - a psychologist does more than therapists can do and holds a degree in advanced psychology (therapists may not have one). You can do a quick Google search to see the difference between them, but I do highly recommend finding a Psychologist.
As far as book recommendations, I think it's probably not wise to give her just anything (especially books that may contain anything that reminds her of her trauma) until she figures out what is most comfortable to her. It's really best right now to let her make those choices.
What I can recommend are some books for anxiety or depression (she may be feeling both or just one or the other), or "feel-good" kinds of stuff:
There are other good books out there that have been recommended in other threads on this subreddit, but IMO these are not a bad place to start. If you really really want to get her something, you may want to stick to the first two suggestions and other books like them so she can have some feel-good "breathe easy" kinds of books until she feels she's at a point where she might want to try doing a workbook.
I also found this doing a quick Google search and it looks like it has some good articles: http://www.pandys.org/recommendedreading.html
But the first thing you should absolutely do is help her find a psychologist. Go to Google, type in your city name and Psychologists. Look up the people you find to make sure they are licensed psycholgists, not LCPC's or anything else. They need to have "PsyD" next to their name to be a licensed clinical psychologist. Start calling offices and see if anyone is accepting new patients.
Edit: As an aside from book recommendations: Jigsaw puzzles and paint-by-numbers are other good no-brain-required activities that she may like to do. It keeps her focus on an activity so she isn't stewing her thoughts on anything else (negative or otherwise), and requires very little effort and energy (which may be in short supply for her right now). You can buy jigsaw puzzles for $10 or less from most stores, or go to places like Goodwill and other charity stores where they typically sell them for $.50-$2.00.
I write (like poetry and stuff.) I'd advise any one to read Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. Not specifically anything to do with Asperger's, it's more about getting rid of preconceptions and bad habits re. writing. The focus of the book is "creative writing" but then again, scientific, mathematical writing is creative as well. In a very pure sense even, I'd say.
Others have mentioned how hard that tattoo tarot deck is. I'm guessing PiP is "Picture in Picture(?)." If you're looking for something easier to read and not Rider-Waite, I picked up the "Everyday Tarot" deck off Amazon after being pulled to it's minimalist look and simple colors so as not to distract from the message in the art. I really love this deck and glad I picked it up to work with it as my first deck.
I also read through Biddy Tarot's "9 Sure-Fire Ways to Select a Tarot Deck That's Right of You". This, ultimately, led me to her deck but she does give other examples and suggestions to help you find the right fit.
Good luck finding your first deck and have fun!
This kind of thing takes a lot of time to heal from, but it's the BEST thing any of us can do as a mom. Having had toxic parents ourselves, healthy boundaries and nurturing behaviors were not modeled for us. Working with a good therapist isn't just about healing yourself, personally, but also about having an ongoing Life Coach to check in with when your kids grow and hit different stages of development, so you don't unconsciously repeat the patters you were imprinted with, but consciously BREAK those negative and destructive and toxic dynamics.
You have ALL the power here, even if it sure as hell doesn't feel like it right now. Have you ever read Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts? or Becoming the Narcissist’s Nightmare: How to Devalue and Discard the Narcissist While Supplying Yourself or Big Magic? All three of them will help you heal. Promise.
If you're interested partially in using it to build a mailing list you may want to check out Reader Magnets by Nick Stephenson (it's $0.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited). It's a quick read and part of it is him talking a bit about how to set up a WordPress site. He recommends a good, simple theme that works well with his program but I can't remember it off the top of my head.
Found it, it's this one: https://demos.cyberchimps.com/responsive/
Also, this site is helpful for learning WordPress stuff in general, if you're new to it (I am): http://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/how-to-learn-wordpress-for-free-in-a-week-or-less/
I'll share with you what Brenda Ueland said about boredom in her book:
>The more delicacy there is in your perception of how boredom feels the better writing it will be. But don't forget that your impulsive, free way of saying it will be better, closer, and truer than the planned, contrived way.
And:
>If you want to write about a man who is suffering from boredom, just quietly describe what your own feelings are when you have been bored. This is all you have to do. Don't say the boredom was "agonizing, excruciating," unless your own boredom was, which is doubtful. That is all you have to do to infect, to convince your reader, to make him think it is a good description.
Elizabeth Gilbert talks about something similar in Big Magic (excellent read, would recommend). Basically her mantra about fear/anxiety is to invite it along the ride with you. It's not going to go away and it can't drive the car, but it can sit in the back seat and come along with you.
I'm actually in your same situation (going to quit my corporate job in a few months here to go out on my own) but I'm comforted by Gilbert's words. I know it's going to take practice but I think we just have to get used to having the fear hovering nearby.
Steven Johnson in Where good ideas come from says he did a rough study and found 50% of good ideas in the 20th century (I think) came from the public sector.
My own hypothesis: individuals create good ideas. Give individuals freedom (from economics, i.e. basic income) and technology will increase faster.
Cool article! A related book I've been reading lately is "Play" by Stuart brown.
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul https://www.amazon.com/dp/1583333789/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_e5iyxb47400TQ
Here goes...
For writing, try a book called "Writing Down the Bones"
http://www.amazon.ca/Writing-Down-Bones-Freeing-Writer/dp/1590302613
For drawing, check out "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain"
http://www.drawright.com/
These are both books that will get you on the path to discovering your natural talents.
How to Be Idle was a good book on this subject. The author uses a lot of historical context to illustrate how people's mindsets in the past weren't always so concerned with being busy.
My sister loved Writing Down the Bones: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Down-Bones-Freeing-Writer/dp/1590302613
And, I love Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. This is more about creativity in general than strictly fiction writing, but there are tons of writing exercises and ideas to nourish your creativity. I highly recommend!
I'm a big fan of lists and journaling. Lists help me get thoughts out of my head and sometimes result in something handy I can use later.
As for journals, I like gratitude journaling. It helps with my habit of catastrophizing and forces me to look for the good when I am anxious and overwhelmed. I have also used several journals that I LOVE. Links below.
[Pick Me Up: A Pep Talk for Now and Later] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143109081/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cPrSBb9M5TWW6)
[52 Lists for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1632170965/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NPrSBbKEZVA03)
I can’t recommend enough Austin Kleon’s book: show your work which talks about this very issue.
I took that definition from the book "Creating Character Arcs" written by K.M. Weiland. https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Character-Arcs-Masterful-Development-ebook/dp/B01M6VC68U
I think that'a quite common to be honest, I read a book on the subject which was pretty good. Worth a look, anyway.
I have a book recommendation: The Now Habit by Neil Fiore. It's about overcoming procrastination, but the ideas can be applied to other areas of life.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948209004/?coliid=I30VN4RUX47F7&colid=VFGTCUE8E4XS&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
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It's a lettering and modern calligraphy book. I write a lot of letters to friends and family in addition to make cards and gifts for people. I'm always looking to make things more beautiful and learn new art skills:)
No need to apologize! I don’t really practice, to be honest. Most of the time I just wing it, actually! I’ve been hand lettering my illustrations for years so the transition to bullet journaling seemed fairly natural but I also didn’t want to use that same “font” everyone seems to be using in theirs at the moment, so I just kinda stumbled onto whatever it is I’m doing now.
But! If you’re looking for resources, I’ve heard good things about this book but haven’t actually checked it out myself. Also, r/handwriting and r/lettering have great ideas for writing styles if you’re wanting some inspiration for something fresh.
As many have mentioned, Stephen King's On Writing is great. I also really liked Ray Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing. Writing Down the Bones was good too.
Aside from those, I enjoy prompt books a lot. Keeps me from whining about writers' block. In fact... One I've had for a decade is literally called The Writers Block.
Great book to help with creativity (which in turn I think helps with improvisation) is A Whack on the Side of the Head
And now for my (derived from said book) suggestion:
LIMITS
Perfect example: playing FAE (Fate Accelerated Edition) last night for the first time. The scene is a dining room on a cruise ship and I start describing the bar area "Yeah there's a haze of ..." I was about to say smoke. The problem? I had previously established this world had limits on combustibles! How do you have a decadent smoking habit when you can't burn things?
SO what happened was this limit forced me off in another direction: fog. "So there's a haze of fog up near the bar".
What the hell did this mean? I had no idea. But what happened next was the beauty of all of this: the players rolled with it. "Fog?" they said? "Yeah! You see a guy holding a brass & crystal pipe and you can see some alchemical mixture he's puffing on. He breathes out some vapor afterwords." BOOM! Steampunk vaping.
Limits can help you break through mental blocks because they can do two things: force you away from your instinctual reactions (like a bunch of aristocrats at the bar smoking cigars & drinking brandy jumping into my mind first thing), and eliminating choices which helps focus you on finding a new solution (okay, nobody can be smoking cigars and there's still a haze up there... can't be a hooka or a bong... hm. Lots of alchemy. Alchemical pipes? ALCHEMICAL PIPES!)
Or you could simply live. (seriously)
http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Idle-Loafers-Manifesto/dp/0060779691
Are you giving away a story free to subscribers? Where in your front matter / back matter do you put your CTA (Call to Action) to entice them to sign-up? Do you use images or just text? For every 100 books you sell (or give away free), how many subscribers are you getting on average? It's work, but it's soooo worth it.
ETA: Throwing some power words into your CTA/headline might help too. The Lust column on that page, for instance, has some juicy words to use for your CTA/headline. Have I mentioned the importance of your CTA/headline enough yet? ;)
ETA TOO: If you want some homework, read Influence by Cialdini and/or Tested Advertising Methods for some basics on marketing. For even more author-specific newsletter tips, check out Mark Dawson and/or Nick Stephenson.
I've found this book to be really helpful
The Writer's Block. It's a desktop cube-shaped book full of "spark words", like individual words that you then have to write something inspired by, and tasks, such as "Tell the story of how your parents got engaged". One of my writer friends bought me one as a birthday present and it's really handy to just flick to a random page when you're feeling stuck. Sometimes you come out with complete trash, but sometimes you write a nice little piece. Either way, it's handy to keep your brain warmed up and something bigger might stem from one of the exercises.
Catching the Big Fish, that's what it's called, sorry for delay
http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Big-Fish-Meditation-Consciousness/dp/1585426121
FYI, he talks about Transcendental Meditation a lot. I'm not into TM personally, but he still has a lot of good broader points (for an artist, a calm state of mind > confusion, anger, brooding) and some people swear by the TM stuff, so if it works for you, go for it. Beats the gutter, the prison, or the grave.
I really liked Elizabeth Gilbert's book about this. Simply put, it's about the relationship between you and your muse.
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726
Good advice by all.
Two essential books - in my opinion:
The Art of Fiction, by John Gardner. Most libraries/library consortia should have a copy. Even if you don't read the whole book, jump to the chapter near the end titled "Exercises". Pure gold. It's about building your chops and doing your scales. When you're ready, you'll have more tools in your toolkit. OK, enough of my crappy metaphors...
For pure inspiration/support, I haven't seen anyone beat Brenda Ueland's If You Want To Write. I used to think Writing Down the Bones was the best, but so far Ueland's book - although older-fashioned - seems to stand the test of time better.
I just discovered Joy Writing by Kenn Amdahl. I love everything he writes - such as There Are No Electrons, Algebra Unplugged, and Calculus for Cats - so I figure he has some good info on writing. This might become a classic.
Seconded for On Writing. And to add to that "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp.
Here's one It's like a beginner's guide to weird art haha.
It's a journal filled with blank spaces and instructions that will say something like "Cover this page in sticky things" or "Sew this page" or even "Chew on this" and they're all completely open to interpretation.
It's a pretty good way to get steam out
I haven't really spent time reading in a long time. I think post college I was just like I'M FREEE! Now I just miss being forced to read all the dry film literature and writing papers. On a note as Lynch as an author Catching the Big Fish was actually pretty good.
$2 more on Amazon, but with prime shipping for those of us in a pinch :)!
I got this deck after seeing it posted on this sub and fell in love. It’s RW based deck. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0762492791?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Edit: it’s called Everyday Tarot
I can't make any recommendations about ADHD/ADD but I DO think you should go see a doctor, first and foremost. Aside from that, try to not be so hard on yourself! Us human's have A LOT to learn and many have a learning curve greater than others. That doesn't mean they're dumb or stupid, they just learn and process things differently so it takes a little longer to get the hang of it. It's also important for your mentors, peers and bosses to understand how to work with you to make sure you properly understand how to do a process. I'm not sure what your job is, but maybe you can ask if there's a written guideline somewhere? Or write yourself one to reference when you do it correctly, and make notes of where you frequently make mistakes. For example, I'm really so bad at math and anything with numbers and I just started a job where I have to count out large amounts of money and I literally get so tripped up and embarrassed I can't even think straight. It's been really hard for me, but I'm pushing through and practicing as much as possible.
I know it's hard, but try not to compare yourself to others and maybe even start journaling at night for self-reflection. I'll link the two I recently bought that I've been loving :)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307719774/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399174826/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sorry for the Amazon links, but these books are phenomenal. My goals for 2016 are 1) learn how to find my own happiness 2) get away from needing stuff and 3) read more. I got this set of books as a way of kick-starting my year of self exploration, and if I read your post correctly that's kinda what you're looking for, too.
I know what you mean about getting yourself back into a positive mental space. Part of it is SAD with living in the Midwest, but I've really been struggling with it these past couple of months as well. I definitely see a connection myself between when I am eating healthy/low carb and exercising and my mood. You're a good reminder to get back into regularly writing in my gratitude journal, and I'm eager to hear more about your journal app. I've also been eyeing the 52 Lists for Happiness journal.
What book are you reading next?
Well, that's brainstorming really. I've been doing that since I was a kid and I fall back into it when I'm being lazy or otherwise burnt out. It's not a bad talent to have, and it's certainly what you start off doing before you get serious, but if you want to write you eventually have to start stringing sentences together into some sort of coherent narrative.
That means making decisions about structure at some point. Either you just decide and assign them (this is a short story type narrative, first person perspective, taking place in New York City, etc.), or if you're stuck, you can make a flow chart of available options and roll dice or toss a coin to decide (I do this when I catch myself in a rut because I can't decide what to do or where to go with my work). Seriously, if you're indecisive, let chance guide you. It's better to do evil than nothing. Once you've figured out a little structure, start writing sentences. Visualize what your characters are seeing, feeling, and doing, and record all that. Just dream them up or grab a character concept from your idea pile and plug it into a setting and start visualizing scenes, conversations, etc., and record all that to the best of your abilities. Let your unconscious do the lifting. Daydream and record the daydream.
But I mean, it's just something you have to grow into; like the others said, it does take discipline. Devote yourself a little- devote time and effort- to learning the craft of writing and practicing it like it's something that matters. Treat it like a spiritual commitment. It doesn't matter if you suck at it for a few years if you're determined, because you'll learn from your mistakes and improve if you just keep working. But ultimately, it's a matter of sitting down, determined to do your best even if it's crap for a long time, knowing you'll improve as you go along if you analyze your work and ask how you could do the weak parts better in the future.
Also if you want to stay organized go buy Scrivener now. You'll thank me later. Here's a book you may want to read as well.
Hey Dan, sorry you did not win. Some of the pages were put into the Harley Quinn Directors cut, but if they did not make it there, I am not sure. I would still post it online for people to see!
As far as recommending reading material…I have a go to book that is about the general idea and how to get them…its a little bit out there, and spicy…but I recommend it. Read it from cover to cover.http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Big-Fish-Meditation-Consciousness/dp/1585426121
This will change a lot of how you work. I give them to friends often. Give it a try!
Jimmy
You could PM your name to me, if you want. (Hover over my name, click "Send Message"). We'll just move to private messages instead.
If you want to see how a great email funnel setup looks, I'd pick up and read Reader Magnets, by Nick Stephenson. He's got tons of info, and that's how I structured my setup.
Also, yes, signing up for the competition's newsletters is a great way to see what's working. That should give you a good idea of how they're structured, how much info is included, how often they send emails, and so on.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/78428.Your_Money_or_Your_Life <= about spending time well. Good things to think when you aren't spending it well. Also about money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QNVP7M/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1 <= about helping you through some of procrastination
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1633.Getting_Things_Done <= about chopping things up so you can do them without thinking...or distraction
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71730.Nonviolent_Communication <= about talking to yourself and others better, making distractions easier to recover from among a ton of other worthwhile things
The Everyday Tarot. :) https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Tarot-Mini-Deck/dp/0762492791/
Everyday Tarot Mini Tarot Deck https://www.amazon.com/dp/0762492791/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ELLrDb8SYYBZP
^^^^
I primarily use this one. It's cheap but high quality, extremely portable, and comes with a small guidebook which is very helpful when learning to read the cards, and simplified art so you dont get overwhelmed by details.
There was a book in the 70's "A Whack on the Side of the Head"
My favorite person is my daughter <3 Shes so amazingly compassionate towards anyone and just know what to say to make you smile.. shes actually turning 8 as well in a few months!!
Shes wanted this since her aunt got one last year for christmas and everytime I try to find it in stores near me they are always sold out!
I could use a unicorn today, it's been rough. [Link] (http://www.amazon.com/Wreck-This-Journal-Duct-Expanded/dp/0399162704/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&amp;colid=1OUQ8B0KGTG86&amp;coliid=I14M0SE1PF3XYV) and if that doesn't work, [Link 2] (http://www.amazon.com/Indie-Rock-Coloring-Yellow-Project/dp/0811870944/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_nC?ie=UTF8&amp;colid=1OUQ8B0KGTG86&amp;coliid=I1EID0Z02J4LJK)
Both were prime eligible but I'm going through my whole list and nothing is showing up as Prime..no shipping info is listed. Is there a way to see what items are and are not? I'm confused...
I don't know that guy. My favorite book on the subject is this.
Steven Johnson - Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation
Define scientific and define Art. I suspect that you are looking for scientific papers (written by academics, peer reviewed, and the published). Not easy. You might find something in Google Scholar as relates to Art Therapy.
This is an interesting book about PLAY, because after all Art is Play.
http://www.amazon.com/Play-Shapes-Brain-Imagination-Invigorates/dp/1583333789
I'm kinda weirded out by the 10 point star in the middle as Tarot cards have Pentacles as that's one of the suites of the cards which is kinda weird that they'd use that symbol.
Also there's major and minor arcana, depending on what deck set is in use a tarot deck would almost match with the MtG Commander deck (78 cards for a regular Rider-Waite deck)
Add while typing this: It's "Everyday Tarot" mini tarot deck illustrated by Eleanor Grosch
a whack on the side of the head
If you're looking at it from a purely productivity/developing habits that support continual creativity perspective, I love Twyla Tharp's The Creative Habit.
Get The Writer's Block - or make your own. People can respond creatively to the prompts as a group - coming up with a skit, writing a story or poem, drawing something, et cetera.
The Now Habit immediately comes to mind. While it's focus is procrastination, it deals with the causes, which includes ambition-related subjects such as fear of success.
Artsy for life!
I make jewelry (all kinds!), I crochet, I write, and I sew. I have two wishlists specifically for artsy things: Sewing and Needle Crafts and Jewelry Making.
I also have a few writing related books on my Books and Things list.
I love sewing because I get to make my kids costumes for Halloween every year and just experiment with things in general (doesn't always work out! haha). When my kids were little, I sewed all my own cloth diapers and probably saved myself thousands on disposable diapers!
I love to crochet because I get to make cute little plushies, blankets, and other things. It's very relaxing for me.
Jewelry making is something I've been doing for a long time. I make things for friends and family and now that my daughter is old enough, she's been getting in on it with me. <3
And writing...publishing a novel or even short story has been my dream since I was a little girl. I've been trying to improve my writing skills since forever. It's definitely an ongoing thing.
A few links to specific items under $20:
Jewelry Findings
Creating Character Arcs Book
Amigurumi Pattern book
Sorry for the super long post! lol
These two books
If you want to write
and
On writing well
Keep a daily journal. Or check out 750words.com
What you want to do is get all the crap that's in your head out of the way so the real you can come out. I know you probably don't see it be the profile the way it's written now you're trying to appeal to people and not be polarizing. And it comes off boring. You want someone to imagine having a good time with you. It takes time so put in some work and come back for another critique. And to be honest it's not terrible but it doesn't stick out. And sticking out, in a good way, is the name of the game because online dating is frustratingly boring for most women.
I recite this to myself:
"I choose to start with one small, imperfect step, knowing I have plenty of time for play."
Every word there is important, from choosing to do it (instead of being forced to), to focusing on starting, to taking on small steps, to imperfection, to having time for play, etc, etc.
From The Now Habit, the best book I've found on how my perfectionism drives my procrastination.
I have the problem when it comes to fiction, as well. Natalie Goldberg's book "Writing Down the Bones" is about how to overcome just this problem for creative writing. http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Down-Bones-Freeing-Edition/dp/1590302613
Still figuring out my character's arc. I'm not too sure if I really want him to have a positive arc, I'm thinking more along the lines of a flat arc as that seems to be more realistic and less cliche for a spy. I don't want to write an "omg my government actually evil & I'm doing the wrong thing!" in this day and age.
So I bought this book which is now currently being shipped out.
Once I figure out the plot, I'll start writing. I'm not a gardener by any means and it would be really senseless for me to just start scribbling words down.
If your issue is lack of detai may I suggest Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg? As /u/WizardWatson9 said, no amount of reading makes you a good writer, so the best books for learning to write are the ones which have actual exercises to get you writing.
i don't really like apps except as a reference, because it doesn't give you the option to draw your card of the day. i hold fast to the belief that divination in cartomancy is driven by the subconscious; how many shuffles you do, how you cut the deck, which cards you're drawn to. unless you have the option to do these things, i don't put much weight into the apps.
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if you're short on cash you can always color your own deck, a book you can pick up at amazon. or you could find many of the less expensive decks, such as the smith-waite centennial deck, everyday mini deck, or the ceccoli mini deck. all these decks listed are cheaper than the coloring book, with the exception of the first they are under $10, and if you have prime they will come in two days with free shipping.
No affiliate. But buy this book.
This could be of some use (I have no affiliation but have played with it a few times.)
Writer's Block
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It is what it says- a small block book of writing prompts. Some are better than others- as a random example flicking the book open:
Write a story that begins 'three days later they found the body'.
Ask around, it happens every time.
Ignored. That happens, so much stuff out there.
Hate: those people are just showing you their true colors, or they are just troll that have no other skills in life then trolling. Just continue your work, keep on publishing, you'll see who your true friends are.
2 great books for you:
As a very accessible read I'd recommend How to be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson. It's a very entertaining series of essays that discusses our attitudes to work, careers and other aspects of modern life and challenges the accepted wisdom on such matters. If you are between jobs, it's a dangerous book to read as it makes an excellent case for the more relaxed lifestyle!
I would recommend two books for you to read
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Your-Work-Austin-Kleon/dp/076117897X
https://www.amazon.com/Do-Work-Overcome-Resistance-Your/dp/1936891379/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1GH3K61EWSRLK&keywords=steven+pressfield&qid=1571259852&s=books&sprefix=steven+press%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C262&sr=1-5
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In my experience I would always say to myself what is the worst that can happen? And you know that saying by Reid Hoffman's — “If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late.”
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Best of luck to you!
Deck is Everyday Tarot mini deck because I have mini hands.
Posting because lolz and because it’s hard NOT to read that as “or else,” but it’s a legitimately accurate read on my situatio now. Several aspects of my life have kind of turned upside down in the past few and I feel like I’m starting over in a lot of ways, so I’m reading this that my deck really knows what’s up and I need to quit questioning the universe.
Lettering and Modern Calligraphy: A Beginner's Guide: Learn Hand Lettering and Brush Lettering https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948209004/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N2kWDbP1D33H6
I’ve been learning how to do this and it’s so soothing.
My kids no longer put out milk and cookies for santa! It's not because they don't believe, but more so because our cat is a punk. If you choose us, I think my oldest would benefit from something like this or my youngest something like this one He loves teen titans go and almost has them all. They each have their own individual wishlist. Thanks for the contest!
https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Write-Screenplay-Screenwriters/dp/1580650155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1506791901&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=how+not+to+write+a+screenplay
I love helping people find stuff to add to their wishlists!
Scarf <$10
Wreck This Journal $10-$20
Nag Champa
I think you need this. Cause c'mon, everybody needs to get their anger out on a journal at least once in their lifetime. Also, congrats on getting the job!
Cool, thanks so much!
The first action I took... Well, I read this, which basically revealed what I'd been doing wrong for two years. That was my first big breakthrough, and I will be a lifelong fan of Dr. Brown for writing that book.
Working with Ramit and Tim was pretty incredible. They're both really sharp guys who went out of their way to expose me to amazing people and priceless experiences. It was tough, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
And I think we're all very capable of being stricken with anxiety, but it's something that builds and accumulates due to our environment and habits. It's not like it's a permanent condition that we have to be stuck with forever! And that means we are all capable of curing our anxiety :)
I recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/Whack-Side-Head-More-Creative/dp/0446404667
It's excellent.
Don’t stop. Let writing be something you do for yourself. If you write, then you’re a writer.
Also read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s inspiring and will help you enjoy creating for creation’s sake.
> What were very wrong reasons if you don't mind disclosing?
the very wrong reasons:
Have I got a book for you, OP
Gonna give you a quick tip set here -- generally this kind of comment is going to get grabbed by automod because it looks spammy and promotional. That's not to say it is, it's just what the automod thinks when it sees these components.
Probably the reason for that is because they're isolated links to amazon, rather than links that are in context.
I'd also, just in the interest of staying within the framework of the question, include remarks that speak to the question itself rather than recommending additional resources. This individual did not ask for book recommendations, they asked for first hand commentary. That isn't to say book recommendations are unwarranted, just that they need to be treated as a secondary offering after your own opinion.
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I can’t think for you, since I don’t know your complete situation.
We’re here throwing out ideas which you can use to help you think alternative ideas to fit your situation.
Here’s a book that helped me start thinking outside the box:
A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative https://www.amazon.com/dp/0446404667/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A9IhDbN8PZDA5