January 28, 2021

Books to Spark Your Creativity This Winter

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Right now many of us are tired of being stuck inside—and chilly winter weather doesn’t help. But here’s a creative secret: sometimes staying indoors is just what we need to get inspired. Don’t believe it? Look back at the year 1816, otherwise known as the Year Without a Summer. That year, a volcano erupted, shrouding much of the globe in a giant plume of smoke and ash that drew many indoors. Inspired by the strange and gloomy atmosphere, Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein’s Monster,” Beethoven composed his famous “Piano Sonata No. 28” and Franz Schubert wrote two symphonies, choral music, chamber works and more than a hundred Lieder. Talk about creativity!

So, if you’ve been feeling blocked or you’re looking for a new hobby, now is the perfect time to jog your creativity—and we have just the thing to help you do it. Whether you love writing, painting, drawing or crocheting, these inventive books are here to help you find your inner artist.

Keep your imagination warmed up this winter with these nine books to spark your creativity.

“15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces” by Anna Koliadych

Dabble in the art of watercolor painting with this easy, step-by-step guide to creating frame-worthy masterpieces in just a few minutes. This book is perfect for those who are new to watercolor paintings or want to dust off their old brushes and jog their creativity.

“Wreck This Journal” by Keri Smith

Can destruction be creative? Author and guerilla artist Keri Smith thinks so. With subversive prompts to help you tear, crumple, smear and smash your way to creativity, this journal does more than make you think outside the box—it helps you destroy the box altogether.

“Crochet Cute Critters: 26 Easy Amigurumi Patterns” by Sarah Zimmerman

Whether you’re a yarn connoisseur or new to the world of crocheting, you’ll love making irresistibly adorable amigurumi. Japanese for “crocheted stuffed doll,” amigurumi are cute stuffed characters that you can crochet in a flash. Keep them for yourself or gift them to your friends, family and grandkids.

“Naming the World” by Bret Anthony Johnston

Looking to dip your toes into writing fiction? This is the book for you. With writing exercises created by literary masters like Joyce Carol Oates and Dorothy Allison, “Naming the World” is full of exercises to help you master dialogue, character building, setting and more.

“The Photographer’s Playbook” by Jason Fulford, Gregory Halpern and Mike Slack

See the world through a new lens — that is, a camera lens. This book features advice on shooting, editing, games and activities for both newcomers and seasoned photographers. So dust off your old Polaroid, grab your digital camera or just pick up your smartphone and get started.

“365 Days of Drawing” by Lorna Scobie

If you express yourself through drawing, you’ll enjoy this creative sketchbook designed to keep your pencil moving. With a new prompt for every day, you’ll be sketching, doodling and painting your way through the year in no time.

“Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott

Writers will love this classic book of creative advice by New York Times bestselling author Anne Lamott. Hilarious and heartwarming all at once, Lamott retells her experiences as a writer and writing teacher, giving lots of life advice along the way.

“Essential Art Therapy Exercises” by Leah Guzman, ATR-BC

Making art is more than just a creative exercise—it can actually help ease anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Board-certified art therapist Leah Guzman guides readers on a step-by-step journey to creating a healing space for creativity, from choosing art supplies to practicing mindfulness through relaxing and engaging exercises.

“Journal Sparks: Fire Up Your Creativity with Spontaneous Art, Wild Writing and Inventive Thinking” by Emily K. Neuburger

Why choose between being a visual thinker or a word person when you can be both? This inventive journal will get you thinking in brand new ways with inspiring ideas, doodling prompts, collaging, experimental list-making and other unique activities.

More Ways to Get Creative

Looking for new activities to spark your imagination? Check out these Five Feel-Like-a-Kid-Again Activities perfect for those who are young at heart.

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