The holidays are over and it’s the perfect time for gifting yourself some creativity. Full of possibilities, the beginning of a new year can be pretty damn motivating. Of course, that feeling can be short lived, especially if you don’t use it to build some momentum. That’s where these recommendations come in. Don’t worry, I know the risk of thinking that one new shiny thing will solve all your problems, and you’ll finally live your perfect creative life. So, I’ll tell you right now, none of these will do that. However, if you put them to use, they can provide inspiration and guidance on moving forward with your creative journey.
Books
The Art of You: The Essential Guidebook for Reclaiming Your Creativity by James McCrae
What I really enjoyed about this book was the interweaving of the author’s own experience along with the advice on living a creative life. It really reinforces the material and makes it an interesting read. It includes lots of helpful tips and exercises that make it a great resource to turn to again and again. I wouldn’t just recommend to people who work in creative fields, but pretty much anybody.
Purchase from Bookshop.org*
The Writer’s Voice by Ann Janzer
This along with the two other books I have from the Writer’s Process series will always be kept within arms reach of my desk. I love how she always breaks down the writing process into easily understood and applicable bits. Her writing exercises are fun to do and always stretch my writing skills. If you follow the suggested weekly designation for each chapter it will keep you writing for at least three months.
Purchase from Bookshop.org*
Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil by Ananda Lima
This is your bit of inspiration reading. It’s fiction and it’s not focused on writing craft but the bits of self-reflection on being a writer, and the writing process stood out. Overall, the whole book is amusing and amazingly hard to put down. I love the recurring Devil character he’s very seductive and intriguing. But even more, I really loved the moments where she’s inserts herself as a character, the writer writing about writing.
Purchase from Bookshop.org*
For more reading recommendations, check out the newest curated list in my Bookshop storefront: New Year, Same You But Better.
Workshops & Classes
Amherst Writers & Artists
As an AWA trained facilitator, I will always refer you to their website before anything else if you’re looking for writing workshops. I have no doubt you’ll find the absolutely perfect workshop for you. It includes an events calendar and a directory of current affiliates featuring a wide range of workshops and facilitators to choose from. They also offer monthly online writing workshops each with a different facilitator. They are priced on a sliding scale starting at $10 or you can sign up for a writer membership to attend eight per year for $50, plus other benefits. I’d also recommend taking advantage of the annual fundraising event Write Around the World, with individual sessions being offered daily through the month of February. Check out the events calendar here.
Worditude
If you’re running a business and want to brush on your marketing skills, I highly recommend these courses. My favorite thing is how Laura, the owner, focuses on creating the best business for you and your life. It’s not about sacrificing everything to build a million-dollar business, it’s about doing work you love around the rest of the life that you love. I started with the Comfy Business Playbook*and then was immediately hooked; not only are they useful, but they’re also reasonably priced. I loved them so much I signed up to be an affiliate, which means if you use my link for a purchase, I make a little cash. Win-win. I can also personally recommend About page Copy Quest*, Comfy Marketing Makeover*and, Marketing Gameplan*.
Shameless Self promo
I would be a fool not to recommend a few of my own products. I’ll keep it short and quick for you.
Journaling Jumpstart Workshop
In this five-day workshop, you’ll get inspiration, accountability and prompts for your journaling practice. Each 30 minute workshop starts with a short warmpup followed by a choice of at least three journaling prompts with 10-15 minutes of focused writing time; ending with a quick discussion on the journaling process. Go to Workshops for more info and registration.
Pocket Prompts Bundle
I’ve bundled the 2024 pocket prompts series: Lovers, Spring, Back to School and Holiday edition. These one page folded books pack a ton of inspiration into a small package. Each book consists of five pages with between 8-10 total prompts. These are a digital download product, print, fold and take wherever you may roam. You’ll find them available in my Ko-fi shop.
Creative Chronicles Writing Tracker and Journal
My latest creation is a simple writing tracker and journal. Keep track of your progress, journal about the creative process and keep notes about your work in progress all in one place. Available from Amazon.
*Affiliate link, see disclosure for more information.