Do you ever feel creatively stuck—or wonder if what you’re making even matters?
Whether you’re a blogger, crafter, writer, or just someone who loves to make things, there are moments when the creative process feels like more frustration than fun. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for books that speak directly to the heart of a creative soul.
One book I found refreshingly honest, practical, and even humorous is Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives by Adam J. Kurtz. Though it’s a small book, it packs a powerful punch of encouragement. Designed with colorful, handwritten-style pages, it’s easy to read in one sitting—but you’ll want to come back to it again and again.
Why Creatives Need This Book
In the business world, a “creative” might be someone in advertising, design, or content marketing. But being creative goes far beyond that. If you love to blog, write, craft, or make art—professionally or personally—this book was written with you in mind.
Creativity often happens in solitude. It can feel lonely, uncertain, or even unimportant. But Kurtz reminds us that our creative voice is valuable. On comparison and fear, he writes:
“When you love and find power in your own voice, it can be terrifying to share it. Trust that you are the exact thing that someone needs.”
What a powerful reminder for those of us who feel invisible in a noisy online world.
Encouraging Takeaways
One of my favorite pieces of advice in the book is about procrastination:
“Turn your procrastinating into planning.”
Rather than beat ourselves up for not starting something, Kurtz encourages us to use that time to break things down into manageable steps. That insight alone helped shift how I approach my own creative projects.
He also pushes back on the idea that creatives are in constant competition with one another. Instead, he invites us to embrace our own journey, reminding us that we’re not racing to the same finish line.
Other chapters offer wisdom on staying sane while working from home, collaborating with others, and recovering from creative burnout. All in all, this is a comforting, witty guide for anyone who wants to keep creating even when the going gets tough.
Live it Out
Creativity is a gift—and how we use it matters. Take time this week to reflect on where you are in your creative journey. Are you stuck? Discouraged? Comparing yourself to others?
Disclosure: Featured photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
I'd love to hear what you think!