There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to create, but feeling completely stuck.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a writer, an artist, a content creator, or just someone trying to reignite a spark, creative block can feel like quicksand.
I’ve hit that wall, too. There’ve been times when I couldn’t write, I couldn’t draw—I couldn’t seem to create anything at all. I’d sit in front of a blank page or screen and just… stare. I was stuck, and I didn’t know how to get myself out of it.
But over the years, I’ve discovered that sometimes, the best way out of a rut is by letting other people’s stories and insights guide me back.
These 5 books helped me shift my perspective, find inspiration, and start creating again. And if you’re feeling stuck, I hope one of these books helps you, too.
1. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Yes, that’s THE Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert!
This book reminded me that fear and creativity can coexist, and that you don’t have to wait for fear to disappear before you start. It helped me recognize how perfectionism was holding me back, and gave me permission to just make stuff, even if it’s bad.
Definitely give this one a read if you’re looking to loosen your grip and create for the joy of it again.
Purchase on Indigo for $24.95
2. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
I absolutely love this book.
If you’re a writer, particularly one struggling with writer’s block, self-doubt, or the challenges of the creative process, you need to get this book.
I promise you, Anne Lamott will have you tearing up, laughing out loud, and breathing easier, all at the same time. Her reminder to take things “bird by bird” helped me stop spiralling and just start with the next small step.
Purchase on Indigo for $23.00
3. Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears And Unleash Creativity by Felicia Day
Reading this book will feel like going on a road trip with a quirky old friend who gives you the best pep talks between highway exits.
Felicia Day’s humour, honesty, and wild creativity encouraged me to lean into the weird parts of myself, especially the ones I used to tone down or hide.
Her advice hits especially hard if you’ve ever felt like you never quite fit in. It reminded me that the things that make me different are actually my creative superpowers.
Purchase on Indigo for $23.00
4. Finish: Give Yourself The Gift Of Done by Jon Acuff
If you’re great at starting projects, but struggle to finish, this book will help you finally break that cycle.
This books is funny, honest, and packed with super practical advice that actually works. It helped me realize that sometimes, done is better than perfect—and that messy progress still counts.
When creative block had me starting and scrapping ideas over and over, this book was the push I needed to follow through.
Purchase on Indigo for $24.00
5. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
This book didn’t just help me create again. It helped me rethink what it means to be creative in the first place.
Rick Rubin’s words will encourage you to focus less on the end result and more on the process itself. It reminded me to experiment, to trust my intuition, and to stop trying to control every little outcome.
At the end of the day, we’re all creators, and this book is a beautiful reminder to live with creativity, every day. Plus, it’s beautifully designed and looks great on any coffee table (bonus points!).
Purchase on Indigo for $42.00
Bonus: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
When I’m really deep in a creative block, I like to turn to children’s books. There’s something about their playful spirit that helps me reconnect with curiosity again.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is one of my favourites. It reminds me that creativity doesn’t have to be linear. One idea leads to another, and before you know it, you’re on a whole new adventure.
Remember, sometimes following the “what ifs” is exactly how you find your way back.
Purchase on Indigo for $24.99
Creative blocks happen to everyone. The key is knowing where to turn for inspiration.
Whether it’s a practical guide, a personal pep talk, or a return to the simple joy of creativity, these books helped me get unstuck, and I hope they do the same for you.
Creativity is everywhere if you’re open to it, but sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective.
So keep creating, even when it feels hard. You never know where your next idea might take you.
The Lilac Blog 