The Chronicles of a Novice Writer: On Steal Like An Artist [Part 4] Write books you want to read

Welcome back to "The Chronicles of a Novice Writer," where we will read Austin Kleon's valuable book, "Steal Like An Artist." In today's blog post, Part 4, we look at some of the book's most striking and personally important ideas.

These concepts not only drive my love of making art and writing, but they also provide invaluable counsel on how to succeed in the broad and often scary world. 

From the power of starting projects that reflect your aspirations to the delicate art of borrowing from the collective well of past creations, we'll look at how these ideas might improve our creative processes, we dealt with this in-depth in the previous post.

Whether you're a writer, artist, or another type of creator, expect to be motivated to create the work you want to see in the world, Write books you want to read and to overcome the distractions that may derail your creative pursuits. Let's dig into Kleon's rich, inspirational advice and see how we can apply it to improve our own creative production and personal growth. 

Write books you want to read 

One of my favorite statements from the book, and one that has significantly influenced my vision for 2024, is: 

"Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use—do the work you want to see done."  

The sentence is both startlingly simple and profoundly meaningful. It drives me to produce art that takes on the gaps I see and think are in the world. It serves as a reminder that the novels that I wish to read are often ones that I must write; stories that may not exist until I give them life. 

Reflecting on Austin Kleon's encouraging command, I believe it is an effective stimulant not only for creativity but also for personal and societal growth. It invites me, and indeed all of us, to be the creators of the world we choose to live in. 

This quote is more than just a prompt; it is an important responsibility we put on our shoulders—as creators, thinkers, and dreamers. 

Kleon's words echoes in the back of my mind every time I sit down to paint, write, or develop an experimental idea. It reminds me that every blank canvas, blank page, and doddle represents an opportunity to contribute something different to a broader discourse. It is an urge to actively create what should exist instead of merely accepting what is currently present. It is both liberating and demanding because it grows the creator's role from an ordinary participant to a pioneering leadership in cultural and creative growth. 

When I think of writing a book, I no longer see it only as a means of personal expression. Instead, I regard it as a creative act with the ability to bridge a gap in the literature, offer new ideas, or influence people's perspectives on the world. I want to write books I want to read. So, be encouraged and write books you want to read also.

The stories I wish to read are not merely entertaining, but also challenging, comforting, and inspiring. These are the stories I feel compelled to write, motivated by the belief that the stories would inspire understanding, empathy, and action in those who read them. 

The philosophy of creation exists in every aspect of creative work. It is about recognizing gaps as canvases, rather than emptiness.

It is about realizing that every one of us has the ability to create something that do more than just contribute to the noise, but also influences the frequency of conversations, thoughts, and feelings. 

This call to action reminds me that our works may and should represent the worlds we want to build. We should be beacons of our beliefs and manifestos for our visions. This is the core of Kleon's message, and it is the challenge I take with me into all my creative endeavors: not just to accomplish the work I want to see completed, but also to encourage others to imagine and build the world they want to see. It's a never-ending cycle in which creativity generates inspiration, which ultimately drives further creation. 

The evolution of language 

Kleon also brings up an intriguing concept: "All fiction...is fan fiction." We can see that each creative is part of a continuum, participating in a discourse across generations and regions.

This knowledge is both humbling and exciting, placing each writer/artist among a vast interconnected of narratives built up over millennia. 

When a writer realizes that their work is really a discussion with everyone who has come before them, their creative viewpoint will change dramatically. The difficult endeavor of creating something "completely original" becomes a more manageable challenge of adding a personal spin to an existing narrative. It's about crafting one's own experiences, imaginations, and insights into the loom of current narratives to create something familiar yet distinctively different. 

  "All fiction...is fan fiction."

Consider the timeless themes of love, dishonesty, and sacrifice that appear throughout the world's literature. A novice writer addressing these issues may believe that everything has already been said. However, when people filter these ideas through the lens of their unique reality—infused with contemporary challenges, various identities, and modern sensibilities—the ancient themes are given new life to become relevant once more.

The author would not merely remake a love story; rather, writers should describe a love story placed on the context of digital nomadism or examine issues of betrayal in the setting of virtual reality. 

This process reflects the evolution of language itself. Literature evolves in the same way as languages do, borrowing and adapting words and structures throughout time to meet the communicative demands of their speakers.

Each narrative borrows aspects from its predecessors, changing and developing to better suit its cultural and historical environment. 

The notion that all literature is, to a particular extent, fan fiction allows writers to interact more openly with the canon of their preferred genre. Individuals might intentionally engage in discourse with the works that have inspired them, challenging, complimenting, or expanding on the narratives and ideas that kindled their creative flame. For example, a writer may produce a novel in reaction to a classic, bringing a fresh perspective or continuing a plot that the original work left unfinished. 

This approach not only enhances the individual's work but also revitalizes the literary landscape as a whole. Each new work boosts the genre's vigor, driving readers and authors alike to reconsider their understanding and expectations of storytelling.

It builds a literary ecosystem that lives on creation via interaction rather than isolation, resulting in a richer, more diverse tale environment.

Viewing fiction as a vast, intertextual discussion provides a freeing change for the author. It empowers individuals to confidently claim their place within the literary heritage, knowing that their voice is an important thread in the overall structure of world narrative.

This viewpoint not only liberates the creative process, but it also increases the writer's understanding for their position as a contributor to the rich, ever-changing structure of human civilization. 

Go make that stuff 

Austin Kleon's simple yet compelling order is a call to action that strikes a deep chord, particularly in a society where delay and the quest of perfection sometimes stifle creative expression. This instruction urges us to roll up our sleeves and enter into the messy, exciting process of creation, rather than waiting for the illusive 'right moment' or ideal conditions that may never arrive. 

The transition from concept to form is a great process, sometimes unanticipated and startling. A work of art, a narrative, or a tune takes on physical form and may be seen, touched, or heard.

This act of creation is more than merely generating an object or an end; it is about bringing something into being that was previously only imagined. It's a process that is both rewarding and informative. 

Every move and attempt, no matter how tiny or incorrect, adds momentum.

Once the initial barrier is overcome, creativity tends to flow more freely. Ideas begin to change, abilities grow, and what was once a rough draft or a basic sketch becomes polished and deepened. The process of frequent creation builds discipline, hone the craft, and can even generate new ideas that would not have developed from idle ideas alone. 

"Go make that stuff" is also a liberating challenge to overcome our anxiety of being judged. It's an encouragement to create without the weight of external expectations.

Creativity thrives in this atmosphere, free of both internal and external criticism. This setting encourages exploration and experimentation, and failure is viewed as a useful element of the learning process, rather than a setback. 

Kleon's thoughts encourage us to recognize the process of creation, with all of its flaws and obstacles. 

It is a voyage that is both uniquely personal and broadly resonant, as each creation contributes to the cultural and social context.

So, encourage us to approach this challenge with zest and a sense of adventure, because it is through creation that we genuinely find and express ourselves, pushing the limits of what we feel is possible. 

Distraction and Destruction

In today's digital world, where screens are an essential part of our everyday lives, remaining focused is more difficult than ever. Kleon's observations concerning the hazards of digital distractions are especially pertinent for creatives who may find their attention divided between many platforms that both inspire and disrupt their creative processes. 

While these platforms provide a wealth of visual and linguistic inspiration, ranging from DIY projects to revolutionary art installations, they also offer a considerable risk.

Within minutes, they may go from useful tools to overpowering distractions. Scrolling through apparently immaculate portfolios and expertly curated photographs can lead to unhealthy comparisons, which cause creatives to doubt their ability or the worth of their work in comparison to others. 

Kleon greatly advises us to put limits on these digital gadgets to protect creative space.

This might include turning off alerts during work hours, scheduling particular times to check social media, or even employing applications that limit the amount of time spent on specific apps. 

The idea is to ensure that these tools accomplish their intended function of inspiring rather than distracting. 

Striking a balance between inspiration and distraction is critical for maintaining a good state of mind.

Constant exposure to the accomplishments and highlight reels of others might generate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

It's important to note that most social media sites provide a polished, and often unrealistic, vision of life and career. Recognizing this can help creatives keep perspective on their journey and appreciate the distinct features of their own work. 

Kleon's advice on reclaiming time and mental space is more than simply about increasing productivity; it is also about nourishing creativity. It promotes a return to awareness, transforming the act of creation into an introspective practice devoid of external constraints and distractions.

This awareness technique enables creatives to rediscover the joy of making things for their reason, which frequently gets lost in the cacophony of continual connectedness. 

Establishing a balance where inspiration from digital media promotes rather than limits creativity is critical. By establishing limits and maintaining a disciplined attitude to technology use, creatives may safeguard creative spaces and promote an environment conducive to creation. As a result, individuals not only create more focused and purposeful work but also set a healthy connection with the digital tools that define our modern day. 

Closing Thoughts 

As we continue to study "Steal Like An Artist," keep in mind that these lessons are about being more intentional producers and content consumers, not merely better writers or artists. Each chapter of Kleon's book expands on this central idea: be active in your creation, discriminating in your inspirations, and mindful of your time. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned, and let's keep making the art we want to see in the world!