The Practice of Creativity

Hi Creatives,

Let’s talk life-changing money books for writers and creatives.

I love books that help me cultivate a more abundant perspective.

I haven’t met an aspiring or established creative professional that couldn’t benefit from looking at beliefs and actions around money, creativity and commerce.

As the amazing visual artist Beverly McIver says, “feeling worthy is a learned behavior.” And, many of us don’t feel worthy of a creative life let alone one that brings us multiple kinds of success.

There are lots of things I can’t control in the pursuit of a writing and creative life, especially as an African American woman. But, I definitely can control how I value myself and how I cultivate my mindset about art, creativity and abundance. That inner work creates tangible results.

I’m sharing some of my favorite books that intersect with money and writing, commerce and creativity. These have made a big difference in my life and they keep me inspired.*

1) Prosperity for Writers: A Writer’s Guide to Creating Abundance

I have read many books on writing mindset and also many books on holistic approaches to money. It is rare, however, to read a book that combines the two in a wonderfully accessible way.

Honoree’s writing is clear, compelling and motivating. She draws on her long-standing experience as a writer and coach as well as interviews with other successful writers to provide practical tips and tools to explore our beliefs about prosperity and writing. The unique exercises are fun and if you work them, they work! They may push you out of your comfort zone but the rewards are worth it.

Buy the book or audiobook

2) Write to Riches: 7 Practical Steps to Manifesting Abundance from Your Books

Renee Rose is passionate about helping other authors find and maintain an abundance mindset to catapult their careers and create their best future. She shares her journey to being an 11-time USA Today bestselling romance author and her ups and downs along the way. Her exercises bring in the body and our emotions as it relates to expanding our ideas of abundance-this approach is a standout.

Buy the book or audiobook

3) Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living

This thought-provoking collection of essays has an all star line-up of prominent writers including Cheryl Strayed, Jennifer Weiner and Jonathan Franzen. This is less of a money mindset book but more a look at the ways in which working writers make money, manage money (or don’t), and the ups and downs of a creative career. I appreciated that the collection includes a range of writers who have worked as freelancers, copyeditors, scriptwriters and as ghost writers.

Buy the book or audiobook

4) Prosperity Pie: How to Relax About Money and Everything Else

This is one of my all-time favorite books about money and the creative life. Written by writer, artist and all around creative genius Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, aka SARK. This was the first book that made looking at one’s money beliefs and creativity feel safe and fun! She tackles the question: How can we feel prosperous (and creative) “no matter how much we have or do.”

Buy the book

5) Get Rich, Lucky B*itch: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First-Class Life

Yes, this book has got a naughty title but it’s been a game changer for me and for a lot of women.

Denise Duffield-Thomas is a podcaster, author and entrepreneur. She began her business writing on her blog and turned that into an enterprise that has earned over 30 million dollars. Her book explores the often negative social and cultural messages women receive about money due to gender socialization. She highlights common ‘money blocks’ for many women and how to overcome them so that you can create a life that you love.

Buy the book or audiobook

*links to books are affiliates. I may earn a small amount at no additional cost to you. TY!