The blank page stands as a world of exciting possibilities for creative people. It can also be a source of paralyzing intimidation. Will what I create be any good? Will it make a difference? Can I make the ideas in my head a reality? Will I have what it takes to finish?
Whether you're a writer, an actor, creative director, or any other type of artist, Blaine Hogan's new book UNTITLED is for you. Hogan takes us on a journey through his personal creative process, sharing transparent personal stories along the way that have shaped his process.
As a pursuer of all things creative, I loved this book. As I read, it seemed like I was highlighting more in the book than I wasn't. If I had to summarize the main point of the book, it would be that creativity is hard work and creators must be committed to doing the work. "It's execution that separates the amateurs from the pros," Hogan says. This is great encouragement to rise above the fear of the blank page and finish the project we've started.
Hogan gives us some great strategies for coming up with ideas and suggests that we should be taking time to put words to paper everyday. I loved his guiding principles of surprise, delight, remove, restrain, and constrain. He also boils down the goal of creativity to moving people.
My favorite part of the book is when Hogan uses Plato's story of The Cave to illustrate the creative process as the hero's journey carrying life-changing truth into dark places. Part of the journey for the creator is to make sure your own soul is healthy before you can help others to be healthy. Ultimately, creativity is about reflecting the creative nature of God and telling stories that stir people's hearts for the eternal.
There's so many profound insights into the creative process in this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who struggles with finishing what they've started or beginning in the first place.
You can follow Blaine Hogan on his blog
I received this book for free from the author for review.
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