Creative struggle is real

Holly Blondin's new book is the most clear, concise, and constructive guide to generating ideas and bringing them to fruition you will ever read. The beautifully designed cover and pages impart a treasure trove of concepts about tapping into creativity in any field, including launching a business, working in the performing and visual arts, being part of a team, or while switching to a totally new profession. Creative Struggle Is Real will inspire you to begin or finish any project you yearn to command and complete.

It is a comprehensive, delightful creative package with just the right amount of everything. Beautifully designed, easy to navigate and filled with personal experiences that showcase the author's depth of knowledge on the multitude of ways to ignite your creativity--no matter how real your struggle. Each section has its own creative rhythm that flows gracefully, making taking action like a dance--you can't help but get moving! It breaks down the mysteries of being creative and will help you find a way to open new spaces of joy. Consider it a source of endless inspiration: a friend and creative companion for life.

The language is clear and immediate, so it feels more like a conversation with a trusted friend than advice from on high.
The structure is also accessible. Each chapter sets the scene for the next, and you can feel the creative momentum building.

I particularly enjoyed how Blondin brought abstract ideas to life through visualisation and metaphor. The activities, peppered throughout, ‘hold space’ for the reader to play and experiment with new ways of working, and help turn intentions into creative actions.

Blondin does a great job of acknowledging both the work and commitment, as well as the satisfaction and joy, in living a creative life. Donna Haraway’s evocative phrase, ‘stay with trouble’ came to mind often while I read this book – the creative struggle is real, and worth it

Best book on creativity -- by far

I have taught entrepreneurship and advised entrepreneurs for 25 years. At the core of what entrepreneurs do and what motivates them is creativity. Everyone says that, and frankly, no one defines it clearly, makes it specific, and helps entrepreneurs become creative. Until now.

This book defines the process of creativity, makes the implementation of it practical, and gives specific guidance for anyone looking to find and amplify their creativity and put it to work. Blondin understands that creativity is at the core of who we are and, in a very supportive manner, takes her readers from a state of frustration to a state of creativity. The book explains the various aspects of creativity but then, with comprehensive and specific guidance, takes them through their own processes of becoming creative. The Creative Struggle is Real includes simple, relevant, and compelling tools that take the reader through this process to find and harness their creativity

This is a vibrant and awakening instruction manual for people who are really ready to do the work to get unstuck. While it reads like a textbook for a Master's level course that always has a waitlist, it also feels like a love letter to exhausted creators everywhere.

I finished the book in two days and it was like having a personal creative coach next to me all weekend. Holly is knowledgeable from every angle. Specific in her teachings but never pushy.

We live in a culture with an insatiable appetite for finishing and winning. This masterpiece has successfully summoned me to slow down, think of my why, honor my own gifts, build a sustainable creative practice and for the first time in my life, just create.