BESTSELLERS ON MY STUDIO SHELF

some classics, from my bookshelf to yours

Around 2010, I picked up my first self help book and didn't stop for about ten years. That voracious appetite for therapeutic text grew and grew. On reflection, so did a sense of dissatisfaction. I think I was tormented by the idea that I could - should - be a better person and that finding the right self help book would make that happen. 

A few years into this compulsion, I moved house and took most of my hoard to the op shop to save me lugging them across town. (I kinda regret that now because there were some absolute classics.) Gradually I gave most of them away because, finally, I came around to the idea (the fact) that curiosity and acceptance were serving me far better than an attitude of relentless critique disguised as self improvement.

Now, I have only a couple of "proper" self help books - the ones that really made the difference and that I keep as talismans rather than read - and my studio shelf is full of books about creativity and artistic practice. My desire in building this collection has morphed from wanting to support myself as a former arty kid wanting to be a grown up artist to having resources on hand to share with others who stand where I once stood: alone, tired, out of answers to the impossible question, What is wrong with you?

In 2011 I did my first 100 day project. That project and all the ones I've completed since are gathered around me now, I'm bursting at the seams with creative energy, and my go-to questions are about potential and possibility: What if?

I have a wide and surprisingly intimate community of creative friends. That fellowship grows by the day now that I've started leading groups on creative excursions like The 100 Day Journey: a creative camino and The Half: a 50 day voyage of discovery.

Above is a collection of the best books I have, in no particular order except one that looked fine as a flat lay. I've picked these books up on my travels through personal creative territory over the last 25+ years (I did The Artist's Way in 2004 and I still dip into it). This collection is a mixture of storytelling and inspiration, instruction and exhortation. Whether you want something gentle and thought-provoking or direct and forthright, one of these will meet you are (or where you want to be):

Creative Authenticity by Ian Roberts: collected writings for painters and people who have an art practice going and who want to bring their practice into closer alignment with who they are right now;

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: written in the warm, sparkling, intimate voice that's Liz's trademark; for general reading, inspiration, potentially a great companion as you journey through The Half;

We Need Your Art by Amie McNee: a friendly kick in the pants from the sass and sense of humour behind Inspired to Write on IG; a programme of sorts; a good one to add to your shelf if you already have some Julia Cameron;

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: a clarion call to take up arms against Resistance in all its guises; really good if you need a pre-project gas-up, it's unashamedly masculine and wonderfully motivating;

The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad: soulful and expansive with loads of essays from successful and important creatives; particularly good for writers and people who used to/want to journal; a wonderful companion for The Half;

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: the seminal self-guided creative sober-up and still the best imho; confronting, compassionate and determined to help you face yourself and every bit of bullshit that's holding you back, there are many reasons why this book has been translated into 40 languages and sold over 5 million copies; the Morning Pages and the Artist Date are powerful tools to add to The Half;

Art & Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland: another low-key gold standard text for artists trying to exist in "the Art World", this book operates at the coal face and helps artists come to terms with all the weird shit that exists in that world; pragmatic, honest, and good-humoured; a good one for people with some kind of practice already who feel disillusioned or like they haven't found (or have lost) their artistic voice;

The Power of Daily Practice by Eric Maisel: the godfather of "creativity coaching", a therapist and writer, Maisel will help you get a sense of what daily practice might look like for you; gentle and straightforward, just like you've booked an appointment.

For The Half 2026, I'm going to read Big Magic alongside leading the journey and working quietly with clay. I've had the book on my shelf for a long time but had pigeon-holed Liz as an over-sharer who's long on story and short on strategy (sidebar: I had Brené Brown in the same category for a long time but I might give her another shot too lol). I picked Big Magic up again a couple of weeks ago and heard her voice differently this time around. She might be just the dream-weaver I need.

Let me know if you've read any of these - or if there's anything I could add to this list!

xAB

9th October 2026