There's this common misconception that creativity and art are only for the "chosen few" – the people who are born with a natural talent or have some sort of supernatural gift. This couldn't be further from the truth. Creativity is a skill. Writing is a skill. Any form of art involves a core skill. And just like any other skill, it can be learned, practiced, and perfected. So, here are some tips from Austin Kleon's book Steal Like an Artist to help you create: ⚡️ IMITATE THOSE WHO INSPIRE YOU Copying is about practice. Practice writing like your favorite author (or bloggers). By imitating their work, you'll understand their choices and what makes their writing stick. ⚡️THINK PROCESS, NOT PRODUCT Creativity doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's the result of a process, of trying and failing and trying again. It's the sum of all your experiences, good and bad. So focus on the journey, not the destination. ⚡️ INSPIRATION + YOU = SOMETHING NEW Study HOW your heroes create, but then make it your own. "Good artists copy, great artists steal." – Pablo Picasso ⚡️BOTTLE INSPIRATION Keep a "swipe file" of ideas, people, places, and things that inspire you. Then, when you're feeling creatively stuck, go to your file for a dose of inspiration. ⚡️ GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE When you're influenced by someone, be open about it. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it might just inspire someone else. By stealing like an artist, you can figure out why and how something works and replicate it. (replicate, not duplicate) So go out there, find your muses, and start creating! P.S. You're my muse.