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Austin Kleon‘s book Steal Like an Artist is short but rich with ideas for anyone nurturing creative projects.

All of the sections are thought-provoking, but I especially appreciated the suggestion to work offline more, with tangible, physical materials.  I’ve broken out of many mental blocks by turning away from the computer screen to scribble on a blank sheet of paper.   Kleon even suggests having separate analog and digital desks.

He’s not against the Internet, though, pointing out that it’s the best place in the world to get inspiration: by following the people whose work most impresses you, you fertilize your own ideas.  And sharing your own work there starts a virtuous feedback loop.

Originally a blog post, but much more satisfying expanded as a physical book.