Make It: 50 Myths and Truths About Creating

by Brendan Leonard

Nobody gets tapped with a magic wand and suddenly has the ability to make great music, photos, films, writing, or any other kind of creative expression—they just try. And you probably should too.

“OK,” you say. “But what about ________ ?”

That’s exactly what’s in Make It: answers to all the reasons we give ourselves to not sit down and start working on our Real Art Thing. If you could use a polite but firm kick in the ass to get going, or just some reassurance that you’re not the only would-be creative with a slight to moderate crisis of confidence, this book is for 50 illustrated micro-essays to get you through roadblocks at the beginning, middle, or end of your project, and onto the next one.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2023

About the author

Brendan Leonard is the creator of Semi-Rad.com and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Outside, CNN.com, Adventure Journal, Alpinist, Climbing, High Country News, Adventure Cyclist, and dozens of other publications. He lives in Missoula, Montana.

Reviews

[Reid Belew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, fast, no-nonsense book about doing the work.

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pithy in all the best ways. Leonard could write far more words about creative work, its pitfalls and enchantments but, instead, he sums up many of the thoughts, emotions, and exhortations in the most humble and humorous ways. His everyman voice makes it clear that creative work is work but it isn't exceptional work, reserved for only the blessed few.

[Topherjaynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little book on the joys and sorrows of creating. I love the mix of Brendan's comics and the paragraph with a fun little takeaway. Keeping the copy on my desk to flip through when I need a smile or comfort that I am not the only one struggling with it.

[Gabriel Weathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouragement for EVERYONE

Brendan Leonard never disappoints with his clear perspectives and funny insights. He makes any subject - running, outdoor life, depression, creativity - understandable and relatable. This is an excellent book I’ll be re-reading regularly.

[T.C. Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrible book. All my well-crafted excuses for not creating things were thrown out the window in 131 funny, relatable pages.

If you’re looking for a gentle nudge to get started or keep going in your creative pursuits, you’ve found it. We all need reminders that we’re capable, that our work doesn’t have to be perfect, that it can just be for us… and this book is full of those reminders.