Create: Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Stuff

by Stephen Altrogge

Are you creative? Yes!Creativity is not just for artsy folks. God has wired creativity into our DNA, and he expects that every man, woman, and child will be creative for His glory. In this book you will learn how to overcome the fear of being creative, how to get moving on any creative project, and how to finally finish your creative work. The book is short, practical, and to the point. It is full of Biblical wisdom and practical application. It will help you to stop making excuses and to start making stuff.Here's what others are saying about piece on creativity is a gem. Conversational, practical, and biblical. As Christians we have the Creator as our Father, and so we should be the ones with the most creativity. Sadly today Christianity is reduced to corny songs and cheesy t-shirts. However, in this short e-book I was greatly encouraged deep in my soul to step out in faith and be creative knowing my Father already loves me and approves of me in Jesus. Stephen winsomely shows how we aren't just supposed to be creative, but its actually what we were created for! - Jefferson Bethke, poet, author of “Why I Love Jesus, But Hate Religion”Create, by my friend Stephen Altrogge, will inspire you to do just that. It's biblical, gospel-driven, practical, insightful, funny, and only 43 pages. Whether you think you're an artist or not, Stephen will inspire you to do what you do better for God's glory. - Bob Kauflin, author of Worship Matters, director of worship for Sovereign Grace MinistriesStephen Altrogge is a creative guy, and this is a short, easily digestible, Biblical book that will encourage you to be creative and won't cut into your time to be creative. It's also full of practical scriptural wisdom on taking criticism and the value of working hard.- Ted Kluck, award-winning author of several books, including Facing Fifteen Fighters, Fifteen Stories and Dallas and the SpitfireOut of nothing God created matter, out of the unformed matter he formed the world, and when he was done he stepped back and enjoyed his work. It was Augustine who suggested musicians do the same thing when they embrace the unformed silence and order bits of time into tones and notes. As Stephen so skillfully shows us in his short book, the same principles for musicians and composers equally apply to bankers and bakers, painters and poets, homemakers and handymen. In the ordering of our small portion of the world we image the Creator. I was made to create. You were made to create. And if you’re not sure what that means for you, or if you’re just not convinced it’s true, read this short book to be persuaded and inspired and (maybe most importantly) disciplined for a life of making stuff.- Tony Reinke, creator of the book Lit! A Christian Guide to Reading BooksThis book is short enough for you to read in an hour, although you may want to take it a few pages at a time, marinating in its wisdom. You'll not only learn how Stephen finds the time to create art in multiple formats, but you'll learn from other skilled creatives as well. In Create, you'll learn how to get started and overcome your fears, how to accept and learn from criticism, how to form habits that will strengthen your creativity, and how to persevere. This will be one of those books that I turn to again and again, when I feel like I've gotten stuck on a sandbar.- Bobby Gilles, songwriter, author, Sojourn Church Director of Communications

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Christian, Art, Ebooks, Christian Living, Theology

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2012

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buy this book now. There’s no excuses. It’s short (under fifty pages) and it’s cheap (under three dollars). You will not invest a better $2.99 especially if you are longing to create something but are having a hard time getting started. Altrogge will give you the grace-filled kick in the pants that you need.



His thesis is straightforward:

This book is intended to help you use those gifts. It’s intended to help you stop making excuses and start making stuff for the glory of God. (2012-05-25). Create: Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Stuff (Kindle Locations 90-91). Kindle Edition.





Altrogge offers ten chapters with ten practical tips.

Created to Create
Overcoming the Fear
Just Do It
Be Okay with Being Okay
Slow and Steady
Make It a Habit
Keep at It
Take It Like a Man
Take It All In
Share the Love

The writing is concise and colloquial. Anyone could read this with ease in one sitting. Using a penetrating humor, Altrogge will make you laugh only later you’ll realize it was probably at one of your own foibles. One of my favorite quips was

And we should expect to put out a lot of crappy material at the beginning. Actually we should expect to put out a lot of crappy material for the duration of our careers, but especially at the beginning. Babies poop a lot more frequently early in life. I think that illustration works. (KL 304-306)

I read it, laughed, and then realized I have and do “put out a lot of crappy material.” Or calling those who have finished one project but are hesitant to start their second “the Baja Men” of their respective fields (KL 621).

The big take away for me was creating in small amounts of time. I am working on two book ideas and have found myself discouraged that I can’t break off four hours to work on them but Altrogge encourages creators to use that small chuck of free time everyday to finish your creation.

[Dustin Mollick · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book, "Create: Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Stuff" should have been called, "Create: Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Stuff for God".

I didn't look closely enough before impulse-buying this book based on the catchy title, low price tag, and a highly rated spot on Amazon. I very quickly realized the entire book and topic is approached from a heavily religious perspective, which I am not interested in.

For some of you, this is not a problem. Enjoy!

For others, like myself, it is. Stay away!

[Tommy Ardt Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little book. My takeaways: Start those crazy ideas that you have floating around in your head that require some level of creativity. And do it for God's glory by doing it for the sake of others. And don't care who likes or dislikes them. And realize that the creative "geniuses" are really just people who had ideas and were persistant and diligent. I enjoyed this book, and you can read it in one sitting no problem. I recommend it.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes you need a good swift kick to get moving. That is what Altrogge gives us in this brief book. His argument is not complex, but it is effective. He doesn't develop a biblical theology of work, but he does bring a biblical perspective to creativity and productivity. That makes this book stand out in the genre of motivational books.

Altrogge takes a broad swipe at creativity. He doesn't dwell on any one aspect, whether writing, painting, or gardening. I appreciate the way he acknowledges we are all creative. You don't have to be an artiste to create. No cape or beret required. Just get up and get to work.

This book is fun. He doesn't take himself too seriously and gives good plain advice. Despite the lightheartedness, it did provoke me to more serious thought. There are pockets of Christianity that are creative and productive and there are other pockets that are not. What about the not-pockets? Why are they not more productive and creative? What is a pastor's role in encouraging and facilitating God-glorifying creativity in his people?

All good questions and many others beside. I have thought of some answers, but that is beyond the scope of this brief review. I recommend reading Altrogge's offering and asking and answering your own questions. Get to work.

[Gavin Breeden · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short little ebook available at Amazon. Stephen Altrogge, a pastor/author/blogger, encourages those of us who have any inclination towards the creative life to be creative and he provides some helpful tips for the creative life while rooting these ideas in basic Christian theology. Whether you're interested in writing, cooking, gardening, sewing, whatever, Altrogge gives us some basic, helpful advice for living the creative life such as: carve out a little time each day for creative work, steadily work on a project until it's done, don't expect the work to be good immediately, solicit feedback, share it with others, etc. Altrogge quotes from the Bible, Douglas Wilson, Stephen King, Anne LaMott and others to backup his points. Honestly, this book didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but it was definitely the swift kick that I needed right now.

[KC McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the book I needed to get a kick-start on a few things I've been "meaning" to do (create). This book is short, practical, and encouraging, and it will motivate you to start doing something. "Because we are created in the image of God we all have an irresistible impulse to create and to establish order...God loves to see his people create because he loves to see his image reflected." Lacking motivation to start a project? Need help cultivating some vision? Stuck in the middle of a project and need encouragement? Then this book is for you! I read it in an hour at the gym and was very blessed!

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of us, I have a bunch of "projects" in the idea/dream phase. Altrogge's short book reminds us of important steps to getting a move on but best of all he ties our need to create to our image bearing reality. Worth the read but nothing profound.

[Eddy Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, encouraging book on cultivating creativity. Altrogge has a young, conversational voice that is supremely easy to read. A few typos distract

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love, love, love! Short, easy, and inspiring read! We are all creative and fashioned to use our gifts for Gods glory!

[Ben Kreps · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring little book for lazy creative types like myself

[Eric Durso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like these kinds of books. Inspiring and helpful. I think it made an impact on me. And at 43 pages, you can read it in an evening, like I did.

[Dana Lebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick, easy read packed full of encouragement. I think that as a result of this book, I'm going to go out and write my own now. No matter how long it takes me!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, quick read that was very encouraging.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Create: Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Stuff, Stephen Altrogge contends that creativity is not just for the artistic. We’re all creative in different ways because we were made in the image of God, who is the ultimate Creator. He gave us whatever creative bents we have, so we should set aside fear, pride, or whatever else trips us up and create for His glory.

However, just because God made us creative doesn’t mean we create masterpieces from the get-go. We will grow in whatever skills we have as we exercise them. “We tend to treat creativity like magic: we should be able to summon it at will. But that’s not how creativity works. Creativity is a muscle that gets stronger with use.” We turn out a lot of bad stuff with glimmers of promise before we grow skilled enough to turn out good results. We shouldn’t get discouraged; that’s just part of the learning process.

We also need to remember our identity is not in anyone else’s opinion, good or bad. Not that others’ opinions don’t matter or aren’t helpful. But ultimately our identity is in being a child of God and our purpose is to please Him.

Also, to create anything, we need to be “filling your brain with ideas,” with creative fuel, by taking in creativity: reading if we’re writers, music if we’re songwriters or composers, etc.

All in all, I appreciated what Stephen had to say. Having read this type of book before, there wasn’t a lot that was new to me. But I need these reminders in my own creative journey.

My biggest problem with the book was its tone, which you can pick up from the subtitle. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t just read Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson (twice in a row because it was so good). Andrew’s tone is warm, gentle, and encouraging. One of my friends described Stephen’s book as a kick in the pants. Some people like that style; I prefer coming-alongside encouragement.

However the book is only 56 pages, and the Kindle version is on sale for 99 cents at the time of this writing. So if you feel your creativity needs some inspiration or prodding, this might be the book for you.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

The first part of this book on WHY we should be creative is amazing, and was quickly followed by hard hitting reminder to work to please God instead of people with our creativity, which left me anticipating a five star read.

When the author moved on to HOW to be creative, though, he quickly started annoying me with an attitude of "This works for me, so it will definitely work for you too." (Yeah, he backs it up with examples of other authors, but I also know he's ignoring the authors that don't fit his model.) Once he started inducing anxiety that I might be in sin for not scheduling my creativity, because God says not to be sluggard, I knew I needed to be done with this book.

Oddly enough, I still recommend this book if you are new enough to creativity that you're not sure where to start, or if you just want a kick in the pants to get going on your creative ideas already. I suspect this is a fantastic book for the specific intended audience, that's just very much not me.

[David West · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kick in the pants to get out there and be creative. Then pick yourself up from your flops and start again. This is my second time through this one. It has some decent ideas, but is mostly motivational.

[Mike Studdard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas...loosely arranged

A few quotes, a few good ideas, a pearl here and there, a few scriptures, a little creative thinking, repeated often.

[Joshua Sparkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book on creativity. Easy to read, funny, practical, and biblical.

[Edshara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I do think in some ways the book was dated, however, their were a lot of really good points.

[Amber Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creative

It wasn't for me. I started laughing at some of the titles. Plus it was a little to preachy do for my taste.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[Hopson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book with a simple message: creativity takes discipline and effort.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left Me Wanting More

Natural, engaging writing style. Practical, easy to initiate advise. Altrogge considers the entire gamut of creativity from painting, writing, songwriting to cooking and baking. All is creativity.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, witty read for anyone feeling stuck creatively—whether you’re a writer, artist, or simply someone trying to reignite your spark. It carries a no-nonsense, motivational tone that gives you a gentle but firm push to stop procrastinating and start creating. I found it both encouraging and motivating.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read, and short (I read it in under an hour). Offers a reminder of the importance and purpose of creativity from a Christian worldview, a motivation for moving past the fears and hurdles that get in the way, and the inspiration to prioritize the creative process in your life. The perfect little creative boost.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this little ebook when it was free and read it over the course of two or three days this past week. It is a quick read and contains some helpful meditations on work, creating, and hindrances to producing art for the glory of God.

For the most part, the book aimed to be a series of 10 quick kicks to the pants of anyone who is wondering when they should try to create their first (or next) work. Aimed squarely at Christians, Altrogge encourages his readers to get started, to be okay falling short of perfection, and to share their work with others. The most powerful chapter in the book for me was the second one, where Altrogge writes about how fear is often a barrier to creating. He anchors our identity in Christ, rather than as successful or failed "makers," and from this vantage point he tells us to get going.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard of this book months ago, and then picked it up when the author made it free for Kindle. I expected it would encourage me to use my creativity (as limited as it is) for God's glory and the good of others. However, I did not expect the book to be THIS encouraging! I didn't realize all the excuses that I have been using to avoid trying to be creative. God has given me multiple possibilities to display His image through creativity. I was also encouraged by the truth that it is OK to stink it up at first. Get after it anyway!

This really is an excellent and honest little book that will encourage the reader. Well done, Stephen!

[Eric Anest · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others have pointed out, this book is short and reads like an extended blog post. That said, Altrogge includes helpful, biblical advice for anyone who has big ambitions but is having trouble working up the motivation to get started or keep at it.

Many of the quotations focus on writing, but this book could equally apply to someone trying to get a certain job, get accepted into a certain school, etc.

The book's biggest weakness, in my opinion, is that it doesn't talk at all about when it's time to cut your losses on a project and move on to something else. Since this is a Kindle-only book, perhaps the author will include more material in later versions.

[Loraena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen says creativity is not just for artsy folks. But I am an artsy folk, and I have been thinking about creativity a lot lately. Recently, I realized that I've spent a good bit of my adult life putting my natural creative bent on the back burner I favor of "more important" every-day routine responsibilities. I've also discovered, somewhat the hard way, that this habit is kind of toxic for my mental health. So I'm endeavoring to make room for more creativity in my life and part of that involves reading about how other creatives function and process in the midst of parenting, work, and general life. This book is straightforward with helpful thoughts.

[Erik Ronningen]

Good and challenging. Also instructive and encouraging. If we are going to reflect God in this world part of our job is to make stuff, after all that's what He does and He made us to create as well. Challenges the "non-creative" types like myself to do something. I really like that Altrogge doesn't fall into the trap of labeling only "artistic" expression as creative; instead he says that all works is creative and that we need to invest in work of all types and do those jobs well and with spirit.