What do you think?
Rate this book
Creating Space: The Case for Everyday Creativity
Creativity is a gift everyone has been given to share, but doubt, discouragement, and distractions hinder the ability of many to pursue their creative passions. Creating Space advocates for the creative gifts in every person, arguing that...
- Creativity is not a mistake.
- Creativity can be developed.
- Creativity is a vitally important gift for others.
This brief manifesto on creativity is for everyone. Whether you doodle, sing in the shower, knit scarves, or scribble poems, Creating Space will encourage you to make space in your life in order to fulfill your creative calling, using your gifts to their fullest extent.
- Creativity is not a mistake.
- Creativity can be developed.
- Creativity is a vitally important gift for others.
This brief manifesto on creativity is for everyone. Whether you doodle, sing in the shower, knit scarves, or scribble poems, Creating Space will encourage you to make space in your life in order to fulfill your creative calling, using your gifts to their fullest extent.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2012
26 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Ed Cyzewski
42 books119 followersEd Cyzewski is an author and editor north of Nashville. His books include Flee, Be Silent, Pray; Reconnect; Creative Renewal; and the Christian Survival Guide. Sign up for his bi-weekly newsletter for soul care ideas and book updates/discounts at www.edcyzewski.com.
Books by Ed Cyzewski
- Flee, Be Silent, Pray: Ancient Prayers for Anxious Christians
- Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction
- The Good News of Revelation
- Hazardous: Committing to the Cost of Following Jesus
- Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life
- Creating Space: The Case for Everyday Creativity
Books by Ed Cyzewski
- Flee, Be Silent, Pray: Ancient Prayers for Anxious Christians
- Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction
- The Good News of Revelation
- Hazardous: Committing to the Cost of Following Jesus
- Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life
- Creating Space: The Case for Everyday Creativity
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 28, 2013
When I met Ed Cyzewski this summer at STORY 2012, he literally created space for me: He invited me to sit with his writerly tribe at lunch. He asked me about what I'd like to write someday. He shared stories and validated ideas.
In "Creating Space," Cyzewski does the same thing, but, you know, in an e-book.
It's a brief, 30-page manifesto that agrees, as Americans and as Christians, it can be a struggle for us to find a place for something so impractical as creativity. And it argues we should anyway.
"Whether or not it's convenient or efficient, creativity is healthy and necessary," Cyzewski said.
The simple delight and wonder of creating -- writing, drawing, singing, crafting, you name it -- pulls us off the industrial conveyor belt. It benefits others. It benefits us. It's the way God designed you to fully live. It's "a holy discontent that has been placed inside you," he said.
This e-book is the encouragement and permission to create that space to do that. And maybe that's just what you need. I know I did.
Full disclosure: I received this e-book free from the author.
For the original review of this book on my blog, visit http://www.emmillerwrites.com/2012/11....
In "Creating Space," Cyzewski does the same thing, but, you know, in an e-book.
It's a brief, 30-page manifesto that agrees, as Americans and as Christians, it can be a struggle for us to find a place for something so impractical as creativity. And it argues we should anyway.
"Whether or not it's convenient or efficient, creativity is healthy and necessary," Cyzewski said.
The simple delight and wonder of creating -- writing, drawing, singing, crafting, you name it -- pulls us off the industrial conveyor belt. It benefits others. It benefits us. It's the way God designed you to fully live. It's "a holy discontent that has been placed inside you," he said.
This e-book is the encouragement and permission to create that space to do that. And maybe that's just what you need. I know I did.
Full disclosure: I received this e-book free from the author.
For the original review of this book on my blog, visit http://www.emmillerwrites.com/2012/11....
May 2, 2016
Cyzewski makes a strong case for dropping the guilt we often feel when we spend time in creative pursuits.
He suggests that if we spend an afternoon creating something beautiful to give as a gift, we have removed ourselves from the economy in order to produce something that isn't being sold, so in the eyes of our economic system, our creativity is worthless. But in the eyes God (Who gave us that creativity as a sacred gift that we dare not neglect) it is priceless, and taps us into our true calling.
Cyzewski asks, "Are you filling your life with things that are keeping you from fulfilling this creative calling?" He says that even though we all have obligations to fulfill for our family, job, and community, we are also obligated to use our creative gifts for the benefit of others, rather than allowing them to rot.
The pull we feel toward creating beauty is a "holy discontent" that has been placed in us by our Creator.
A particularly helpful line of thought he develops is: "Though you may personally benefit by nurturing your creative talents, never entertain the lie that such pursuits are selfish. On the contrary, neglecting them is a tragedy. The world benefits from your creativity."
Another encouraging aspect he discusses is how important it is to think of every creative endeavor as a gift, even if we are going to sell it.
And he beautifully covers the problem of letting ourselves be immersed in distractions from our creative pursuits.
He suggests that if we spend an afternoon creating something beautiful to give as a gift, we have removed ourselves from the economy in order to produce something that isn't being sold, so in the eyes of our economic system, our creativity is worthless. But in the eyes God (Who gave us that creativity as a sacred gift that we dare not neglect) it is priceless, and taps us into our true calling.
Cyzewski asks, "Are you filling your life with things that are keeping you from fulfilling this creative calling?" He says that even though we all have obligations to fulfill for our family, job, and community, we are also obligated to use our creative gifts for the benefit of others, rather than allowing them to rot.
The pull we feel toward creating beauty is a "holy discontent" that has been placed in us by our Creator.
A particularly helpful line of thought he develops is: "Though you may personally benefit by nurturing your creative talents, never entertain the lie that such pursuits are selfish. On the contrary, neglecting them is a tragedy. The world benefits from your creativity."
Another encouraging aspect he discusses is how important it is to think of every creative endeavor as a gift, even if we are going to sell it.
And he beautifully covers the problem of letting ourselves be immersed in distractions from our creative pursuits.
June 13, 2022
Excellent, well-written, informative book. There's NO fluff here, no padding. It's a straightforward, short read that will leave you pondering what habits you need to eliminate in order to get serious about your writing, painting, sewing, designing, or whatever it is that you do creatively.
Don't see yourself as a creative? According to Cyzewski, you couldn't be more wrong. ALL of us have been put here by God to create something. So don't just sit there holding onto it. Don't hide your light under a bushel basket. Don't be the play-it-safe guy in Matthew 25 who, out of fear, hid what His master gave him. Create something! And when you do, all of us will be better off for your having done so.
Don't see yourself as a creative? According to Cyzewski, you couldn't be more wrong. ALL of us have been put here by God to create something. So don't just sit there holding onto it. Don't hide your light under a bushel basket. Don't be the play-it-safe guy in Matthew 25 who, out of fear, hid what His master gave him. Create something! And when you do, all of us will be better off for your having done so.
March 25, 2019
Compact, helpful, true. I picked up this quick Kindle read when I ordered Cyzewski's "Flee, Be Silent, Pray."
"... your creativity will only flourish if you give it enough space and time to put down roots and to grow."
"I seek distractions in order to avoid the struggle of creating. Creating is hard. Distracting myself is really, really easy." [AMEN TO THAT]
"... your creativity will only flourish if you give it enough space and time to put down roots and to grow."
"I seek distractions in order to avoid the struggle of creating. Creating is hard. Distracting myself is really, really easy." [AMEN TO THAT]
January 13, 2018
I didn't really think it gave much valid information on obtaining everyday creativity. It was strictly like the title says "the CASE" for everyday creativity. He presents why its important without going into the meat of the "how."
December 8, 2018
Simple but powerful
I stumbled a bit over the God portions, but this book got to me. It made me reflect on why I am so quick to criticize. It made me think about why I feel the need to be creative but never manage to create.
I stumbled a bit over the God portions, but this book got to me. It made me reflect on why I am so quick to criticize. It made me think about why I feel the need to be creative but never manage to create.
October 31, 2019
Just do it
This little book is full of encouragement to be creative. It’s like a friendly push in the right direction. I’ll be returning to this when I start procrastinating again!
This little book is full of encouragement to be creative. It’s like a friendly push in the right direction. I’ll be returning to this when I start procrastinating again!
July 20, 2021
Ed Cyzewski's books are short, easy to read, and insightful. If you need a quick reminder to pause in the busyness of life to create the peace you want, check it out.
February 7, 2016
I am often fearful of what will happen if I share my desire to create with others. Will they misunderstand me?
Probably.
But in this book I learned that those who mock and sneer at people who create are cowards. "We live in a culture where sarcasm and mocking are highly prized. The cowards run away from their creativity and instead deride those who dare to take a risk."
Mr. Cyzewski argues that if we don't create, we become cynical and may begin to destroy.
Some favorite passages: "We weren't put here to only 'consume' or to watch other people do all the fun creative work. We all have talents, gifts, and abilities that are designed to be encouraged and developed."
"Playing it safe may save me from receiving bad news or criticism, but in the absence of creating, I could very well become addicted to entertainment or, worse, criticism. If I don't create, there's a part of me that will remain unused and unfulfilled, and it may very well turn into cynicism if I continue to neglect it."
"I seek distractions in order to avoid the struggle of creating."
"Tapping into your creativity isn't about the finished product. It's about the process--becoming who you were made to be. While we ask successful writers how many drafts it takes to write a bestseller, we neglect to ask them how many failed projects preceded that work...If you don't love the process, you'll give up. We all love success, but it's something special to enjoy the creative process for what it is."
And so many more. A good encouraging advice full of practical advice. Not criticism.
Probably.
But in this book I learned that those who mock and sneer at people who create are cowards. "We live in a culture where sarcasm and mocking are highly prized. The cowards run away from their creativity and instead deride those who dare to take a risk."
Mr. Cyzewski argues that if we don't create, we become cynical and may begin to destroy.
Some favorite passages: "We weren't put here to only 'consume' or to watch other people do all the fun creative work. We all have talents, gifts, and abilities that are designed to be encouraged and developed."
"Playing it safe may save me from receiving bad news or criticism, but in the absence of creating, I could very well become addicted to entertainment or, worse, criticism. If I don't create, there's a part of me that will remain unused and unfulfilled, and it may very well turn into cynicism if I continue to neglect it."
"I seek distractions in order to avoid the struggle of creating."
"Tapping into your creativity isn't about the finished product. It's about the process--becoming who you were made to be. While we ask successful writers how many drafts it takes to write a bestseller, we neglect to ask them how many failed projects preceded that work...If you don't love the process, you'll give up. We all love success, but it's something special to enjoy the creative process for what it is."
And so many more. A good encouraging advice full of practical advice. Not criticism.
January 14, 2017
My book sales are down. Criticism is up. Writing books, blog posts, and social media content takes a lot of work and I’ve reached a point where I don’t think it is worth it any longer. That’s why I haven’t published anything new in two years. Between the fear of criticism and the disappointment with results, I feel paralyzed. It really squelches my creativity. But as I read Creating Space by Ed Cyzewski, I felt a new sense of clarity and purpose flicker within me.
Critics are people who avoid creating. If I keep that in mind, it minimizes the pain of harsh words about my creative work.
As for book sales, Cyzewski suggests thinking of offering your creative work as a gift, even if it’s not free. In other words, I need to prepare a gift suited to the recipient and make it my best work.
Creating Space offers valuable encouragement and insight for writers and creators of all types.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
Critics are people who avoid creating. If I keep that in mind, it minimizes the pain of harsh words about my creative work.
As for book sales, Cyzewski suggests thinking of offering your creative work as a gift, even if it’s not free. In other words, I need to prepare a gift suited to the recipient and make it my best work.
Creating Space offers valuable encouragement and insight for writers and creators of all types.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
March 23, 2016
This book was short and sweet and right to the point of the matter. Creation is an act that takes time away from everything else in life that may or may not be important to you but will be the most rewarding activity you'll experience. This book reads like the authors personal testament to how creativity can help a person in their daily lives. It does have religious connotations about gifts from God and all that other stuff but it doesn't deter from the overall message of the book. I only rated it three stars because while the book is heavy on the motivational aspect, it doesn't offer much else beyond that scope. It basically tells you the problem with not being creative but doesn't offer much practical solutions for getting to that point.
April 27, 2016
Very short and sweet as this will be, too. He makes the case for creating no matter what, no matter the job, the kids, or the laundry. This isn't a HOW to find the time book, but it's a what to do when you have it in your hot hands - write, sing, bake, crochet, draw, etc. book. One other thing - although primarily written for the Christian reader, you don't have to be Christian or even religious to gain something from Ed's message. It's fairly Christian-lite which I, as a non-religious person, appreciated.
July 25, 2013
Actually I have read this book twice and though it is s short book, it is one that I will read ever so often as a reminder of why I do what I do. The one thing that I truly liked was the ideal of an "Anything Notebook" a place to write whatever, to let go, to create to draw, whatever, a place to be yourself, I know that often time when I am journaling, often the seeds for a post, a poem, etc, are birthed there.
Thanks Ed for a great read!
Paul
aka The Mayor :-)
Thanks Ed for a great read!
Paul
aka The Mayor :-)
January 8, 2013
Another reviewer called this a Christian version of Pressfield's "Do the Work." I agree, even though I doubt Ed consciously set out to write something similar. For me, I appreciated the reminder that creatives who really "do the work" are phenomenal at cutting out meaningless distractions. I thought this ebook was far too short as well!
February 7, 2013
This little ebook will help you think about who God made you in a whole new way. Cyzewski writes, "God isn't freaking out that he accidentally made you a poet, seamstress, chef, or musician. These are sacred gifts that you dare not neglect." Through this read, you'll be encouraged to explore the gifts God has given you and to share them with others.
December 3, 2012
kind of reminds me of a Christian version of Pressfield's "Do the Work". Short, powerful, and uplifting. I wish it had been longer, but there are some excellent gems of advice here. I might have been more disappointed if I had paid for it.
January 2, 2013
This short book has really inspired me to create more and push myself to try new artistic endeavours. I found the author's words to be beautiful as well as motivational- some sentences I want to copy and frame!
June 26, 2013
Had some great thoughts in it regarding creativity and how we do ourselves and the world an injustice by not honing this creativity. It also had a great section for: if you think you aren't creative, think again.
December 30, 2014
It Can Be Done
I like the overall tone of the book. I felt encouraged and want to hear more and take action. I recommend this book to everyone who needs a boost to their creative energies!
I like the overall tone of the book. I felt encouraged and want to hear more and take action. I recommend this book to everyone who needs a boost to their creative energies!
March 25, 2015
This was a fast easy read. There were a few smart sound-bite type things I highlighted, but mostly it felt like a series of (admittedly better-than-average) blog posts, than an actual book with fully formed and fully fleshed-out ideas.
November 9, 2017
The push you need
This book may be short, but it says exactly what I've been longing to hear to ignite my desire to create and push me forward. This book is for everyone, even those of us who consider ourselves to be left-brained.
This book may be short, but it says exactly what I've been longing to hear to ignite my desire to create and push me forward. This book is for everyone, even those of us who consider ourselves to be left-brained.
February 27, 2016
Lovely encouragement for creative souls.
This is a lovely book filled with gentle persistence and encouragement to pursue your creativity. Just what I needed on a day when I was feeling discouraged about my writing.
This is a lovely book filled with gentle persistence and encouragement to pursue your creativity. Just what I needed on a day when I was feeling discouraged about my writing.
December 20, 2012
I read this in @ a half hour. There were a couple of quotable a in it, but nothing that made me say "A-ha!" Need to read it again because there are several nuggets in it.
December 22, 2012
Short and sweet and still profound reminder of why we create, and how to create space for creating. One to read over and over again.
December 23, 2012
Great book, very motivational especially for procrastinators or those who feel a lot of pressure to do something "worthwhile" instead of creating.
January 8, 2013
Encouraging, truthful, and challenging
January 20, 2013
A very short little book on making the case that we all need to take the time out to create. It makes you think about how you spend your time and then say you wish you had the time to be creative.
February 12, 2013
Great short inspirational book on creating. Wished it as longer!
February 16, 2013
good thoughts on creativity and left me with lots to think about especially when it comes to how i use my time.
March 2, 2013
nice little essay with good advice
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews