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The Creative Ambush
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
64 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 21, 2025
This is the worst book I have read this year so far.
It is shockingly unoriginal;
badly edited;
chaotic;
full of personal anecdotes that I can't seem to find value in;
weirdly esoteric (sounds like the author is a fan of The Secret and Paulo Coelho);
arrogant (the author basically calls himself a "gigantic expert" on creativity - well, I disagree).
It lacks nuance, too - not everyone is in such a privileged position as the author. You are not your only obstacle on your way to fulfilling your creative dreams, there is also, you know, life and stuff.
Also, I was very annoyed by him writing "Haha." every few paragraphs. I haven't laughed once.
I could continue, but what a waste. Don't lose your time with this book.
It is shockingly unoriginal;
badly edited;
chaotic;
full of personal anecdotes that I can't seem to find value in;
weirdly esoteric (sounds like the author is a fan of The Secret and Paulo Coelho);
arrogant (the author basically calls himself a "gigantic expert" on creativity - well, I disagree).
It lacks nuance, too - not everyone is in such a privileged position as the author. You are not your only obstacle on your way to fulfilling your creative dreams, there is also, you know, life and stuff.
Also, I was very annoyed by him writing "Haha." every few paragraphs. I haven't laughed once.
I could continue, but what a waste. Don't lose your time with this book.
November 5, 2024
What makes The Creative Ambush stand out is its approach: instead of bombarding readers with theories or abstract concepts, the author uses real-life stories, relatable examples, and clever exercises. The structure incites curiosity at every turn, prompting readers to explore familiar topics in fresh ways and approach creativity from new perspectives. Even if you've encountered some of the ideas before, the author’s take is so refreshing that each page encourages you to keep going.
This book reads like a journey that is equal parts inspiring and practical. The author’s openness and honesty shine through, making this an ideal companion for creative minds or anyone looking to tap into their hidden potential. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just beginning to explore your artistic side, The Creative Ambush offers a deeply engaging, thought-provoking experience that you’ll want to revisit again and again. Highly recommended!
This book reads like a journey that is equal parts inspiring and practical. The author’s openness and honesty shine through, making this an ideal companion for creative minds or anyone looking to tap into their hidden potential. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just beginning to explore your artistic side, The Creative Ambush offers a deeply engaging, thought-provoking experience that you’ll want to revisit again and again. Highly recommended!
April 7, 2025
To be fair, I am working through the book and have only completed half of it in the first month.
It isn't a book that makes sense to just read... it is truly a workbook. I received the book about a month ago and have read ahead, while working the exercises, too. The exercises have me thinking about what really holds me back from pursuing creative ventures unchecked. Other exercises give me ideas on how to find creativity when it has left the room.
I enjoy the humor and straight forward approach. This is a great book for people willing to push aside excuses and do the work of becoming the creative person that you are capable of being. And this review is a proclamation that I need to be finished reading / working the workbook by June 1.
Good luck on choosing your journey.
It isn't a book that makes sense to just read... it is truly a workbook. I received the book about a month ago and have read ahead, while working the exercises, too. The exercises have me thinking about what really holds me back from pursuing creative ventures unchecked. Other exercises give me ideas on how to find creativity when it has left the room.
I enjoy the humor and straight forward approach. This is a great book for people willing to push aside excuses and do the work of becoming the creative person that you are capable of being. And this review is a proclamation that I need to be finished reading / working the workbook by June 1.
Good luck on choosing your journey.
February 7, 2025
A refreshing take on creativity, but be warned this might not be for everyone.
The book talks about the male and female side, where the male side represents action, discipline, structure, and the female side represents intuition, feeling, and the ability to be inspired. The book contains exercises to train both sides, and an explanation of the overall creative process.
I liked the writing style, it was an easy read for me.
The main reason why I rate it 4 stars instead of 5, is because the point of view of the writer is sometimes too harsh and not nuanced enough to my personal liking. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to any creative who is open to a different, slightly spiritual perspective on creativity. It surely inspired me to pick up some creative projects again.
The book talks about the male and female side, where the male side represents action, discipline, structure, and the female side represents intuition, feeling, and the ability to be inspired. The book contains exercises to train both sides, and an explanation of the overall creative process.
I liked the writing style, it was an easy read for me.
The main reason why I rate it 4 stars instead of 5, is because the point of view of the writer is sometimes too harsh and not nuanced enough to my personal liking. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to any creative who is open to a different, slightly spiritual perspective on creativity. It surely inspired me to pick up some creative projects again.
April 7, 2025
I didn't learn anything about creativity from this book, only some details of the author's life that I don't think can be translated to any other person's life.
If anything written there is true, it could be easily attributed to just having some luck, although if the quality of the cards that the guy is selling is similar to the quality of the book, it's not even luck, it's just marketing.
If anything written there is true, it could be easily attributed to just having some luck, although if the quality of the cards that the guy is selling is similar to the quality of the book, it's not even luck, it's just marketing.
August 10, 2025
I think this book is very poorly written. I guess, as a former editor, I should have realized what I was in for when I read the title that split the word "ambush" into two words that didn't contain a hyphen. As for content, there are way too many personal anecdotes, and the quality of writing is extremely poor and unprofessional. There are many other books in this genre that I would recommend checking out instead. This is also self-published, despite the fact that it says it's published by an independent publisher (the author is co-owner of). While some independently published books are okay, they often do contain typographical, grammatical, and punctuation errors, but they're usually not as bad as this one. I wish I had just read one of the other books that publishing houses deemed worthy of publishing or found a way to read a preview this one. As a creative (and actually writer published by two major magazines and many other blogs with recognizable names), I'm disappointed. Not recommended.
December 17, 2024
The Creative Ambush is an absolutely gorgeous book written to help you find, explore and use your own inner creativity.
What I love most about it was that author Matteo di Pascale used his own experiences, with all the ups and downs involved. He does not pose himself as a ‘Creativity-Guru’ (“I was given the gift of instant-creativity, no touch my hand and receive it too!”). No, he tells us about everything he experienced, about all the hurdles and difficulties he came across and how he tried to solve those.
Absolutely brilliant. I loved it!
What I love most about it was that author Matteo di Pascale used his own experiences, with all the ups and downs involved. He does not pose himself as a ‘Creativity-Guru’ (“I was given the gift of instant-creativity, no touch my hand and receive it too!”). No, he tells us about everything he experienced, about all the hurdles and difficulties he came across and how he tried to solve those.
Absolutely brilliant. I loved it!
November 9, 2024
The Creative Ambush is all about creativity. To be specific, it is about engaging the creative spirit within the reader.
The ultimate book on creativity, by Matteo diPascale of Sefirot, this book takes no prisoners. The blurb reads "This is not just a manual on creativity. It's a journey that will shake you up, challenge you, and let you experience the thrill of a creative life."
Divided into eight parts, The Creative Ambush outlines each stage in the reader's transformation. In the early parts, the book addresses external and internal blocks which one imposes, usually on oneself although the outside world does have a hand, to prevent a person from being the truly creative being that they know they can be.
This book is filled with exercises whose sole function is to engage your creativity, or to open up the floodgates of self-examination to shake loose any remaining blockages keeping you from being creative. These exercises are not your usual positive thinking meditations. As this book states, "We have the incredible power to be able to contribute to the creation of our reality."
This book does not leave you alone. It ambushes you. Confronts you at seeming random intervals with the most challenging questions or thoughts you will ever encounter on your path to creativity. An example is Ambush #2 - "If accountability is missing, everything is missing. If you say you want to do something, and you don't do it, you are not responsible; you are not able to back up your words."
Pick up this book if you want it to transform you; shake you up; and turn you into a creative. This is not some pretentious book of pablum, some weak self-help guide full of nonsense platitudes. This book is like a portable drill Sergeant, in a Creative Boot Camp where you'll drop and give me twenty, or Heaven help you.
Read this. Enjoy. And hope to see you emerge on the other side as a fellow creative.
The ultimate book on creativity, by Matteo diPascale of Sefirot, this book takes no prisoners. The blurb reads "This is not just a manual on creativity. It's a journey that will shake you up, challenge you, and let you experience the thrill of a creative life."
Divided into eight parts, The Creative Ambush outlines each stage in the reader's transformation. In the early parts, the book addresses external and internal blocks which one imposes, usually on oneself although the outside world does have a hand, to prevent a person from being the truly creative being that they know they can be.
This book is filled with exercises whose sole function is to engage your creativity, or to open up the floodgates of self-examination to shake loose any remaining blockages keeping you from being creative. These exercises are not your usual positive thinking meditations. As this book states, "We have the incredible power to be able to contribute to the creation of our reality."
This book does not leave you alone. It ambushes you. Confronts you at seeming random intervals with the most challenging questions or thoughts you will ever encounter on your path to creativity. An example is Ambush #2 - "If accountability is missing, everything is missing. If you say you want to do something, and you don't do it, you are not responsible; you are not able to back up your words."
Pick up this book if you want it to transform you; shake you up; and turn you into a creative. This is not some pretentious book of pablum, some weak self-help guide full of nonsense platitudes. This book is like a portable drill Sergeant, in a Creative Boot Camp where you'll drop and give me twenty, or Heaven help you.
Read this. Enjoy. And hope to see you emerge on the other side as a fellow creative.
January 16, 2025
When I picked up The Creative Ambush by Matteo di Pascale, I was drawn in by its subtitle: "A course in creativity". I expected practical strategies to unlock my creative flow and overcome the common blocks that many artists and creators face. Unfortunately, I found the book to be something entirely different—and not in a good way.
Rather than a creativity course, this is more of a journey in self-analysis. It focuses on confronting the lies we tell ourselves and the excuses we make for not engaging with our creative work. While this is a valuable perspective—encouraging readers to stop procrastinating and be honest about their goals—it is far removed from what one might expect from a "course." It doesn't offer the practical tools or actionable strategies I was hoping for, and it skirts around the topic of creativity without ever truly diving into how to harness or expand it.
In my opinion, the book leans heavily on abstract concepts and the author’s personal anecdotes, which felt more like a motivational speech than a concrete guide. Much of the content is open to personal interpretation, leaving me feeling adrift rather than equipped with new insights or techniques. If you're seeking a hands-on guide to unblocking creativity, this isn't it.
That said, if you're someone who needs to confront internal resistance and stop making excuses, this book may offer a helpful nudge. For me, however, it missed the mark.
The Creative Ambush promises a lot but delivers something else entirely—a nebulous, unfocused read that ultimately didn’t meet my expectations.
Rather than a creativity course, this is more of a journey in self-analysis. It focuses on confronting the lies we tell ourselves and the excuses we make for not engaging with our creative work. While this is a valuable perspective—encouraging readers to stop procrastinating and be honest about their goals—it is far removed from what one might expect from a "course." It doesn't offer the practical tools or actionable strategies I was hoping for, and it skirts around the topic of creativity without ever truly diving into how to harness or expand it.
In my opinion, the book leans heavily on abstract concepts and the author’s personal anecdotes, which felt more like a motivational speech than a concrete guide. Much of the content is open to personal interpretation, leaving me feeling adrift rather than equipped with new insights or techniques. If you're seeking a hands-on guide to unblocking creativity, this isn't it.
That said, if you're someone who needs to confront internal resistance and stop making excuses, this book may offer a helpful nudge. For me, however, it missed the mark.
The Creative Ambush promises a lot but delivers something else entirely—a nebulous, unfocused read that ultimately didn’t meet my expectations.
April 8, 2025
This is not a quick read / magical transformation book. It is a WORKbook. As the author, Matteo di Pascale, clearly states: "if you are not doing the exercises, you can stop reading this book right now. It will be useless to you."
He's absolutely honest and correct. I had downloaded the ebook version so I could start and I read through it, but the REAL RESULTS started to come when I got the paperback version and I began actually working through and writing down my answers to the challenges. One of the reasons I am not finished yet, is because I have been inspired to start a new project!
This is not one of those self-help books that spend 2/3rds of the book telling you why you need help. We KNOW WHY we are reading it.
This book is refreshing in it's honest, straightforward, thought- and creativity-inspiring challenges. The author isn't claiming to be a know-it-all guru. He talks about his own creative challenges and pushes the reader to ACT.
And to the person who left the one star review after NOT reading it: I don't often leave reviews anywhere. I just signed up for Goodreads, this is the first review I've written.
I'm writing it because this book TRULY helped me get out of my procrastination and creative block. Your loss!
In short: if you are willing to work through your creative blocks/procrastination, this book can help you. If not, stay stuck.
He's absolutely honest and correct. I had downloaded the ebook version so I could start and I read through it, but the REAL RESULTS started to come when I got the paperback version and I began actually working through and writing down my answers to the challenges. One of the reasons I am not finished yet, is because I have been inspired to start a new project!
This is not one of those self-help books that spend 2/3rds of the book telling you why you need help. We KNOW WHY we are reading it.
This book is refreshing in it's honest, straightforward, thought- and creativity-inspiring challenges. The author isn't claiming to be a know-it-all guru. He talks about his own creative challenges and pushes the reader to ACT.
And to the person who left the one star review after NOT reading it: I don't often leave reviews anywhere. I just signed up for Goodreads, this is the first review I've written.
I'm writing it because this book TRULY helped me get out of my procrastination and creative block. Your loss!
In short: if you are willing to work through your creative blocks/procrastination, this book can help you. If not, stay stuck.
April 7, 2025
If we let it do its thing, creativity will ambush us. I’ve never read a book that describes the creative process so clearly and so accurately. The author uses his own experience as his template for a detailed outline of how creativity is always alive and always eager to explode into our lives if we can get out of its way. He describes the difficulties of being honest with ourselves and the sad fact that creativity stays in hiding unless we have the courage to be who we really are and admit what we really want in our lives. This is a pretty remarkable book. It does not make us draw pictures or write in journals. There is no magic thinking. There is only the essential task of looking inward and accepting what one finds there.
The writing is a bit haphazard and definitely self indulgent but still the message is absolutely important if one wants to really live and work authentically.
The writing is a bit haphazard and definitely self indulgent but still the message is absolutely important if one wants to really live and work authentically.
August 9, 2025
This book is more like a biographical essay on creativity than a tool and would certainly disappoint those looking for a theoretical approach.
I liked it especially because of this, as I have wondered many times what it was like to have created such useful tools as Edito and Cicero.
Throughout the book, the author shares his own process, and it may help those who learn from stories and anecdotes just open up to themselves and find their own ways into creativity and putting ideas to work. I was not particularly fond of the way he separated the inner workings of the creative human into feminine and masculine "sides", that felt more like mumbo-jumbo, but for the sake of metaphorically expressing a pull or the other, I'm OK with it.
I liked it especially because of this, as I have wondered many times what it was like to have created such useful tools as Edito and Cicero.
Throughout the book, the author shares his own process, and it may help those who learn from stories and anecdotes just open up to themselves and find their own ways into creativity and putting ideas to work. I was not particularly fond of the way he separated the inner workings of the creative human into feminine and masculine "sides", that felt more like mumbo-jumbo, but for the sake of metaphorically expressing a pull or the other, I'm OK with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2024
The Creative Ambush is a very interesting book. its not always an easy read. Its challenging and really makes you think about why you are not doing/achieving what is important to your creativity. Certainly gave me a hefty push in the right direction, forcing me to address self sabotage and attitudes which I suspected were a problem. The process involved asking a lots of questions of yourself to determine the real way forward. I am now back to creating art with new ideas and plans for the future. Matteo writes almost like he is actually talking to you with humour but also a no nonsense approach.
July 8, 2025
It was so hard to get to the end. I did my best, I gave it a shot. I think I was sold by the fact it had so many good reviews. I should have waited to see more reviews before buying it. So there is no theoretical research done in making this book. Its all per se his experience as a writer, I guess if someone one advice from writer to writer its ok, but it was advertised as a book for all artists, I didn't find it useful unfortunately. This is purely my opinion. I was hoping it would blow me away, but instead I just got a slight draft. Sorry never gave anyone a bad review before, Im actually the one feeling bad now 🫣
November 11, 2024
"The creative expansion is in the way I live, in the constant desire to recalibrate myself over time and to have the courage to see the truth, however uncomfortable it may be."
I picked up this book as someone who has always wanted to write, but got stuck in the "maybe I'm wasting my time" way of thinking. Yes, this book addresses that and other pitfalls. It also addresses so much more.
Are you living your best life? Do you want to be? Bring your pie-in-the-sky self. You won't be disappointed.
I picked up this book as someone who has always wanted to write, but got stuck in the "maybe I'm wasting my time" way of thinking. Yes, this book addresses that and other pitfalls. It also addresses so much more.
Are you living your best life? Do you want to be? Bring your pie-in-the-sky self. You won't be disappointed.
April 7, 2025
I’m someone who naturally has a lot of ideas but gets lost in the “doing”part. This book forced me to look at myself and all the blockages I was putting in front of me and then it also gave me exercises to overcome the blockages and learn how not to fall into old patterns again.
Did it make me perfect? No, I’m still working on a few things, but I love to get back to it anytime I need a reminder that it’s ok not to be the perfect creative, that I’m not alone and that there’s a way out of the slump.
Did it make me perfect? No, I’m still working on a few things, but I love to get back to it anytime I need a reminder that it’s ok not to be the perfect creative, that I’m not alone and that there’s a way out of the slump.
December 4, 2024
Here I sit, after a 15 hour shift, barely able to keep my eyes open, but surprisingly I reach for this book. In short, I can’t get enough and read till my eyes refuse to stay open a single second longer. This book, for a creative soul like me is a masterpiece. I want to reach out and thank Matteo di Pascal for bringing it to life and for making it honest, challenging and completely fluff free! If you are struggling to find your path, your mojo or your sanity, don’t hesitate.
April 7, 2025
I have finished ‘the Creative Ambush’ about a month ago. I would like to let you know that it was very recognizable as a creative person (I’m an art teacher at a high school, graphic designer and character designer / visual developer / concept artist) and I already have recommanded ‘the Creative Ambush’ to a lot of my colleagues, friends and family. It’s quit rare to find a (current / good) book about creativity…
April 12, 2025
The Creative Ambush… indeed… a creative ambush!!!
Not for the faint of heart.
However, in your willingness to truly understand and self reflect… a beautiful pathway to living life to its fullest… whether it be in the field of creativity or not.
Highly recommend for when you are ready to enjoy life in its great potential.
I’ve followed up with Intuiti…continuing the wonderful journey.
Thank you Matteo!
Not for the faint of heart.
However, in your willingness to truly understand and self reflect… a beautiful pathway to living life to its fullest… whether it be in the field of creativity or not.
Highly recommend for when you are ready to enjoy life in its great potential.
I’ve followed up with Intuiti…continuing the wonderful journey.
Thank you Matteo!
November 5, 2024
What an incredible book this is! It came at just the right time for me in my creative journey. It’s packed full of interesting and useful information. I found it super helpful and inspiring. I will definitely come back to this book time and again, so it was a great purchase for me and good value for money.
November 5, 2024
Don’t read this book. Don’t read this book if you want to be creative. Don’t read this book if you want to keep the excuses for not creating. Don’t read this book if you’re not serious about craft.
This is a book that will take your questions, doubts and excuses apart, and show you how you can start being creative and finally embrace your creative projects.
A must read
This is a book that will take your questions, doubts and excuses apart, and show you how you can start being creative and finally embrace your creative projects.
A must read
April 7, 2025
The balance of real-life examples and real knowledge, technicalities were not settled as expected… It was better for the readers who enjoy reading and learning from single examples…
The PR is good but the content is weak relatively in that sense in my own opinion.
It was worth to read it but I highly recommend to narrow your expectations…
The PR is good but the content is weak relatively in that sense in my own opinion.
It was worth to read it but I highly recommend to narrow your expectations…
April 7, 2025
I found this book delightful, creative, engaging and quite readable. It had clear and descriptive language for engaging one’s true creative abilities in reality. I quite simply loved it! I encourage ANYONE who wants to achieve their personal and/or professional dreams to give it a read! Thank you Matteo!
April 14, 2025
Despite the subtitle, this isn’t really a course in creativity, it’s more of a light, motivational read filled with personal anecdotes and creative insights from the author. It’s engaging and easy to read, especially if you enjoy reflective storytelling. What stood out to me was Matteo di Pascale’s talent for subtly marketing other products from his portfolio — smooth and clever. Not groundbreaking, but kind of inspiring if you need a creative boost.
November 5, 2024
This is a refreshing and inspiring read - from the first chapter it challenges your preconceptions and kick starts your creativity. I’ve finished it but intend to start again, this time making notes. Highly recommend for any artist or writer.
April 7, 2025
The author is cleverly funny! I love this book! Highly recommend this read. His experience is your lesson. I am a visual artist and his words will fit with any creative mission. Thank you for this, Matteo❤️
August 23, 2025
*DNF
I just felt like I wasn't getting what it claimed to be. I was craving actionable exercises and practical ways to apply methods to my creative process. I do like a lot of his insights, but this doesn't read like what I was expecting.
I just felt like I wasn't getting what it claimed to be. I was craving actionable exercises and practical ways to apply methods to my creative process. I do like a lot of his insights, but this doesn't read like what I was expecting.
November 5, 2024
I found this book super inspiring and encouraging as a creative. Thank you, Matteo for writing this fun book!
January 11, 2025
Recommend for those struggling to act on their desire to create. The approach is straightforward and blunt.
Give it a read. Its a fresh approach worth exploring.
Give it a read. Its a fresh approach worth exploring.
January 11, 2025
Just the book I needed. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews