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The Creative Cure: How Finding and Freeing Your Inner Artist Can Heal Your Life
“I’m just not that creative” is a common refrain in today’s society. But according to author and creative coach Jacob Nordby, nothing could be further from the truth. Every human being is creative, and having a regular creative practice is a vital key to a happy and fulfilling life. If we don't exercise our creativity regularly, our lives can feel dull, stagnant, and rote. Many people live this way and believe “this is just the way life is,” without realizing that developing a regular creative practice can be the cure to what ails them.
Nordby knows this all too well. By the time he reached his midthirties, he was running a successful mortgage company and lived in a big house with fancy cars. But he felt like he was dying inside. Starting and maintaining a creative practice is what saved his life. Now, in this powerful book, he explains how he traded in his stagnant way of life for one full of meaning and purpose, and offers specific steps to help you build your own creative practice.
The Creative Cure is a call for a revolution, fostering change where all change must within. This internal change will allow you to express your own creative gifts, cultivate happiness, and experience the unique feeling of fulfillment that only a creative practice can offer. Packed with powerful, transformative exercises, this book is the medicine you need to find and reinvigorate your creative soul.
Nordby knows this all too well. By the time he reached his midthirties, he was running a successful mortgage company and lived in a big house with fancy cars. But he felt like he was dying inside. Starting and maintaining a creative practice is what saved his life. Now, in this powerful book, he explains how he traded in his stagnant way of life for one full of meaning and purpose, and offers specific steps to help you build your own creative practice.
The Creative Cure is a call for a revolution, fostering change where all change must within. This internal change will allow you to express your own creative gifts, cultivate happiness, and experience the unique feeling of fulfillment that only a creative practice can offer. Packed with powerful, transformative exercises, this book is the medicine you need to find and reinvigorate your creative soul.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2021
807 people are currently reading
1276 people want to read
About the author
Jacob Nordby
8 books207 followersJacob Nordby is a storyteller, thinker, and adventure seeker whose many quests have led him to a deep fascination with life in all of its weird splendor. He has written the award winning novel, The Divine Arsonist, and a non-fiction title, Blessed Are the Weird - A Manifesto for Creatives. He is the founder of the independent Manifesto Publishing House.
Jacob lives and works in Boise, Idaho where he is now actively plotting new novels.
He really hates writing bios.
He loves life.
Jacob lives and works in Boise, Idaho where he is now actively plotting new novels.
He really hates writing bios.
He loves life.
Jacob's favorite quote about writing:
“Of all that is written, I love only what a person hath written with his blood. Write with blood, and thou wilt find that blood is spirit." - Friedrich Nietzsche
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 11, 2021
I picked up this intriguing book not really knowing what to expect. I’ve been seriously writing for 16 years and I also teach writing and am well-versed in different creative strategies and practices. I was wondering what I could possibly find in The Creative Cure that would be new to me and shift my way of thinking about what it means to be a writer and creative.
Well, then I started reading and Jacob Nordby blew the top of my head off within the first couple of chapters.
As I turned the pages I could feel myself having a visceral reaction to Nordby’s words, his reassurance that we are all creative, and that we all know how to do this nourishing, beautiful thing—this creating something out of nothing—from the time we are children. It’s just that we’re ripped away from our natural creative tendencies by the pressure to conform to society’s expectations of what a productive person looks like, and also that we experience rejection of our earliest creative efforts. I definitely know what that’s like, as I had a scarring experience with a creative writing teacher as a young adult. I was told that I wasn’t any good at writing and that I should find something else to do with my life, and so I stopped writing for seven years. I can only imagine how the situation would have been different for me if I’d had access to Jacob Nordby’s book at that time. I feel it’s safe to say I wouldn’t have lost those seven years.
The Creative Cure is for any creative person, no matter where they are on their path. You can have many years of experience with writing, or in the visual arts, or with acting, dancing, or any other type of creative self-expression, and still this book will speak to you. In contrast, you can also be a total newbie to the creative process, someone who has always wanted to be creative but has never known where to start, and this book will help you too. There are exercises and practices included with every chapter that are concrete and actionable and that can get even the most stuck person moving again.
I’m recommending this book to all of my clients and putting it on the “recommended reading” list for all my classes, along with such classics like Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and Brenda Ueland’s If You Want to Write. It is that good. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves self-help, personal growth, the psychology of creativity, personal development, and inspiring nonfiction that will really light a fire under you to change your life.
Well, then I started reading and Jacob Nordby blew the top of my head off within the first couple of chapters.
As I turned the pages I could feel myself having a visceral reaction to Nordby’s words, his reassurance that we are all creative, and that we all know how to do this nourishing, beautiful thing—this creating something out of nothing—from the time we are children. It’s just that we’re ripped away from our natural creative tendencies by the pressure to conform to society’s expectations of what a productive person looks like, and also that we experience rejection of our earliest creative efforts. I definitely know what that’s like, as I had a scarring experience with a creative writing teacher as a young adult. I was told that I wasn’t any good at writing and that I should find something else to do with my life, and so I stopped writing for seven years. I can only imagine how the situation would have been different for me if I’d had access to Jacob Nordby’s book at that time. I feel it’s safe to say I wouldn’t have lost those seven years.
The Creative Cure is for any creative person, no matter where they are on their path. You can have many years of experience with writing, or in the visual arts, or with acting, dancing, or any other type of creative self-expression, and still this book will speak to you. In contrast, you can also be a total newbie to the creative process, someone who has always wanted to be creative but has never known where to start, and this book will help you too. There are exercises and practices included with every chapter that are concrete and actionable and that can get even the most stuck person moving again.
I’m recommending this book to all of my clients and putting it on the “recommended reading” list for all my classes, along with such classics like Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and Brenda Ueland’s If You Want to Write. It is that good. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves self-help, personal growth, the psychology of creativity, personal development, and inspiring nonfiction that will really light a fire under you to change your life.
November 10, 2021
“The truth is that the most creative thing you will ever do is to become yourself.” ❤️
April 12, 2025
The Tool to Reconnect You with Creativity
For anyone who feels they aren’t creative or that they’ve lost their connection to it- this book offers explanation and tools to find your inner spark and get in the creative flow once again.
For anyone who feels they aren’t creative or that they’ve lost their connection to it- this book offers explanation and tools to find your inner spark and get in the creative flow once again.
February 27, 2021
A powerful tool to recapture life
Nordby has written a powerful, but easy to follow roadmap to lead the reader to a higher, deeper level of existence and being. A radical course of action that anyone can follow for a better, more inspired life.
Nordby has written a powerful, but easy to follow roadmap to lead the reader to a higher, deeper level of existence and being. A radical course of action that anyone can follow for a better, more inspired life.
July 17, 2023
So, I've had this book on my Kindle for awhile and didn't remember what it was about! I was thinking it would provide some inspiration to cure writers block for artists, but this book is so much more and came to me at a perfect time.
Jacob Nordby's book is about creativity, but it's more about how tapping into creativity can help to deprogram our socialized and/or trauma-developed conditioning and help us see true possibility in our lives.
I'd like to do a reread of the book and take my time going through all the exercises, and the personal assessment at the end. The ones I've experimented with so far have been eye opening in considering some different ideas for tackling life problems.
Inspiring and simply told with compassion and great life examples. I'd recommend this to anyone open to inner exploration and trying new forms of creative expression.
Jacob Nordby's book is about creativity, but it's more about how tapping into creativity can help to deprogram our socialized and/or trauma-developed conditioning and help us see true possibility in our lives.
I'd like to do a reread of the book and take my time going through all the exercises, and the personal assessment at the end. The ones I've experimented with so far have been eye opening in considering some different ideas for tackling life problems.
Inspiring and simply told with compassion and great life examples. I'd recommend this to anyone open to inner exploration and trying new forms of creative expression.
February 23, 2024
Great mix of ideas and examples, a definite re read and note taking book. First book in a while I have done as an audiobook that I'd wished I had done physical with the exercises. What if...
Read
September 5, 2025No stars. I guess I was expecting something like Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.” No dice.
June 21, 2021
Years ago I got Norby book in a free bundle somewhere, and ended up on his mailing list. So, I saw his new release with interest, and in my new phase of not buying books my library has available to borrow, I checked - and they had it on order. It has taken some time to show up in my account, and now it is shouting at me that six people are waiting for it... which is interesting as it seems such a niche title.
He has formed a friendship with Julia Cameron, of the Artist's Way, and she writes the foreword and in a lot of ways, it feels like an addendum to her work; but for all people, not just writers.
What he is suggesting is that everyone needs to get back in touch with their creative side, be it through writing or art, or in less traditionally creative things like baking or choosing your clothes or surroundings.
I took lots of screenshots, made some hand notes, and will have to journal on some of the things that came up for me.
Then today I found it on sale for 99c. NEAT!
Worth a read.
4 stars.
He has formed a friendship with Julia Cameron, of the Artist's Way, and she writes the foreword and in a lot of ways, it feels like an addendum to her work; but for all people, not just writers.
What he is suggesting is that everyone needs to get back in touch with their creative side, be it through writing or art, or in less traditionally creative things like baking or choosing your clothes or surroundings.
I took lots of screenshots, made some hand notes, and will have to journal on some of the things that came up for me.
Then today I found it on sale for 99c. NEAT!
Worth a read.
4 stars.
April 29, 2021
Creativity often feels elusive. Or only for true artists, not for everyone, surely. Nordby believes differently. Just like I do. He, we, since I agree, feel creativity is for all of us. Innate. It just needs to be unleashed. Nordby unravels the mystery of creativity, even to the extent of giving us a formula for it. I've tested it out, and it works. His insights are simple yet generous, and his writing is clear and practical yet inspiring. At one point I was concerned that reading this book would demystify creativity to where I would no longer enjoy the pursuit or process of it. Not so. It has enhanced it, giving me more clarity, fuel, and passion to take my imagination, intuition, and creative energy to a whole new realm. My sincerest gratitude to the author for illuminating a topic that is dear to my heart and is designed to restore a sacred part of the human experience that desperately needs it.
March 30, 2021
Do you think you are not creative? This book is chock full of strategies that were tried and tested by the author Jacob Nordby to refute that belief. The writing style is easy to read and the exercises to try are both fun and lead to insights that opened up a world of possibilities for me. I had already explored the world of writing and it has been a boon to my life. Now I want to explore the world of drawing because it is something I loved to do as a child. My two big take aways from this book is that the real gift of engaging in creative activities is the act of engaging in creative activities and everyone is creative. If you are intrigued, check out the authors website:
https://www.jacobnordby.com/
https://www.jacobnordby.com/
April 6, 2022
Listened to this book on Audible on short 1/2-1 hour car rides. I probably did not get the full intended impact the book was created for initially. Worth going through a second time and actually doing the numerous exercises in a more meditative way.
Regardless, I still absorbed the knowledge and anecdotes relayed in the chapters addressing a person’s upbringing, answering two important questions. What causes us to lose our creativity? And how do we recapture our imagination? Both pertinent questions are expertly answered in this book.
Surely not the end all book to creativity. But a great place to start a self-expressive journey. As a CEACE, I champion any author willing to jumpstart personal creative expression in us all.
Regardless, I still absorbed the knowledge and anecdotes relayed in the chapters addressing a person’s upbringing, answering two important questions. What causes us to lose our creativity? And how do we recapture our imagination? Both pertinent questions are expertly answered in this book.
Surely not the end all book to creativity. But a great place to start a self-expressive journey. As a CEACE, I champion any author willing to jumpstart personal creative expression in us all.
April 5, 2022
Creative Cure by Jacob Nordby is an outstanding book for inspiration and practical application of creative expression. I especially appreciate the author's examples from personal experience with a voice of compassion and authenticity. He is the only author I've read that explains the disparity between one's visualizations and reality while waiting for the manifestation of one's goals and dreams. I highly recommend this book as a refresher course on the value of taking time to listen to, develop, and act upon one's intuition.
July 9, 2024
Original and authentic
From the very first paragraph I was hooked. Nordby writes about many subjects I know through years of experience as an organisational psychologist - personal growth and human potential for example - but he brings an authenticity and depth which echoes the purpose of his book. It is a guide book to how creativity can cure and heal old wounds while also permission to return to who we really are. I highly recommend.
From the very first paragraph I was hooked. Nordby writes about many subjects I know through years of experience as an organisational psychologist - personal growth and human potential for example - but he brings an authenticity and depth which echoes the purpose of his book. It is a guide book to how creativity can cure and heal old wounds while also permission to return to who we really are. I highly recommend.
February 24, 2025
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I have read lots of books on creativity with different results. This book, however, was the BEST book I have read in my results to imagination, the creative process, healing through creativity and just really taping in to how the creative process works. If I was a person with endless funds I would absolutely purchase this book for every creative I know.
5+ stars ⭐️
5+ stars ⭐️
June 10, 2021
Break out in creativity
I love Jacob Nordby's perspective on creativity and joy. The fact that he has included activities to pursue to release us from constriction into creative freedom makes this a meaningful read on multiple levels. Are you ready to pursue your childlike joy? Read and play. And break out in creativity!
I love Jacob Nordby's perspective on creativity and joy. The fact that he has included activities to pursue to release us from constriction into creative freedom makes this a meaningful read on multiple levels. Are you ready to pursue your childlike joy? Read and play. And break out in creativity!
January 5, 2025
Great insights on the power of creativity in your life!
This book had a lot of good insights about creativity and how to get in touch with what brings you joy! If you feel your creativity is stifle in any way, you will find this will set you free. Also, even if you are operating and your creative self, it will reaffirm your choices. I recommend it!
This book had a lot of good insights about creativity and how to get in touch with what brings you joy! If you feel your creativity is stifle in any way, you will find this will set you free. Also, even if you are operating and your creative self, it will reaffirm your choices. I recommend it!
February 5, 2026
Items of Note:
* We are all born artists. The challenge is remaining an artist while we grow up in a world that often demands we become something else.
* The goal of a creative life is not to produce a masterpiece, but to become one.
* Creativity is not a talent for a few; it’s a birthright we all share.
* We are all born artists. The challenge is remaining an artist while we grow up in a world that often demands we become something else.
* The goal of a creative life is not to produce a masterpiece, but to become one.
* Creativity is not a talent for a few; it’s a birthright we all share.
March 20, 2021
Showing up authentically requires a process to know and be true to ourselves; along a journey to tap into creativity. Jacob Nordby’s latest book, workshops and creative tribe get togethers are part of my process. I highly recommend, The Creative Cure!
May 5, 2021
Practical guide to finding joy
This is a great guide to finding your creative self and in doing so finding joy. A practical guide that gives you exercises to tap into your intuitive creative side. Thank you!
This is a great guide to finding your creative self and in doing so finding joy. A practical guide that gives you exercises to tap into your intuitive creative side. Thank you!
June 9, 2021
It is very nice to be creative. You can solve problems and move obstacles from your life.
Life happens. It gets stressful and tough. Being creative helps you to live the life that you want. It always nice to wake up in joy.
Life happens. It gets stressful and tough. Being creative helps you to live the life that you want. It always nice to wake up in joy.
January 12, 2022
Really loved this book
The framework for change Jacob Nordby makes a lot of sense. I'm working on my Creative Formula!! I'm recommending it to my book group of friends! And you! :~}
The framework for change Jacob Nordby makes a lot of sense. I'm working on my Creative Formula!! I'm recommending it to my book group of friends! And you! :~}
January 25, 2022
Great practical, positive, empowering advice for creatives
I enjoyed this book so much that I'm going to begin reading it again...right now! Thank you, Jacob Noting for writing this book!
I enjoyed this book so much that I'm going to begin reading it again...right now! Thank you, Jacob Noting for writing this book!
March 7, 2022
As ever, Jacob Nordby impressed me with his simple down to earth and playful methods of unlocking the things that keep me stuck.
I highly recommend this book to any creative person who feels blocked or stifled in the creative process.
I highly recommend this book to any creative person who feels blocked or stifled in the creative process.
February 12, 2023
Are you stuck creatively?
Nordby’s book will inspire you with practical tips for peeling back the dead layers of your life to the fresh skin of your dreams! He uses his own journey from stuck to creative as an example.
Nordby’s book will inspire you with practical tips for peeling back the dead layers of your life to the fresh skin of your dreams! He uses his own journey from stuck to creative as an example.
March 30, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Gave me a lot to think about and taught me a lot. The exercises I tried I enjoyed. If you would like to tap into your own creativity or just find a way to look at things in a more positive direction, this book is a good start.
September 30, 2023
Great ideas to kickstart creativity when it’s been dormant for a bit. I was
Also able to use some of the ideas within my therapeutic art group to help the people o work with see creativity on a different way.
Also able to use some of the ideas within my therapeutic art group to help the people o work with see creativity on a different way.
November 4, 2024
This was pretty good. I found some solid advice for life. The creative prompts seemed to mostly be focused on writing. A little extra fluff in this that I could’ve done without but I feel like it was worth reading.
June 7, 2025
Inspirational
The more of us that express ourselves creatively and tune into inspiration, the happier and more Nurturing the world will be. We owe it to ourselves to live lives that we love.
The more of us that express ourselves creatively and tune into inspiration, the happier and more Nurturing the world will be. We owe it to ourselves to live lives that we love.
July 14, 2021
Some interesting ideas - really liked some of the exercises
July 14, 2021
Loved it!
Always inspired by the words of this man. This is a book that will make you want to go out and create something…. Anything!
Always inspired by the words of this man. This is a book that will make you want to go out and create something…. Anything!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews