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Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking
Ideas on a Deadline is the definitive book for creative people who have to deliver breakthrough ideas on demand.
One of the most destructive myths about creativity is the idea that we need to wait for inspiration. But as artist Chuck Close said, “Inspiration is for amateurs—the rest of us just show up and get to work.” Whether you’re a creative professional like a designer, writer, musician, or filmmaker, or an executive, engineer, teacher or salesperson, this book will show you how to “prime the pump” of your creativity, overcome the blocks, and deliver great ideas when you need them the most.
One of the most destructive myths about creativity is the idea that we need to wait for inspiration. But as artist Chuck Close said, “Inspiration is for amateurs—the rest of us just show up and get to work.” Whether you’re a creative professional like a designer, writer, musician, or filmmaker, or an executive, engineer, teacher or salesperson, this book will show you how to “prime the pump” of your creativity, overcome the blocks, and deliver great ideas when you need them the most.
216 pages, Hardcover
Published May 24, 2022
5 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 11, 2023
3.5 stars. Not the most original, but Cooke shares a lot of unique angles and interesting stories to make this worth the read. I read books on creativity to stir my creative juices, and this did just that.
November 5, 2022
When You Face Another Deadline, You Need These Insights
While I have read many how-to books, I’d never seen an entire book focused on deadline until I recently read Cooke’s IDEAS ON A DEADLINE, HOW TO BE CREATIVE WHEN THE CLOCK IS TICKING. Until reading this book, I’d never understood why with some writing projects, I can’t get motivated to write pages until I get closer to the deadline. According to Cooke, this tendency is a common one and many of the best creative ideas when you are under deadline pressure to produce words. The book has numerous short chapters filled with a combination of personal stories, detailed research and how-to information.
In an early chapter, Cooke writes, “True creativity—especially at a high level—isn’t easy, but if you’re willing to understand it, prepare for it, and activate it in your life, there’s no end to what’s possible. This book is about delivering great ideas on a deadline. Hopefully, it will forever dispel the myth that truly creative people must wait for a moment of inspiration before the start a project. Your days of waiting are over. Now is the time to create!” (Page 17)
Cooke’s breaks the topic into four key areas: The Mindset, The Motivation, The Method, and The Momentum.
IDEAS ON A DEADLINE is a compelling read and every type of creative person will find insights and action steps for a more successful writing life. I encourage you to read it with a highlighter or book flags to mark different sections. This book is the type which could be read each year for new practical insights. I highly recommend you study IDEAS ON A DEADLINE.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
While I have read many how-to books, I’d never seen an entire book focused on deadline until I recently read Cooke’s IDEAS ON A DEADLINE, HOW TO BE CREATIVE WHEN THE CLOCK IS TICKING. Until reading this book, I’d never understood why with some writing projects, I can’t get motivated to write pages until I get closer to the deadline. According to Cooke, this tendency is a common one and many of the best creative ideas when you are under deadline pressure to produce words. The book has numerous short chapters filled with a combination of personal stories, detailed research and how-to information.
In an early chapter, Cooke writes, “True creativity—especially at a high level—isn’t easy, but if you’re willing to understand it, prepare for it, and activate it in your life, there’s no end to what’s possible. This book is about delivering great ideas on a deadline. Hopefully, it will forever dispel the myth that truly creative people must wait for a moment of inspiration before the start a project. Your days of waiting are over. Now is the time to create!” (Page 17)
Cooke’s breaks the topic into four key areas: The Mindset, The Motivation, The Method, and The Momentum.
IDEAS ON A DEADLINE is a compelling read and every type of creative person will find insights and action steps for a more successful writing life. I encourage you to read it with a highlighter or book flags to mark different sections. This book is the type which could be read each year for new practical insights. I highly recommend you study IDEAS ON A DEADLINE.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
June 17, 2022
Great read for anyone who desires to produce creative work. A very practical, boots-on-the-ground type of read, and well worth the purchase and the read. I really appreciate Phil Cooke’s experience and his willingness to share that experience with other desiring creatives.
August 27, 2022
Solid book on harnessing creativity and working with deadlines
December 28, 2022
Read this book in a day as I am on a deadline to meet my annual target of reading 30 books.
Very refreshing read with some easy to implement practical ideas and advice.
Very refreshing read with some easy to implement practical ideas and advice.
January 13, 2023
Good overview of work-life habits for any kind of creative worker.
December 22, 2025
RATING 4.34 STARS
Timely and well organized advice for creative folks looking to accomplish something or for those hoping to counter the excuses they get from creative folks.
Timely and well organized advice for creative folks looking to accomplish something or for those hoping to counter the excuses they get from creative folks.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews