Steal Like an Artist": Why Every Writer Needs This Book in Their Toolkit

Writing can feel like a lonely, daunting process sometimes. Whether you're staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike, or feeling the pressure to create something entirely original, the creative journey can be full of roadblocks. But what if I told you that the pressure to be original was completely unnecessary?

Austin Kleon's "Steal Like an Artist" is a small but impactful book that completely changes the way we think about creativity, particularly as writers. It reassures us that originality isn't the ultimate goal. Instead, creativity involves remixing ideas that inspire you, giving them a fresh twist, and making them your own.

Why is "Steal Like an Artist" an absolute must-read for writers?

1. Nothing Is Original—And That’s Okay

One of the most liberating ideas from "Steal Like an Artist" is this: nothing is truly original. Every great work of art or literature borrows from something that came before. As writers, we often get stuck thinking we need to come up with groundbreaking, never-before-seen ideas. But Kleon flips that mindset on its head.

Creativity, he says, is about gathering inspiration from everywhere—books, music, conversations, life—and turning it into something uniquely yours. It’s not about inventing a completely new story or concept; it’s about transforming what already exists through your perspective.

Feeling stuck? Take comfort in knowing that even the most famous authors have built on the works of others. Shakespeare wasn’t shy about borrowing from older stories, and yet he made them unforgettable.

2. Steal (Inspiration) Like a Writer

Now, when Kleon says "steal," he’s not talking about plagiarism. He’s talking about taking ideas and reworking them into something new and personal. For writers, this means paying attention to the stories, characters, and styles that resonate with you, and figuring out how to remix them into your own writing.

Kleon suggests keeping a “swipe file” of things that inspire you. Writers can take this idea and run with it—keep a journal or folder where you jot down quotes, scenes, or even dialogue snippets that spark something in you. That way, when you hit a creative block, you’ll have a treasure trove of ideas to dig through.

3. Writing the Book You Want to Read

Have you ever started a book and thought, "I wish this went in a different direction" or "I’d love to read a story with this kind of character"? Kleon’s advice to “write the book you want to read” is perfect for writers feeling uncertain about their path.

Instead of worrying about what’s trendy or what others expect, focus on what you want to see in the world. Passion is contagious, and if you’re genuinely excited about your story, chances are your readers will be, too.

Some of the most successful authors, from J.K. Rowling to George R.R. Martin, wrote books they themselves wanted to read. And look how that turned out!

4. Use Your Hands—Find Balance in Writing

Kleon’s advice to "use your hands" may seem more relevant to visual artists, but it’s just as important for writers. We spend so much time staring at screens, typing away, that we can forget the power of physically engaging with our words.

Try handwriting a scene or sketching a rough outline on paper. You might be surprised how this shift can spark creativity. The tactile nature of putting pen to paper (or even using a typewriter, if you’re feeling old-school!) can unlock ideas you didn’t realize were there.

5. Side Projects: Fuel for the Writing Process

One of the best things about Kleon’s approach is his encouragement to embrace side projects and hobbies. For writers, this could mean keeping a blog, dabbling in poetry, or even writing short stories unrelated to your main project.

Sometimes stepping away from your primary work allows fresh ideas to surface. You never know how a side project could fuel your main one. Many writers have found their next big idea while working on something completely different!

6. Share Your Writing—Even if It’s Not Perfect

Kleon’s advice to share your work—even when it’s not polished—may make some writers cringe, but it’s invaluable. Sharing your writing early and often builds confidence, gives you feedback, and helps you connect with readers.

Don’t be afraid to put your work out there, whether it’s a blog post, a short story, or a chapter of your novel. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours. Plus, sharing your work creates momentum. The more you share, the more you’ll grow.

7. Be Boring—The Power of Routine in Writing

As writers, we often romanticize the idea of waiting for inspiration to strike. But the truth is, successful writers show up every day—whether inspiration is there or not. Kleon’s advice to "be boring" may sound dull, but it’s really about creating a routine that allows you to consistently produce work.

Set aside time each day, or a few times a week, where you sit down and write. Even if you only manage 100 words, that’s progress. Over time, those small, boring moments add up to finished stories, articles, or even books.

8. Creativity Is Subtraction—Less Is More in Writing

Sometimes, less is more. Kleon’s idea that "creativity is subtraction" resonates deeply with writers. Constraints—whether it’s a word count, a deadline, or specific writing prompts—can actually enhance creativity.

When you’re forced to work within limitations, it sharpens your focus. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by endless possibilities, you learn to make the most of what you have. In writing, this could mean trimming unnecessary scenes, tightening dialogue, or cutting back on descriptive excess.

9. Conclusion: Writers Are Artists Too

At the end of the day, "Steal Like an Artist" reminds us that writers are artists, too. Creativity isn’t a magical gift that only a few possess—it’s a skill anyone can develop through practice, observation, and inspiration.

By embracing the ideas in this book, writers can stop waiting for the perfect moment, stop fearing that their work isn’t original, and start stealing—in the best way possible. So, next time you’re feeling stuck, remember that creativity is about gathering inspiration from the world and transforming it into something uniquely yours.

Call to Action

What do you think? How do you find inspiration in your writing? Have you read "Steal Like an Artist"? If not, I highly recommend giving it a try—you might just find the boost you need to unlock your creativity. Let's keep the conversation going: How do you "steal" like a writer?