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How to steal ideas as a writer.
Creativity isn’t about being entirely original.
Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist is not just a book but a manifesto for anyone who dares to create.
Its central thesis is liberating and provocative: creativity isn’t about creating something entirely new but about borrowing, remixing, and transforming existing ideas into uniquely yours.
For writers, this idea shatters the myth of complete originality and offers a new way to approach their craft.
Kleon’s advice is rooted in believing all creative work builds upon what came before. As he puts it, “Nothing is original. It’s not where you take things from — it’s where you take them to.”
This simple insight allows writers to see inspiration everywhere, from classic literature and modern-day blogs to everyday conversations.
Let’s explore six core takeaways from Steal Like an Artist and how they apply specifically to the writer’s journey.
1. Stealing Isn’t Plagiarism, It’s Inspiration.
At the heart of Kleon’s philosophy is the concept of “stealing” in the creative sense…
