The Well-Appointed Desk

I recently spent some time browsing my own bookshelves for some inspiration in my efforts to spend less time online. I was looking for books that might inspire my own creativity and was surprised to find three wonderful books that I’ve owned for some time. Two I’ve read completely and one I browsed but am looking forward to diving into in the next couple weeks.

1. Keep Going by Austin Kleon

I am a fan of Austin Kleon, his web site, newsletter and all of his books. Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad is the third book in his creativity books and seems the most relevant right now. The book is small and short so its perfect to pick up and read a few pages or settle down with your favorite beverage and a pencil and read the whole book.

This is also a good lead-in to his new book , Don’t Call It Art which is due to be available in June.

2. The Wander Society by Keri Smith

Some may know Keri Smith for her Wreck This Book series for creative exploration. I however love The Wander Society. Since I work from home, I don’t get out a lot so this book continues to inspire me to look for wonder in my wanderings — even if its finding interesting shadows, fallen leaves or a pebble.

Combining walking with the idea that there is something mysterious, magical or wondrous just outside your door, I find it helpful to be reminded that getting outside is the first step towards finding new ideas and creative energy.

The book creates a “mysterious society” which many or may not exist but establishes some of the ideas behind Henry David Thoreau Walden Pond in an accessible way. If you decide to “join the Wander Society” there are a few projects and crafts that you can do as well.

I just find Keri Smith’s writing to be lyrical and charming and makes me want to be adventurous, even if only in my mind. Wander Society is a beautiful book with handwritten notes, ephemera and pull quotes that will make you want to read and re-read it.

3. The Big Book of Less

The Big Book of Less was published by the team responsible for the Flow magazine. The book is full of articles about minimalism, simplification and even one about taking a break from screens even though it was published back in 2019. Since this is a Flow publication, it includes an assortment of paper crafts and writing projects. This is the book I haven’t read completely and am looking forward to reading through the whole book. When it was published, the minimalism movement was in full swing but now that the concept of less aligns with many folks’ desire to spend less time online, less time scrolling and less time shopping on their phones, I think the concept of minimalism as simplicity and “less is more” is welcome and refreshing.

So much of online culture feels like a “keeping up with the Joneses” but on a global level that is not sustainable financially or environmentally. This book feels more relevant than ever.

Do you have any books you refer back to to inspire you to be creative, conscientious and to slow down? Let’s embrace our inner Ferris Bueller.