I am so excited to finally reveal the title and cover for my new book – Move Slow & Make Things: Pursuing the Delightfully Fulfilling Creative Life.
This book was born out of hundreds of conversations I’ve had with people over the years, in person, in small groups, and online, about creativity and what it means to be an artist. Sometimes, the conversation starts with a question from someone seeking to make more room for creativity in their own life: How did you start painting? How do you grow as an artist? When did you consider yourself a writer or an artist? How do I make time in my life for creative endeavors?
Sometimes, the conversation starts with a remark that often stems from the assumption that certain artistic abilities are an elusive gift bestowed on only a few: I wish I could paint. I’ve always wanted to do fill-in-the-blank. I don’t have so-and-so’s talent. I can’t even draw a straight line.
I’ve responded to these interactions over the years through blog posts and conversations with Shaunna on The Creative Exponent podcast, but there was a lot more that I wanted to say on the subject, so I started gathering all of the questions, the stories, and my thoughts, and it was clear my next book was going to be about creativity.
After more than two years of development, research, writing, taking pictures, and editing, that book is now a reality.
The title “Move Slow & Make Things” is a play on the phrase attributed to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg: “Move fast and break things.” I’ve heard this phrase repeated in books I’ve read and documentaries I’ve watched about business and creative work. Sometimes it’s framed positively as an example of seizing the day. Sometimes, it’s used as a cautionary tale of unintended consequences. While I can see both sides of that coin, I think this philosophy has not only permeated the tech world but has trickled down into our daily lives. It does feel like we’re collectively being pulled along at an unsustainable pace. It does feel like things are being broken. But it also feels like the call to slow down, savor more, consume less, and create more is growing in response.
The book’s title also became its structure: Part One – Move Slow; Part Two – Make Things.
Moving Slow covers topics such as acknowledging seasons, working with intention, embracing rest as part of work, following your curiosity, and encouraging your sense of wonder.
Making Things isn’t just about craft and art. It’s about creating physical space and daily time for creativity, making your mark, making a record, making connections, and making a life.
As a side note, this is the first book being published under my original title, and I am thrilled about that! (Inspired You was originally Move Mountains in Your Home, and Feels Like Home was The Bespoke Home.)
If you already view yourself as creative, Move Slow & Make Things is an encouragement to continue on that path. It’s a pep talk, a reminder, and motivation from a kindred spirit. If you regularly describe yourself as “not a creative type”, this book will (hopefully) convince you otherwise and help you embrace your unique brand of creativity. If your creativity has been pushed to the back seat for years, this book is an invitation and a permission slip to let it take some time behind the wheel.
Move Slow & Make Things is coming out on September 1, 2026, but it is available for preorder now HERE. I will share much more about the book as we count down to the book launch, including sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes, preorder bonuses, giveaways, and more…
