Discover how Alan Oram’s new book is sparking creativity and imagination.
We’re buzzing with excitement here at Alive with Ideas because Alan, one of our very own directors and founders, has just launched his new book, Imaginary Friends and Foes of Creativity. It’s out right now and available on Amazon!
If you’ve ever struggled with creativity, this book is your ultimate companion on the journey to unlocking your true creative powers.
The book’s journey: From workshop ideas to an inspiring resource
Alan’s creative adventure with this book started back in 2020 during lockdown. What began as a collection of workshop activities designed to help people explore their creativity gradually evolved into something much bigger.
Over evenings and weekends, Alan nurtured these ideas, turning them into a full-fledged book. And with fantastic input from the Alive team—providing illustrations, design expertise, and a splash of creative flair—it’s now a wonderful resource that’s in the real world.
Imaginary Friends and Foes of Creativity was written to help you push past the blockers that hold back your imagination and embrace the enablers that fuel it. It’s a book about understanding the ups and downs of creativity and overcoming struggles like self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism, all whilst celebrating the joy and achievement of pursuing creative endeavours.
Highlights and activities to boost your creative confidence
So, what’s inside? There’s lots to explore. The book is packed with activities designed to help you think outside the box, explore new ideas, and build creative habits. From fun brainstorming exercises to deeper reflective practices, there’s something for every creative adventurer.
Some of the activities were born directly from workshops Alan has run over the years, and they’re designed to inspire anyone looking to take their creative thinking up a gear.
Following the book’s practical exercises, you’ll learn to identify your “friends” of creativity—the things that empower your ideas—and confront the “foes” that may hold you back. Whether it’s perfectionism or a fear of failure, Imaginary Friends and Foes of Creativity will help you work through it all – with plenty of fun along the way.
Full circle – from workshops to book and back again. Let’s bring creativity to Life!
We’re also excited about taking the book off the page and into face-to-face creativity sessions for comms teams. Imagine diving into these activities in a collaborative workshop setting, surrounded by like-minded people looking to boost their creative energy. It’s a powerful resource – and we’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us for one of these sessions.
Build your creative powers
Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just looking to bring more imagination into your work, Imaginary Friends and Foes of Creativity is the tool to add to your arsenal.
But, if you’re not ready to dive into the book, we have another way to keep your creativity flowing…
Sign up for our weekly Creativity Bootcamp emails, where we send out fun, bite-sized creative activities to help you practice and refine your creative skills.
Find out more about our Creativity Bootcamp here: Creativity Bootcamp
If you’re keen to build a creative habit, here’s some extra info on how to get started: Build Your Creative Habit
So grab your copy of Imaginary Friends and Foes of Creativity today. Let’s take the next (and best) step in your creative journey together.
Get the book on Amazon here: Imaginary Friends and Foes of Creativity on Amazon