Fiction, The Secret Weapon to Boost Creativity (and Why You Need It)

Fiction, The Secret Weapon to Boost Creativity (and Why You Need It)

Ever feel like your creative well has run dry? Like you’re stuck in a rut, churning out the same old ideas day after day? Maybe you’re searching for ways to boost creativity but haven’t considered the power of fiction.

Yep, that’s right – those books and audiobooks you love to lose yourself in can actually be the key to unlocking a whole new level of imagination and innovation.

Think about it, how many times has a captivating story sparked a new idea or given you a fresh perspective?  

Boosting creativity with fiction isn’t just a whimsical notion.

Now, I know what you might be thinking “How can reading about dragons and spaceships possibly help me come up with a killer marketing campaign?” Trust me on this one. There’s a whole bunch of science (and good old-fashioned common sense) to back it up.

Your Brain on Fiction – A Wild Ride

Turns out, when we dive headfirst into a good story, our brains go into overdrive. All those areas responsible for imagination, empathy, and emotions light up like a Christmas tree.

And guess what? That kind of mental workout makes us more flexible in our thinking, helps us connect the dots in new ways, and basically turns us into idea-generating machines.

Think of it like this, fiction is like a gym for your brain.

It challenges you to see the world from different angles, to step outside your comfort zone, and to embrace the unexpected. And, the more you work those creative muscles, the stronger they become.

Speaking of getting stronger, last year, I challenged myself to read 25 books. But something funny happened along the way… I got completely hooked! I ended up devouring a whopping 72 books in 2024. It was a wild ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But this year, I’m back to taking my balanced approach to reading. My goal for 2025 is to savour each story. So, I’m setting my sights on a more manageable 25 books. Quality over quantity, right? (Which is my approach to most things in life!)

So, What’s in It for You?

Okay, enough about my reading habits. Let’s get back to how fiction can actually boost your creative game –

  • Imagination on Steroids – Ever wished you could come up with ideas as wild and wonderful as the ones you find in your favourite books? Well, guess what? The more you expose yourself to those imaginative worlds, the more likely you are to come up with your own. It’s like osmosis for the imagination!
  • Empathy, The Secret Sauce of Creativity – Want to create something that truly resonates with people? You need to understand them, right? And that’s where fiction comes in. By experiencing the world through the eyes of different characters, you develop a deeper understanding of human nature, which is essential for any kind ofcreative experience.
  • Problem-Solving Prowess – Let’s face it, life is full of challenges. But fiction can actually help you become a master problem-solver. How? By showing you how characters overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, even when the odds are stacked against them. It’s like having a cheat sheet for life!
  • Communication Skills, Level Up! – Whether you’re writing a report, giving a presentation, or trying to convince your cat to get off the keyboard, good communication is key. And guess what? Fiction is packed with examples of effective storytelling, which can help you hone your own communication skills.
  • Stress Less, Create More – Feeling burnt out? Overwhelmed? Take a break and lose yourself in a good story. To be honest, this is one of my favourite reasons for reading! It’s like a mini-vacation for your mind, and it can help you recharge your creative batteries.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Creative Genius?

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your fiction fix –

  • Find Your Tribe –Explore different genres and authors until you find the ones that really speak to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things! I had never read historical fiction until 2024! I learnt so much about the past, and it also created conversation. Sharing what I learnt along the way was lovely and created a deeper connection.
  • Get Involved – Don’t just passively consume stories. Ask yourself questions, analyse the characters, and think about the underlying themes. The more you engage with the material, the more you’ll get out of it.
  • Talk It Out – Share your thoughts and feelings about the books you’re reading or listening to with others. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding and spark new ideas. Our little book club is eight years old this year and has also been a great source of exploring what we’ve read.
  • Make It a Habit – Even a few minutes of reading or listening to fiction each day can make a big difference. So, carve out some time in your schedule and make it a priority.

My Top 3 Book Recommendations for 2025 –

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library – by Michiko Aoyama

I loved this book.

I gifted it to everybody in the women’s leadership community, and it received such great feedback.

Think The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold. This beautiful Japanese book shows how the perfect book recommendation can change a reader’s life.

 The Women by Kristin Hannah

My first dive into historical fiction and what I learnt about women and their untold story, totally being wiped from history – a stunning book!

It tells the untold story of the Vietnam war.

It’s a story of women coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.

 

 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

I know; two books by the same author are in my top three. The Nightingale is probably going to be my favourite book of all time.

I still think about what I learnt and what the characters experienced, the huge impact they had on the world, and how that looks today. It all started in France in 1939, and how a family survived World War II. This is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and set to be a film!

If you want to keep up to date on what I’m reading every month, I am doing short book reviews on my insta stories HERE.

The Bottom Line

We often fight for clarity on values, logic, and reason above all else, so it’s easy to forget the importance of creativity.

But the truth is, creativity is essential for success in any field.

And fiction, my friend, is one of the best ways to cultivate it.

So, go forth and read (or listen)!

Your imagination will thank you.

RESOURCES AND NEXT STEPS

If you’re looking for more support and guidance, here are some valuable resources:

  • Book a conversation to see how we can help you with your mindset HERE.
  • Have meaningful conversations. Connect with your people deeper by sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Use our Flip The Thinking Tool kit and share it with people around you. See how it helps you enrich the connection and conversation.
  • Follow along on LinkedIn HERE
  • Find out more about our women’s leadership programme HERE

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