A Creative Compass

There is nothing Emma Gannon does not know about unlocking your creativity. And she’s poured every ounce of that knowledge into this book. A future classic. * Farrah Storr, Head of Substack International *
Another dose of genius from Emma Gannon. It’s a proper reset for creativity. Motivating, inspiring and it takes the stress out of being creative. Reminding us to be calmer in the process, that the little things really make a big difference and that overwhelm is useless. It’s a bible for all of us trying to come up with words to say. * Dawn O’Porter, million-copy bestselling author *
Now more than ever this book is required reading for anyone who wants to live a creative life. A Creative Compass provides a much needed reminder of importance of creativity, with some thoughtful corresponding guidance. I have clung to its words during recent world events and felt held, soothed, and at the same time galvanised into creative action. * Jennie Godfrey, bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things *
Emma has been a professional inspiration of mine for over a decade, both for her creative output and her ability to translate her talent across mediums. Her first creativity guide – packed full of suggestions, yet non-prescriptive – is a gentle invitation to trust one’s own curiosity and intuition; while her personal reflections and anecdotes, shared throughout, are a reminder of the power of doing so. * Francesca Specter, author of Alonement *
A cosy, permission-giving guide on how to return to your creative practice. * Freya Bromley, author of The Tidal Year *
Emma Gannon’s honesty, open-mindedness and willingness to be vulnerable lay out a path for her readers to follow. – Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way
A Creative Compass is in the tradition of The Artist’s Way or Writing Down the Bones, less of a “how to write a novel” manual and more a guide to connect us to our inner creativity. It is such a beautiful read, it is honest and also SO joyful. I felt like many people in my life would gain a lot from reading it, not just artists. * Louise O’Neill, author of Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone *
So inspiring, I read it in one sitting and now going back to do the exercises and think about it slowly. Came at the perfect time for me. * Julia Owen Moylan *
A bright light and a shining star, and in many ways the voice of a generation. – Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love
Gannon offers a fresh perspective from which readers can begin to see their own paths to joyful, fulfilling lives. – Martha Beck, author of Finding Your Own North Star
Emma Gannon’s new book is a reorientation for the creatively lost. It’s less of a guide and more of a series of nudges towards reconnecting with a state of mind that facilitates creative thinking. * Irish Times *

Emma Gannon is the Sunday Times bestselling author of nine books, including A Year of Nothing and Olive, which was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award. Her second novel, Table for One (2025), was selected as People magazine’s ‘Fiction of the Week.’

Emma also writes one of the UK’s most popular Substack newsletters, The Hyphen, which has thousands of paid subscribers. In addition to her writing, she hosts creativity retreats around the world and served as a judge for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.