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…
15 Responses
As an actress, I am so glad to see you included examples from the world of improv. I have seen so many people who think they can’t act and/or have no interest in acting do some amazing things in an improv setting. I have always maintained it is excellent training for life both on and off the stage and it helps people to see life is a creative process every day. Congratulations on the book! You can now add Life Coach to your long list of talents!
I agree! I grew up in theatre and have my degree in Musical Theatre. I used to joke that it was the most useless degree, but I learned so many valuable things for life.
I dabble in making quilts, sewing linen clothing and making cards. I get excited making these things but then feel like I’m not good enough. Can your book help me see I’m on the right track to respect what I’ve created?
Absolutely! I’m so glad you asked about this and I’ll write a blog post with more details, but I write about embracing what your hands make specifically.
Congratulations Marion. I can’t wait to read your new book. It sounds wonderful. You are such an inspiration to so many, and as one follower mentioned before Life Coach. Thank you for all the encouragement you provide to so many people.
I’m ’embracing failure’, meaning, willing to try. To make mistakes. I’m currently taking watercolor again. I can see baby steps of improvement.
On the writing side, I wrote a mystery novel and published it last year. Didn’t sell many copies but learned so much from the process. I’m a better writer for doing it.
Good for you! I really think it’s impossible to find success without treading through failure for a while. Keep going!
I am incredibly proud of you—so happy and excited for this amazing accomplishment! I can’t wait to read another beautiful book you’ve authored (and photographed), to hold it in my hands, and to celebrate all the dedication and hard work that brought it to life.
Well said.
Thank you so much!
Is there a faith element to your new book?
It took me a minute to think about how to best answer this question. While it’s not specifically a “Christian” book, it is written from the perspective that we are created in God’s image, and therefore we are created to be creative. It’s a practical, encouraging “self-help” book with that foundation.
Sounds encouraging. I keep thinking I will carve out time to create during my day, but one chore leads to another and the day slips away. I greatly miss it! This sounds like just the book I need to begin again and again. Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it!
Well September can’t come soon enough! I cannot wait to read this and look forward to hearing more in the coming months. I would like to add that I much prefer your original titles of your previous books but I guess editors and publishers have to win some battles LOL.
Ha! I prefer them as well, but I had to go with the consensus.