Book Review: Creativity & Divine Surprise

Here is my latest book review...

Kincannon, K.M. (2005). Creativity and the Divine Surprise: Finding the Place of Your Resurrection. Upper Room Books: Nashville, TN.


A Pilgrim’s Journey: A Book Review

Karla M. Kincannon’s Creativity and the Divine Surprise: Finding the Place of Your Resurrection touches on some very important concepts related to the creative process, and how tapping into these energies can help a person heal from various traumas to body, mind and soul. The author is sure to thank Rollo May - a humanistic psychologist and creativity pioneer – for showing her, “the connection between creativity and faith” (p.11). She states on page 14: “As we engage our creativity in the service of our spirituality, we discern the frequency of our soul’s yearnings and the deeper currents of life” (p. 14). This message is made abundantly clear throughout the book.
The first chapter, Invitation begins this introspective, creative journey. Here, we are invited to become “pilgrims”, on our way out of the darkness in order connect to God’s divine light. The reader continues on a “pilgrim’s path”, which is closely based on Wallas’ four-stages of the creative process. However, Kincannon offers six entitled: Encounter, Preparation , Frustration, Incubation, Illumination, and Elaboration. She takes time to explain Wallas’ theory and urges that each stage of the process is equally important to the next.
The Encounter chapter showcases Kincannon’s belief that this “mysterious and mystical element” is essential, otherwise, “the creative process is less than it can be and less than it is intended to be” (p.22). I can relate to this feeling, having been on my own quest to recover my creative spirit and wounded soul, however, I found myself having trouble getting past the heavily peppered Christian overtones of this highly topical book. Nonetheless, Kincannon’s well-researched process is fleshed out neatly and straightforward for the “pilgrim”.
Each section begins with an empowering passage from the Bible and ends with an exercise that correlates to that chapter’s teachings. Much of the work is focused on taking a close look at one self - wholly and truthfully - and gives ample opportunities for the reader to learn techniques in overcoming common creativity blocks. Along with these practical exercises, she supports the “pilgrim” with engaging stories and personal reflections.
For someone who is not Christian, the overt religious nuances may muddy the course. Personally, I find her book worthwhile and was able to convert the author’s religious beliefs into something to more my liking. Creativity and the Divine Surprise: Finding the Place of Your Resurrection is a welcome addition to the growing bookshelf of explaining creativity to the general public and for those wishing to use creativity as a process for healing. For those readers who are Christian and interested in these topics, this would be great start.



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