The Creative Curve

How to Develop the Right Idea, at the Right Time

By: Allen Gannett

Narrated by: Allen Gannett

Big data entrepreneur Allen Gannett overturns the mythology around creative genius, and reveals the science and secrets behind achieving breakout commercial success in any field.

We have been spoon-fed the notion that creativity is the province of genius -- of those favored, brilliant few whose moments of insight arrive in unpredictable flashes of divine inspiration. And if we are not a genius, we might as well pack it in and give up. Either we have that gift, or we don’t. But Allen shows that simply isn’t true. Recent research has shown that there is a predictable science behind achieving commercial success in any creative endeavor, from writing a popular novel to starting up a successful company to creating an effective marketing campaign.

As the world’s most creative people have discovered, we are enticed by the novel and the familiar. By understanding the mechanics of what Gannett calls “the creative curve” – the point of optimal tension between the novel and the familiar – everyone can better engineer mainstream success.

In a thoroughly entertaining book that describes the stories and insights of everyone from the Broadway team behind Dear Evan Hansen, to the founder of Reddit, from the Chief Content Officer of Netflix to Michelin star chefs, Gannett reveals the four laws of creative success and identifies the common patterns behind their achievement.

Good book but!

Couldn't get over the author's voice!! Word of advice, your book is good but doesn't mean that your voice is suitable for audiobooks!

Good information and inspiring

I had a pretty good time with this book, but I struggled with the narration of it. While it's cool to have the author of the book read it, I found his voice a little harsh on the ears and distracting.
Overall, the content was great! As an aspiring creative, I can reccomend this book as a good read.

Great message for all the creators in hiding

I love the way Alan Gannet has taken the book. By undergoing the process of doing arduous research to support his points, Alan has lived by what he narrates in the book. Creativity can be achieved by putting adequate effort and by adding novelty to already familiar concept. Thank you Allen for the motivation.

worth reading from halfway

this book really starts from chapter 6... but once it gets into the meat, it's really good

Eye opening info for a career creative

I thought this book was so informative, interesting and helpful. I have so much to think about and explore now that I have been taught the formula. I will definitely be listening to parts of this book again, if not the whole thing, to drill the info into my brain and put it to work. I’m excited together started in the next chapter of my career! I will recommend it to anyone I know or come across who I think would appreciate having the knowledge to give them a total, creative edge.