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The Creative Habit – Book Review

October 20th, 2011 at 8:30 am

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp is one of the best books I’ve read this year and probably the best book I’ve ever read on the topic of Creativity.

Twyla Tharp is a famous American choreographer and whilst she shares her own experiences and references the dance world, this book as title suggests, is all about creativity and particularly, how to make creativity part of your life. Her style is warm, engaging and no non-sense, which is great for a topic like creativity.

As a writer, I’ve gained many useful tips and insights. There are plenty of exercises in the book to work through and these exercises and questions can easily be used as part of an ‘innovation brainstorming’ in a business setting.

I believe questions open the door to new thinking and new solutions and this book contains a whole section of questions, the aim of which is to assist you in shaping your Creative Autobiography. Here are just some of the questions asked –

Which artists (broadest definition of artist) do you admire and why?
Who is your muse?
When confronted with superior talent, how do you respond?
At what moments do you feel your reach exceeds your grasp? And how does this make you feel?
When you work, do you love the process or the result?

I know this will be a book I will refer to again and again, especially when I’m seeking a shot of creative inspiration.

Here are some more books you might find useful, when seeking to conquer fear, which is always part of the creative process.

Check out The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp on Amazon by following the link below.

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life

Tagged:  Creativity, learning, Motivation