For the rest of this summer, Saturday posts on the blog will feature the seven books that I consider the foundational texts of my creatively organized life. This week, let me introduce you to The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp.
What’s it about?
One of the world’s leading creative artists, choreographers, and creator of the smash-hit Broadway show, Movin’ Out, shares her secrets for developing and honing your creative talents—at once prescriptive and inspirational, a book to stand alongside The Artist’s Way and Bird by Bird.
All it takes to make creativity a part of your life is the willingness to make it a habit. It is the product of preparation and effort, and is within reach of everyone. Whether you are a painter, musician, businessperson, or simply an individual yearning to put your creativity to use, The Creative Habit provides you with thirty-two practical exercises based on the lessons Twyla Tharp has learned in her remarkable thirty-five-year career.
In “Where’s Your Pencil?” Tharp reminds you to observe the world — and get it down on paper. In “Coins and Chaos,” she gives you an easy way to restore order and peace. In “Do a Verb,” she turns your mind and body into coworkers. In “Build a Bridge to the Next Day,” she shows you how to clean the clutter from your mind overnight.
Tharp leads you through the painful first steps of scratching for ideas, finding the spine of your work, and getting out of ruts and into productive grooves. The wide-open realm of possibilities can be energizing, and Twyla Tharp explains how to take a deep breath and begin…
Why read it?
Too many books on creativity are written by writers.
Ok, that sounds like a weird thing to say. But it’s true. They’re written by people are really good at–words.
Creativity and art is so much bigger. And writers can learn so much more from people whose creativity finds other expressions.
Also, as a dancer, Tharp understands the importance of PRACTICE and process in a way few people who express themselves just through words understand it.
Key Takeaway:
“Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits.” Damn straight.
Twya Tharp’s The Creative Habit is one of the resources I draw upon in my Organized Creative workshop and guide. For more information, pop over to mjanecolette.com/SECRETS.
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