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It’s a big call, but the next book you should read on creativity is The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life. Author Twyla Tharp believes that people shouldn’t sit around waiting for a burst of inspiration, or the much awaited "aha" moment.
A renowned dancer/choreographer by trade and has created more than 130 dances for companies all over America, Tharp believes in practicing creativity regularly for best and sustained results. Her ideas are outlined in this practical tome – a mix of inspiring anecdotes and meaty hands on exercises.
From the back cover: “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…”
The book is divided into 12 chapters, with sparkling little names like "Rituals of Preparation" and "Before You Can Think out of the Box, You Have to Start with a Box". Each chapter delves into a practical example of Tharp’s professional/personal experience and/or that of her fellow creatives (Billy Joel for one), before finishing with a series of engaging exercises e.g. recording "Your Creative Autobiography". That’s not to say that every single exercise is applicable to our own unique creative practices. The book nurtured some interesting insights into my own unique creative practices. Once my creative climate had been assessed, I found practical tidbits that could apply to everything I do – from writing, to photography and installation work.
I loved the book’s blend of tangible and holistic thoughts – driven by the idea that creativity is a habit, something you can train yourself into. Creativity is like a muscle – you have to train it, stretch and grow before you can lift enough weights to break a world record. The Creative Habit cuts through the guru-mystique of creativity and shows how it can be found with just a bit of good old fashioned hard work.
Whether you’re a writer, illustrator, designer, musician or photographer – it doesn’t matter; if you consistently engage in creative work, this book is for you.
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