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The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life Hardcover – October 7, 2003

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,927 ratings

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An inspiring guide to unlocking one's creative potential provides a wealth of exercises, anecdotes, and advice that comprise evaluating one's creative history, stimulating oneself by becoming active, and making time for creative change. 100,000 first printing.
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Perhaps the leading choreographer of her generation, Tharp offers a thesis on creativity that is more complex than its self-help title suggests. To be sure, an array of prescriptions and exercises should do much to help those who feel some pent-up inventiveness to find a system for turning idea into product, whether that be a story, a painting or a song. This free-wheeling interest across various creative forms is one of the main points that sets this book apart and leads to its success. The approach may have been born of the need to reach an audience greater than choreographer hopefuls, and the diversity of examples (from Maurice Sendak to Beethoven on one page) frees the student to develop his or her own patterns and habits, rather than imposing some regimen that works for Tharp. The greatest number of illustrations, however, come from her experiences. As a result, this deeply personal book, while not a memoir, reveals much about her own struggles, goals and achievements. Finally, the book is also a rumination on the nature of creativity itself, exploring themes of process versus product, the influences of inspiration and rigorous study, and much more. It deserves a wide audience among general readers and should not be relegated to the self-help section of bookstores.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School--Tharp shows how and why artists must actively seek and nurture inspiration. The dancer/choreographer draws heavily on her personal experiences to guide readers into cultivating habits that give birth to success. In addition, she recounts the experiences of artists from other disciplines, including painting and cinematography. Vignettes from the lives of people such as Mozart underline the fact that even geniuses work hard to realize the fruits of their labor. A personable tone is carried throughout the book, and within the text is a gold mine of advice. Tharp not only promotes tried-and-true habits, but also encourages readers to dig deep within themselves and come up with their own answers. Most sections conclude with exercises; they are fun and almost seamlessly bring home the author's main points. The black-and-white illustrations and photos are few in number. Students from all manner of creative arts who wish to make their dreams come true would benefit from reading this book.--Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster; First Edition (October 7, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0743235266
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0743235266
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.43 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 1.5 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,927 ratings

About the author

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Twyla Tharp
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Twyla Tharp, one of America's greatest choreographers, began her career in 1965, and has created more than 130 dances for her company as well as for the Joffrey Ballet, The New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, London's Royal Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. She has won two Emmy awards for television's Baryshnikov by Tharp, and a Tony Award for the Broadway musical Movin' Out. The recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 1993 and was made an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1997. She lives and works in New York City.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,927 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring and motivating. They find it useful and a great resource for creatives. The writing is described as down-to-earth, well-written, and elegant. Readers appreciate the interesting stories and insights. The book simplifies complex concepts and helps them put them into practice immediately.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

150 customers mention "Inspiration"144 positive6 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and motivating. They say it has nice ideas and great insights into all art creation. The book's main message is that creativity comes with devotion and keeping up a practice. It provides encouragement and advice while providing a lot of information.

"...I enjoyed the way she opened her thoughts to the reader. It even felt voyeuristic at times, when she shared few words of her private vocabulary...." Read more

"Very good book for creatives" Read more

"...Plus Tharp is so well versed in other creative fields that it never reads as creativity through the eyes of a choreographer, but as someone with a..." Read more

"...sustained creativity begins with rituals, self-knowledge, harnessing your memories, and organizing your materials (so no insight is ever lost)...." Read more

130 customers mention "Readability"115 positive15 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it useful and refreshing, providing practical ways to approach the daily grind of being an artist. Readers appreciate the unique way the author presents insights and stories. Overall, they describe it as a quick and entertaining read with interesting insights.

"...I'm glad I finally got to it because this book is truly a gem. Unless you skim it passively, there's no way you won't get something out of this book...." Read more

"Love this book souch good nugget of information for forming habits as an artist." Read more

"...There is so much of enduring (and endearing) value in this book...." Read more

"...In addition, there are two other threads in the book well worth your while...." Read more

115 customers mention "Insight"112 positive3 negative

Customers find the book helpful and encouraging. They appreciate the wisdom, advice, and exercises for forming habits as an artist. The book provides good guideposts and philosophy that keep the ideas in front of readers. It encourages rituals and routines, and shares a lifetime of proven creative processes.

"...The good news is that the training works. The process is the same for a mathematician as for a painter or dancer. It is certain and effective...." Read more

"...She writes about the importance of rituals and routines, or how to prepare to create...." Read more

"Love this book souch good nugget of information for forming habits as an artist." Read more

"...And in this inventive, encouraging book, Twyla Tharp shows us how to take a deep breath and begin! Twyla Tharp's rich and remarkable The..." Read more

64 customers mention "Writing quality"61 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing quality. They find it well-written and informative, with elegant typography. The author is described as down-to-earth and understands the craft of art. The book provides practical advice from a world-class artist.

"...This book was very well written - surprisingly well, since dancers I've known tend not to be verbally oriented...." Read more

"...The book is practical and insightful with elegant typography...." Read more

"...Tharp is a succesful choreographer and uses examples out of her own life as well as those of other artists..." Read more

"...This book really is so well written. She brings ideas to the table that one might never consider being important...." Read more

26 customers mention "Interest"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's stories and insights. They find the stories entertaining and endearing, with profound and witty advice mixed in. Readers appreciate the author's real-life experiences and practical tips.

"...Generous with deep perspectives, philosophy, and real life insights. What do you do if you are in a rut with your project or story or music?..." Read more

"...It is an interesting book, and an easy read...." Read more

"...This is a pretty good book, well written, an interesting read, and useful." Read more

"Very interesting. Have put the box idea into practice." Read more

18 customers mention "Ease of use"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to use. They say it simplifies complicated ideas and helps them put them into practice immediately. The advice is delivered in a straightforward and supportive way.

"...process, showing that it's mostly a matter of discipline and hard work...." Read more

"...to new possibilities. Tharp's exercises are practical and immediately doable--for the novice or expert. In "Where's Your Pencil?"..." Read more

"...Creation is hard and an act of sheer will, but that sheer will must have the discipline to back it up...." Read more

"...The layout of the book is clean and simple, and bigger type lends a casual feel to the reading...." Read more

So NOT "new"!
1 out of 5 stars
So NOT "new"!
Dust cover was so filthy I was afraid to touch it without gloves for fear of getting germs. Yellowed, but mostly just filthy.... and bookmarks throughout. I honestly wouldn't mind if I bought something that I knew was used but this vendor is not to be believed. hard to photograph all the disgusting bits of food remants all over the cover.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2004
    Create something new. This book describes how Tharp, and the intent reader, can amplify their creative energies and direct them into creative output. It is so effective that, just a few pages in, I had to put the book down to go back to some writing that had languished.

    When I got back to the book, I enjoyed it immensely. If anyone thought for a moment that creativity is some little light that flips on when it will, they are seriously mistaken. Occasional, random flashes do not support a livelihood. The good news is that, whatever your field, creativity can be cultivated. Someone working hard enough and working the right way really can generate what is needed, on a reliable basis.

    The process she describes is grueling. It involves massive amounts of training and effort, every day, for years at a stretch. Like it or not, that's the way it has to be. Scientific creativity requires identical dedication and single-mindedness, as described by Santiago Ramon y Cajal in his Advice for a Young Investigator. The good news is that the training works. The process is the same for a mathematician as for a painter or dancer. It is certain and effective. This doesn't mean that every painter will become a Picasso or that every dancer can be a Tharp. It does mean that a sufficiently dedicated worker can generate new ideas, good ones, predictably.

    Maybe, at this point, you can imagine some whiner mewling "I'm dedicated, but that's way too much work and it's boring." Such people have no idea what dedication means. Don't argue with them. It won't do them any good, and it will waste time you could have used productively.

    I admit that I never learned to appreciate dance, let alone Tharp's oeuvre. I still respect her as an artist and innovator, even though I do not understand her art. This book was very well written - surprisingly well, since dancers I've known tend not to be verbally oriented. I enjoyed the way she opened her thoughts to the reader. It even felt voyeuristic at times, when she shared few words of her private vocabulary. I recommend this to anyone who creates new ideas of their own, or who wants an insider's word on the act of creation.

    --wiredweird
    37 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    Very good book for creatives
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2010
    I've always been intrigued to read this book since Merlin Mann championed it over a year ago on 43folders. I'm glad I finally got to it because this book is truly a gem. Unless you skim it passively, there's no way you won't get something out of this book. Tharp insightfully demystifies the creative process, showing that it's mostly a matter of discipline and hard work. She writes about the importance of rituals and routines, or how to prepare to create. To me, this is the key thing in the book and creativity for that matter. You have to find a way to trick yourself to make it habitual. It's difficult to form habits because we can't help thinking about the end result, but the focus should always be to start. After that, you can worry all you want about how to end something.

    There's a lot of dance talk throughout the book, but not as much as to overwhelm. Plus Tharp is so well versed in other creative fields that it never reads as creativity through the eyes of a choreographer, but as someone with a deep knowledge of the creative process who could be in any creative field she wanted. Her enthusiastic appreciation of Beethoven for example was contagious. I'm lowbrow, but she made me "last.fm'd" Bach and Wolfgang.

    The book is practical and insightful with elegant typography. With exception of the last chapter, all chapters have an exercise section that's enough to be worth the price of admission. It's superbly well written by a smart and classy lady.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2025
    Love this book souch good nugget of information for forming habits as an artist.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2014
    "Creativity is not a gift from the gods," says Twyla Tharp, "bestowed by some divine and mystical spark."
    It is the product of preparation and effort, and it's within reach of everyone who wants to achieve it. All it takes is the willingness to make creativity a habit, an integral part of your life: In order to be creative, you have to know how to prepare to be creative. In The Creative Habit, Tharp takes the lessons she has learned in her remarkable thirty-five-year career and shares them with you, whatever creative impulses you follow--whether you are a painter, composer, writer, director, choreographer, or, for that matter, a businessperson working on a deal, a chef developing a new dish, a mother wanting her child to see the world anew.
    When Tharp is at a creative dead end, she relies on a lifetime of exercises to help her get out of the rut, and The Creative Habit contains more than thirty of them to ease the fears of anyone facing a blank beginning and to open the mind to new possibilities.
    Tharp's exercises are practical and immediately doable--for the novice or expert. In "Where's Your Pencil?" she reminds us to observe the world--and get it down on paper. Amen! In "Coins and Chaos," she provides the simplest of mental games 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 how to clean your cluttered mind overnight.
    To Tharp, sustained creativity begins with rituals, self-knowledge, harnessing your memories, and organizing your materials (so no insight is ever lost). Along the way she leads you by the hand through the painful first steps of scratching for ideas, finding the spine of your work, and getting out of ruts into productive grooves. In her creative realm, optimism rules. An empty room, a bare desk, a blank canvas can be energizing, not demoralizing. And in this inventive, encouraging book, Twyla Tharp shows us how to take a deep breath and begin!
    Twyla Tharp's rich and remarkable The Creative Habit is a book I will keep close at hand for re-reading and re-inspiring ...f-f-f-frequently. It is one of the most highlighted, underlined, marginal thoughts notes books I have in a library chock full of creativity books. This one is one of the top five on my list.
    38 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Carolyn-Fe
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any creative
    Reviewed in Canada on July 22, 2024
    Whether you're in a corprorate setting or in a studio, this is a must-read to get the creativity juices flowing.
  • Client Kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Conforme à mes attentes
    Reviewed in France on June 29, 2024
    Rapidité er efficacité de la livraison. Produit reçu en parfait état
    Report
  • Samya Daleh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Creative DNA, interesting
    Reviewed in Germany on February 14, 2022
    This book was written by a woman who creates dances, but actually it applies to any kind of creativity.
    Yes, similar to the books about talent it is all about training, or better to say for creativity: working. Work creatively every day and you will see progress.
    But there is more. There might be something in you you need to follow and nourish. Twyla calls it Creative DNA and I wonder if everyone has it in anyway. It means that your thinking is hardwired to one or the other kind of art. If you see a picture and start to make up stories in your mind, you might be a writer. If the picture makes you hear music in your thoughts, you are a musician. Interesting concept.
    This book also gives hints about how to handle the bigger and smaller problems of an artist, like a creative block or what to do when the body doesn't allow everything anymore.
  • Eduard Lacueva
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fácil de leer y motivador
    Reviewed in Spain on February 4, 2022
    Es un libro muy sencillo de leer pese que esté sólo en inglés. Además conecta contigo de forma muy sincera y honesta, por lo que motiva de una manera màs asertiva en mi caso. Se ve real, no como otros libros que exponen métodos como única verdad. En este libro, la autora explica cómo es un manera de trabajar, sin pretensiones. Muy contento con la compra!
  • Paula M Zaragoza
    5.0 out of 5 stars Maravilloso e libro y el servicio de entrega eficiente
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 7, 2020
    Maravilloso e libro y el servicio de entrega eficiente