Comments on: Review: The Creative Habit

By: Allese

Allese — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:38:47 +0000

Thanks Trent for such a great post! I am trying to transform my journaling into an active cultivation of a craft, writing, that is very close to my heart. I just graduated from college and am free to read and write what I want (hip hip hurray!!) and am definitely going to check this book out… I cannot wait. By the way… I really appreciated you sharing your deepest fear about writing. For a year now I have been trying to start a blog (nothing that specific) just a place to get my thoughts out, practice and share my writing and hold myself accountable. I haven’t because I am afraid that I will not be good enough. Your statement “But, after some time passes, I’m usually glad I wrote it. I need to push myself a little bit more often to avoid this fear” really spoke to me. I am going to run with this….

By: Chip Kohrman

Chip Kohrman — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:45:36 +0000

Tharp keeps project material in cardboard boxes… it’s a nice parallel to GTD folders, but the idea of “boxes” seems to be so inviting… I love stuffing ideas into boxes! And the experiences she shares make for a good read.
Trent, I’ve checked this book out from the library 3 or 4 times now. After reading this post, I think I’m going to grab a copy for keeps! There goes this month’s budget!
(Great blog, by the way…)

By: Pearl

Pearl — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:13:02 +0000

Thank you for reviewing this book, I had no idea Twyla Tharp had written a book on creativity. I’m going to get it for sure.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:57:42 +0000

I think this is going to be the perfect book for this point in my life right now. I’m in the middle of launching a project, and I work at a magazine, which calls for constant inspiration and innovative ideas. Good call!

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:08:55 +0000

Thanks for this review. I’m always encouraged by perspectives on creativity which work to dismantle negative stereo-types about creative people as addicts and over-emotional anarchists and recognize that those in creative positions are often hard working, diligent people who consistently structure their lives so as to live as creatively as possible.

By: Joel Falconer

Joel Falconer — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:15:13 +0000

I’m curious Trent – how much pressure does this column put on you to get through books? Or have you still got a healthy backlog of read books to review?

By: felix

felix — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:50:09 +0000

One of the tricks I have seen mentioned a lot by many is to write down any ideas that comes into your mind at once. Don’t bother flusing it out or anything, just write it down. Probably a couple of lines is enough. This way you won’t lose any ideas.

There are many ways to achieve this. I carry an old fashioned loose leaf notebook with me for this purpose.

By: felix

felix — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:24:31 +0000

I wonder if the book has scientists covered. The way that Einstein envisioned gravity as spacetime bent by massive objects is absolutely amazing. Now that is real creativity.

By: Shanel Yang

Shanel Yang — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:29:25 +0000

Great review! Very helpful. I always feel that I don’t need to read the books after I’ve read your review of them. To answer your questions:

1. My Rituals of Preparation: A fresh cup of tea or a glass of Diet Coke (depending on climate and mood) on my desk within easy reach. A legal pad and pen handy. I only use one at a time so my initial random thoughts are recorded in chronological order and all in one place. My desk calendar open to this week underneath the open legal pad (so I don’t have to derail myself from my work if I need to make more important notes to myself or jot down appointments or deadline reminders). Whatever book or books I might be writing about or drawing inspiration from. An adding machine with paper in case I need to do some quick calculations. Headphones handy to listen to favorite music in case of distracting noises from neighbors or my boyfriend. That’s pretty much it. Everything else varies.

2. What I Do to Get Myself into the Creative Mindset: Watch documentaries. Read books. Go for a walk. Read others’ blog posts. From all of that, the inspiration doesn’t come right away. Instead, they sort of percolate under the surface of my conscious brain until I start get really drowsy in bed. Which is why I started keeping a small Moleskine notebook by my bed with a lighted pen to gather the fruits of all that “scratching.”

3. Techniques that Work for Me in Getting through Creative Droughts: A very long walk nowhere special with a close friend. This usually results in lots of unstructured conversations. Or, a full day of doing absolutely nothing. Of course, I have to have my Moleskine handy to record the many nuggets that always seem to fall from these rare opportunities to let my mind truly wander.

Thanks for saving me the cost of all these great books! I still have to check out my local library. It’s on my list for this coming week.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:41:02 +0000

On failure: I am reminded of an interview I just heard with someone who has a new book out on women and negotiating skills — she said, you should expect to fail sometimes in negotiations. If noone ever tells you that you’re asking for too much, then you haven’t asked for enough.

By: Credit

Credit — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:04:11 +0000

I like that programmers and engineers were included as creative professions. Many people underestimate the creativity necessary to be a successful engineer or programmer.

By: Carrier

Carrier — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:48:12 +0000

I have this book and I think it’s one of THE best books on creativity I’ve ever read. It strips away the mystique of creativity and shows the role of old-fashioned hard work. For people who think that they need a kiss from the gods to do creative work, read this book. It will inspire you to start getting your hands dirty.

By: clint

clint — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:33:01 +0000

I love reading your posts about all the different books you read. Each time I read one of your posts I think to myself that I need to read more. The more I read the more I know…and the more I know the less I don’t know. Deep thought of the day.

Clint Lawton

http://www.a-debt-free-life.com

By: Katie

Katie — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:40:02 +0000

Thanks Trent, I may have to grab a coppy of this one! I am currently dusting off my writing skills after years and years of formulaic professional writing and sometimes I feel like I will never be as creative, clever, or eloquent as all the other guys.