“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.”

~ Twyla Tharp

Do y’all know Twyla Tharp?  I find it hard to believe you’ve never heard the name—and once heard, it’s likely to be remembered, isn’t it?

But, not everybody pays attention to certain things, so it’s possible that you don’t know that Ms. Tharp has been one of our most eminent choreographers for over 40 years.  She has studied with the greats of Modern Dance, had her own dance company, worked with the American Ballet Theatre, created Broadway shows.

One of those careers of stunning achievement.

When that happens, it’s really great when the achiever lets you in on some of the secrets.

So, here’s something I found a few years ago that I re-read from time to time:

The Creative Habit:  Learn it and Use it for Life
by—you guessed it!—Twyla Tharp

It sits on my shelves near my copy of The Artist’s Way with which it shares  some common ground.  Not quite as much of a workbook, maybe, The Creative Habit reinforces the idea that creativity is something you can work toward.

There are useful exercises and a strong, practical approach, an understanding that creative work is work. I get the sense that Ms. Tharp agrees with Pablo Picasso:  Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.

I know that this book is a good one for me to go to when I’m just floundering around, not doing anything.  At the very least, it reminds me that doing something is better than doing nothing.  It gives me practical tips on figuring out what to do and how to shape it.  At the best, it inspires me to keep working.

Who could ask for anything more?