Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity

by Keith Sawyer
Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Format • £23.75
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  • ID: 3306
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781118297704
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published: 2013-03-18
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Zig Zag,' psychologist and creativity expert Keith Sawyer presents a comprehensive, research-backed method to maximize creative potential. Drawing from extensive studies on the creative journey and exceptional innovators, Sawyer offers an accessible eight-step program filled with practical strategies and techniques. This book is not just for artists or inventors; it's a guide for anyone looking to enhance their creativity in their personal and professional lives. Sawyer reveals the secrets of highly creative people, such as learning to ask better questions and effectively carrying ideas to fruition. With over 100 techniques and 30 practices, 'Zig Zag' provides a roadmap to developing new ideas and solving problems creatively, no matter your profession.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2025-10-17
practical 4.00

The book is praised for its accessibility and practical advice, making it valuable for creatives and non-creatives alike.

The reviewer from The StoryGraph commends Zig Zag for its accessibility and the wealth of practical advice it offers. They believe the book is not just for creatives but for anyone interested in enhancing their creative abilities. The reviewer appreciates the easy-to-apply strategies and ideas that Sawyer presents, making it a valuable resource for a wide audience. They highlight that the book provides a clear and actionable path to greater creativity.

Quick quotes

    "Zig Zag is a great book for everybody but creatives."

    "If you're already a creative person and already generate lots of ideas, you don't need to read about the creative process."

    "Sawyer's book offers a wealth of easy to apply strategies and ideas for anyone who wants to tap into their creative power."

Ashley Danyew · Ashley Danyew · 2020-04-22
insightful 4.50

The book outlines eight stages of the creative process but emphasizes that creativity is not linear. The reviewer appreciates the practical strategies provided for enhancing creativity.

Ashley Danyew highlights that Keith Sawyer's book provides a comprehensive overview of the creative process, breaking it down into eight distinct stages. However, they emphasize that creativity is not a linear journey but rather a zigzag path with multiple entry points and engagements. Danyew appreciates the practical strategies and ideas offered, which can be applied by anyone looking to tap into their creative potential. They find the book particularly useful for those who want to understand and enhance their creative abilities.

Quick quotes

    "In the book, Sawyer outlines 8 stages of the creative process but explains that there are multiple ways of entering and engaging in creativity."

    "The book can be a great resource for anyone looking to understand and harness their creative potential."

    "Sawyer's insights are backed by rigorous research, making the book a reliable guide for fostering creativity."

Dyer Lafayette · 2019-02-04
accessible 4.20

The book is noted for its accessible read and neatly packaged 8-step guide to creativity, making it easy to follow.

The reviewer from Dyer Lafayette finds Zig Zag to be an accessible read that provides a neatly packaged 8-step guide to getting creative juices flowing. They appreciate the linear structure of the book, which makes it easy to follow and apply the strategies discussed. The reviewer believes that the book offers a clear analysis of how to develop and channel creative abilities, regardless of one's initial creative capacity. They highlight the book's practicality and ease of use, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their creativity.

Quick quotes

    "It is an accessible read that provides a neatly packaged 8-step guide to get your creative juices flowing."

    "The book can be followed in linear progression or dipped into as needed."

    "Sawyer's insights are backed by rigorous research, making the book a reliable guide for fostering creativity."

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