FOREWORD

I am no stranger to developing an idea from nothing. As a choreographer for Broadway, operas, and films, I begin with an empty room and create and layer dance upon dance. The beauty of Robin Landa’s book? The New Art of Ideas reveals fundamental truths about creation of any sort. Her method works for anyone interested in creating for the betterment of the world.

To have a vision is a uniquely human experience. Many of us have a vision, a eureka moment, an idea—Robin Landa gives the reader a focused way forward to help push the vision toward its finished idea. A goal is a noble pursuit, but it is easy to lose sight of the idea along the way, to give up, to fizzle out. This instructive book provides key navigation tools to get the reader to the finish line.

I especially love the pieces in this creation puzzle about observation and the gap. Looking at the world with curiosity is fundamental to creation. Looking and listening closely are hallmarks of success. Landa cites countless examples of how a small, focused observation changed the world.

And then, the why of it all. Why is this idea a worthwhile pursuit? What does the world gain from this idea? What is the idea’s additive value? All worthy questions for the creator to ponder. As an artist, I always ask why—and I am always searching for a story to tell that brings something special to an audience: to learn, to receive, to question, to observe. Robin Landa’s method works for ideas, for inventions, for dances, for plays, and more.

I am sure you, the reader, will finish the book with more confidence, clarity, and excitement about whatever you are dreaming up.

What do you wish existed in the world?

Lorin Latarro

Lorin Latarro choreographed Broadway’s Mrs. Doubtfire, Into the Woods, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Public Theater’s The Visitor, Broadway-bound The Outsiders, and Like Water for Chocolate. She choreographed Broadway and London productions of Waitress as well as La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera. Latarro is directing Candace Bushnell’s one-woman show Is There Still Sex in the City?