The Creative Habit

A book guided creative writing workshop

In this workshop, we’ll read and discuss select chapters from The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. Together we’ll explore ways to strengthen our creative practice. Topics covered in the book include: rituals/routines, organization, failure, creative ruts, flow, etc. I’ll provide prompts aimed at generating creative work and reflecting on key concepts from the book, in addition to the exercises include in the book. Each workshop will included timed writing sprints, the opportunity to share your work and receive feedback. The workshop will use the AWA method, participants agree to adhere to the essential practices and provided guidelines.

Twyla Tharp The Creative Habit Learn it and Use it for life bookcover includes photo of Tharpe sitting on the top of a ladder

What to Expect

Workshop details:

6-week live Zoom workshop; schedule is yet to be determined. Possible start date between March 19th-26th.
Each week will have an assigned chapter, that should be read prior to the meeting.
Each meeting consists of a discussion related to reading, focused writing time to a reflective prompt and a creative prompt.
All participants will be offered the opportunity to share and receive feedback on writing done in workshop.
Workshop priced at $160 for all 6 weeks. Sliding scale options are available including, reduced rates if the cost is a barrier to attend.
Small, intimate workshop, between 4-6 participants.

Practices & Guidelines:

Workshops area confidential, judgement free spaces. We treat each other and the writing with equal respect.
The facilator shares in the risk and vulnerability by writing, reading and recieving feedback alongside participants.
We only share work generated during the workshop, not previuosly written pieces. We do not offer criticiques but provide positive feedback on the pieces strengths.
Prompts are offered suggestions but can be alterned or ignored and you can opt out of sharing your work at any time no questions asked.
The main goal is for writing to happen; it may take any form, genre, and style you’re called to.

March 2026

Dates TBA

Sign up for the waitlist to contribute input on the workshop schedule, topics covered. You’ll also be first to know when registration opens.

Join the Waitlist

Fill out Waitlist Form

Testimonials from Past Workshops

Although the number of class members was small, the casual and supportive atmosphere will work well in larger classes, too. The given writing prompts provoked a deeper level of writing, and the sharing and feedback was respectful and useful. I look forward to taking more of Alexis’ classes.

Melissa-Experimenting with Voice

Really well organized and open at the same time – a rare mix I appreciate. I felt like I was in workshop with a supportive peer-mentor. Thank you!

Em-Tarot Tuesday Workshop

Alexis always gives enough structure to inspire and enough space to create. I appreciate that the prompts can be stretched to generate both new work and support ongoing projects

AWA Write Around the World Participant

Chaos Coordinator & Workshop Facilitator

Alexis M. Collazo is a Brooklyn born and raised writer, workshop facilitator, and crafty creator. She writes in a variety of styles, forms and genres which includes working as a freelance writer, website copywriter and content marketing blogger. In addition to her own writing ambitions, she enjoys sharing her passion for literature and helping others get their stories into the world. After moving to Pennsylvania in 2016, she worked at the local public library where she led a monthly writing workshop and facilitated other writing related programs for several years.

She was introduced to the AWA method in workshops offered by The New York Writers Coalition; her work was recently included in their latest anthology, Common Unity. In August of 2021, she was certified as an Amherst Writers and Artists workshop facilitator and began offering online writing workshops. Previous workshops include Tarot Tuesdays, Poetry As Spiritual Practice, Halloween Horror, and Journaling Jumpstart offered through Eventbrite and Experimenting with Voice: Writing in your Mother Tongue in partnership with Writers Studio Corpus Christi. For more on Alexis and her writing visit www.alexismcollazo.com.

Alexis M. Collazo is an Amherst Writers & Artist affiliate, certified to lead workshops in the AWA method as described in Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider, Oxford University Press

As leader, Alexis exudes such warmth, humor and acceptance. Pure pleasure.
Betsy Bowen Wrenn

“Thanks so much Alexis for a truly immersive writing course experience that was fun, interactive and insightful. I loved seeing and hearing how everyone blossomed and how you encouraged our creative flow.”

Sue Goode

March 2026

Join the Waitlist

Fill out Waitlist Form

Sign up for the waitlist to contribute input on the workshop schedule, topics covered. You’ll also be first to know when registration opens.

FAQ

What is the AWA method?

The Amherst Writers & Artists method is an alternative to most traditional workshops focused on harsh critiques. Instead, craft skills are developed through encouraging and supportive feedback on writing strengths. AWA’s core belief is simple: every person is a writer, and every writer deserves a safe environment in which to experiment, learn, and develop craft. The method is outlined in Writing Alone and with Others by Pat Schneider, Oxford Press 2003; for more info visit www.amherstwriters.org

What if I can’t make all the meetings?

A major part of the creative process is showing up to do the work. One of the underlying benefits of these workshops is the built-in accountability of attending meetings, writing together and sharing your work. I do not recommend signing up if you can’t commit to showing up for all scheduled meetings. However, I understand that life happens and if you can’t help it, missing one or two isn’t a huge deal. But if it’s half or more, I don’t think it’s worth investing the time or money. The workshop cost is for the full session; I do not offer refunds for missed meetings.

Will workshops be recorded?

Workshops are not recorded for a couple reasons. Most importantly, I want participants to feel safe and comfortable instead of worrying about being on camera. Not everybody is comfortable being recorded and I don’t want to inhibit anybody from participating fully in discussions or sharing their work. These are live, interactive workshops that rely on group participation to make the most of it. The small intimate nature of the groups allows for a sense of safety and camaraderie, that may be lost in recordings. There’s also the accountability of having to show up without the backup of a recording that you may never watch.

How much participation is expected and are you required to share writing?

This is a voluntary workshop, there is no required amount of participation. However, the success of the workshop lies in participant engagement. The more active participants are, the more everybody gets out of the workshop. As a courtesy, I do ask that you have your camera on during discussions and the sharing/feedback portion. Reading your work is always voluntary. It is not required; you can always opt out with zero explanation or questions asked. I do hope in time all participants will feel comfortable enough to share some writing, offer feedback and participate in discussions. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, no matter what their comfort level of engagement is.

Do you offer refunds?

Because these are live workshops with limited spacing, I do not offer refunds. I understand things come up, life happens, and plans change. There are several steps to register for the workshop, last of which is payment. Be sure that you can commit to attending before the finalizing registration and payment.

What if I have other questions, concerns, etc.?

All questions, comments and concerns can be sent to info(at)creativechaosworkshop.com. Please allow at least 48 hours for a response.