Author’s experience
Caitlan Maggs
Caitlan Maggs, author of Cirque of Creativity
My name is Caitlan Maggs, and I am a performing arts expert, author, and creative director. I was Artistic Head Coach for 20 years with Cirque du Soleil, where I designed the company’s Creativity Training for all Cirque Creations and Touring Shows, and this experience inspired me to write my book.
When and how did the idea of writing this book first come to you?
In 2021, I was invited to co-author an essay about the creativity training that I had developed at Cirque. This gave me the idea to write a book about creativity and how to awaken and develop it. And so began my journey into story, literature and the magic of words.
Caitlan Maggs, author of Cirque of Creativity
Teaching a group of Cirque artists in training.
How did the writing process unfold? Did you encounter any challenges when translating a physical, visual, or emotional artistic experience into words?
At first, writing this book was a catharsis. After twenty passionate, meaningful years working for the iconic Cirque du Soleil, I wanted to share my story. The initial draft took three months to write. I got up each morning before dawn, lit a candle, and began writing longhand, pen to paper. Once my story was on paper, I transcribed it onto the computer. Then I gradually sculpted the work. It was similar to choreographing a ballet. I would take each sentence and play with the words, moving them around, creating phrases… exactly as I do in choreography. You make movements and then string them together to create beautiful phrases, with light and dark, undulations, rhythm and surprise. I loved this stage of the writing process.
The first version of this book was more like a memoir, with an artistic theme introducing each chapter. Over time, I began to reshape it into something broader— a collection of personal stories, creative insights, and practical exercises designed to spark creativity in the reader.
One challenge was describing creative improvisation exercises in words. I wanted the exercises to be user-friendly, easy to understand, and fun to try. Another challenge was describing the context—such as acrobats moving through the air on an aerial apparatus, flipping and flying—I wanted the writing to create vivid images in the reader’s imagination.
Who is your book primarily intended for: artists, creators, cultural professionals, students, or anyone interested in creativity?
I wrote this book for artists, teachers, leaders, professionals, students, and creators of all kinds. At its heart, the book is built on the belief that everyone is creative—we just need to ignite that flame.
Why did you choose BouquinBec to publish your book?
I discovered BouquinBec through a friend who self-published there in 2023, and who highly recommended them.
Can you describe your experience working with our team?
I contacted BouquinBec in July 2025 to discuss the project and the costs. Being on a tight budget, I decided to edit the book myself and spent two months reducing the manuscript by 100 pages. I also chose to print in black and white, which gave the book a more unified design.
The process with BouquinBec went well. I had a clear idea of the design, knowing the book could easily look cluttered with its many takeaways, questions, exercises, and drawings. The design needed to bring everything together in a cohesive way. Alejandro Natan, BouquinBec’s graphic designer, brought his expertise and helped bring my vision to life. A book about art has to be artistic!
With Cirque artists backstage (left to right): Jacynthe Pauzé, Michael Duffy, Danielle Béchard, Eira Glover.
Mafer Rico was also a great support, guiding me calmly and professionally through this new experience. At times, there was uncertainty, but she supported me patiently through evaluation, layout, and printing. Self-publishing has its ups and downs, but I loved making the choices myself without compromising my vision.
What advice would you give to artists or cultural professionals who are considering publishing a book?
My advice to potential writers is simple — go for it. Write your book. Share your thoughts, your stories, your insights. There’s nothing more thrilling than finally holding your book in your hands and knowing it exists. It has a life of its own and will speak to the world. So get it out there. Put pen to paper, believe in yourself, put on the writer’s hat, and share what you have to say with the world.
In rehearsal with Cirque artists (left to right): Laurence Racine, Julie Choquette, Danielle Béchard, Andrea Ziegler.
Cirque of Creativity
« How the extraordinary is created — and how you can create it too. »
« Cirque of Creativity » lifts the curtain on Cirque du Soleil’s imaginative world and shows how creativity can spark innovation in anyone’s life. Drawing on twenty years as Cirque du Soleil’s Artistic Head Coach, Caitlan Maggs blends story, insight, and practical tools to help readers ignite their creative potential — and keep it alive.
From the exhilarating highs to the magical, messy moments of creating world-class shows, Maggs shares what she learned inside one of the most iconic creative organizations in the world. She reveals how authenticity, risk-taking, play, passion and purpose…
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