Customer Reviews

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

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Having read previous reviews on this book and having dabbled with creativity on and off most of my life, finally, I decided to take the plunge and see if this book could change my life.

WELL? DOES IT WORK, DOES IT CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
Has it? Well Yes and no.
I'm not putting out massive works of art or prose, nor am I comfortable with even the pencil sketches I do. However, I am doing them again. I've had fits and starts of drawing, but this book does help you put that into perspective. You are a beginner and it is okay for your work to look like a beginners. Simple concept. Hard to internalize.

INTERESTING OUTCOME.
What I did find and others who use this program can probably confirm is that it helps get situations out in the open. Family stuff. When you do the morning pages, you ramble. You put down all that trash you are thinking and then you find you work to clean it up. You know all the stuff your kids, your spouse, your co-workers do, that really tick you off. You find you start to address that. Kind of a neat by-product.

MORNING PAGES ARE NOT SO BAD:
My first take on this, is dedicate a half an hour of my precious and sparse sleeping time.....? What are you nuts? Then I tried it. You have a clarity (and a drowsiness) in the AM, that is unmatchable any other time. Also, if you are like me get a whole lot less interruptions. I did the morning pages from 5:15 till 6:00 AM weekdays and after I got up on weekends. Weekends, sometimes I didn't get to them until afternoon. But, each day (except for 1 day in 12 weeks) they were religiously done.
Guess what? I'm hooked. I'm continuing and you might too. Consider this as a book (a life), you are writing, you are directing. What a concept!

MORNING PAGES LENGTH:
With the Artist's way book, I bought the journal. These 3 pages were the size of 8-1/2 X 11 pages. 3 pages do not take you 1/2 hour but more like 45 minutes to an hour. Get ready for that. It seems like a lot some days and not enough on others. You don't need a special book to do this in either. I bought a spiral notebook to pick up where the journal left off, when it was full. The journal is nice though as it has passages from the book on each page.

ARTISTS DATES:
I found that some of the timing of the artist dates were bad. I'm sure most others will run into this as well. I did this book through the Thanksgiving, Christmas holiday. Artist's dates were often dropped and sometimes one did double-duty. However, these can be very simple. You have to make them what is important to you and that is the point of the book. It makes you feel special. I think all of us wait for others to make us feel special. Most of us could wait a very long time. Little do we realize, we have to set the standard. Make ourselves feel special. Because we are. We have to appeal to the artist within us. It can be simple or extravagant. One thing I like is pens with a 1.0mm tip. They use ink like crazy, but what a wonderful broad stroke they make on the paper. That is one of my "perks".

SOME CRITIQUE:
In the past years you've no doubt heard of people coming out of therapy accusing their parents of abuse. Many of these people were suggested into this practice by psychologists looking for a quick solution to some of their patient's psychoses. What I didn't care for in the book, is that some of the tasks appeared to be excercising these same demons. Trying to find devils in the details of past "creative blocks". Some times these blocks are cumulative and not one earth-shattering event. Like water on a rock. Sometimes the people around you were highly supportive, etc. etc.
We all have a mix of that. I felt however, that this negative aspect was overemphasized. A person sensitive to these suggestions could walk away very convinced that there was a horrible trauma they just can't quite remember.

WEEK OFF OF READING TRULY IS IMPOSSIBLE IN SOME PEOPLE'S LIVES:

One week was supposed to be one free from reading. I used it as a media free week (Radio, TV, magazines, newspapers, books and non-work email) and not from work related reading. If I neglected the reading in my job, I would have over 300 emails, very job related languishing in my in-box. I also would not be doing my job in writing specifications. Not possible in my job and not realistic in many others I'm sure. I think the author should just emphasize the noise factor or suggest doing this type of exercise on vacation.

In summary this book and its tasks were excellent and I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm going on to her book on Work creativity next, then the Right to Write and the Vein of Gold.

KEEP UP THE MORNING PAGES AND CHANGE THE WORLD - ONE PERSON AT A TIME!

I heard about this book a few months ago and was very sceptical at first. As more and more people around me started with it, I became curious and bought myself a copy. It was the best decision I have ever made! I am in week eleven and I can safely say that this book has changed my life, completely. It has taken the South African performing arts scene by storm and everyone I know who has read or is busy reading The Artist's Way feels the same way I do! Apart from the fact the the book contains so many truths, what makes this book such a pleasure to read is that it is so well written. If you are in doubt and you need just that little bit of encouragement, if you know deep down inside that there is an artist in you, that feels neglected or that you haven't yet discovered, take the plunge and start a wonderful journey! If you are a lawyer, accountant or a mother taking care of your family at home, don't be discouraged or misled by the book's title, it is for you too!

Thank you Julia Cameron!

This book has completely changed my perspective about my creative ability. At first my practical side felt very silly doing some of the exercises. But after a while a began to realize how much better I felt about myself and my ability to be creative... not do everything by the book. I began oil painting, which I've even entered into contests. I went to Professional Culinary School, in spite of everyone telling me I was crazy. Now those same people are envious of my ability and attitude to discover something that makes me happy and actually pursue it. So many people dream, but never act on those dreams. As practical as I am and probably always will be, thanks to this book, I'm happy that I'm taking these steps toward self fullfillment, and I've established a balance in my life I have never previously experienced. My only criticism is all of the references to God. I'm not athiest, however I feel strongly that the motivation comes from a higher power within yourself and is in your control, and should not be limited to an association with a particular religious figure. Not everyone believes in God, like another individual has written in this review section. I could see how the constant references could turn someone off. But if you look past that element of the book there are some real powerful tools that can help anyone become a more creative individual. The religious connotations are not really necessary. If you can keep that in perspective, then I highly recommend this book!

I bought the Artists' Way by Julia Cameron six weeks ago and I won't say it's changed my life - yet, but certainly my attitude towards creativity.

Julia Cameron is an award winning American screenwriter who believes that it is our birthright to be creative, but that our creativity is stymied by limiting beliefs, self sabotage and fear. In a 12 week programme, she guides the reader through re-discovering and excavating their creativity by writing morning pages (writing at least three pages of stream of consciousness first thing in the morning) and artist dates (doing creative, fun things at least once a week). There are other exercises which aim to get to the bottom of self limitation and liberate the artist within.

One of the themes throughout is 'showing up on the page'ie writing the morning pages, regardless of mood, enthusiasm and just doing it. I have found this to be a liberation. Before I wrote when I was in the mood, but now realise that moods are temporary and that writing as much as you can on a consistent basis begins to open up avenues hitherto closed.

Another useful theme is taking small steps - before I had to write the great novel -now I realise that writing a letter to a newspaper for example is a valid way of writing and self - expression. 'The longest journey begins with a single step'is a Chinese saying. Here Julia Cameron shows ways of making those steps. She writes of 'filling the Well'and looking after the Artist in you by giving it treats, taking it out to interesting places and doing new things, seeing things differently, creating visual stimuli which reflects the life you want and stimulating the long dormant Artist to create.

Another key theme is that of Synchronicity. As a wise person stated 'Leap and the net will appear'. Once we start making and opening ourselves up to changes then all sorts of doors open to support us.

If I have one complaint about the book, I guess that it may not be practical enough for some people who want to know not just how to create, but how to market and channel their creativity. The programme makes many references to 'the Great Creator', the 'Universe'and other kinds of spiritual references, which some people may find offputting, although I personally didn't.

In many ways the Artists' Way is limited by being aimed at Artists. In fact it has a much larger relevance to all of us in finding creative ways of living, It is, essentially, a Design for Life, creating and finding ways to enjoy our lives much more fully and realising that being creative isn't something to be denied or suppressed, but celebrated and enjoyed.

I received this book as a gift and was skeptical but I decided to do the steps with a close friend who lived across the country. Once a week we would call each other to discuss that week's chapter. Doing it with a friend helped to keep me going. I found that it truly awakened the artist inside of me that had laid dorment for years while I miserably trodded through corporate life and denied my creativity. Once I began to explore my creativity I felt much better spirtually, emotionally and physically. I ended up completing a guide book which is now for sale and I completed a novel which is not published yet. Whenever I feel depressed or overwhelmed with my life, I start the morning pages and almost instantly feel more in control. Even if you never thought of yourself as an artist, this book helps with self-exploration that may bring forth parts of you that you never realized where there.

Julia Cameron has written a book that, as a writer, I didn't think I really needed. I was a little concerned at the word "spiritual" and potential religious interpretations, but had to buy the book for school anyway, so I did.

I was delighted to find a guide that actually worked. If you get this book for no other reason than the "Morning Pages" discussed in the first pages of the book, then get it. The book resembles a sort of 12-step program. In fact it is 12 chapters long and outlines and discusses ways to help you draw from and replenish your "creative well".

The excercises are straightforward and make sense. Ms Cameron doesn't waste time wandering off on meaningless tangents. As I've mentioned, I was surprised because I didn't think my "creative well" was particularly dry. However, once I started using this book (and becoming a believer in the methods described therein), I've been overflowing with ideas.

The book is spiritual without being religious, so if you're worried about a religious excercise, fear not! I am happy to report that this is not one of these "you need to find God to help you" books at all. It's a pleasant and useful book that can and does help you look a little deeper inside yourself. You'll be quite amazed at what you find.

I purchased this book about 3 years ago. I have read it continously the past 3 years. I have given it as gifts to numerous friends and family. I am not a professional artist by any means...I sell electronic components/widgets. For years I knew I wanted to get in touch with my "creative" side, but couldn't find the how to's or make the "time"..sorry excuses. Well, this book came into my life and I started following Ms. Cameron's exercises...A whole new world opened up for me. I started noticing simple things, like birds! Flowers blooming, sunlight reflecting on the pond down the street from where I live. And I followed her MUST DO instructions of keeping a Morning Journal. One must write LONG HAND 3 pages of stream of consciousness ramblings. You can write anything..it isn't an exercise in creative writing. It is a ritual of clearing your self out so you can allow NEW stuff to enter into your creative soul.
I recommend this book very highly to EVERYONE!
Artist, salesperson, auto mechanic, mother, teenager..everyone can benefit from this easy and enjoyable book to read.

This book is, in a lot of ways "self-help", which generally does not interest me. But it was recommended to me by a trusted friend during a time when I was creatively blocked up and could not paint. So, skeptically, I tried it, committed to the exercises and the "morning pages" (which I still religiously do, two years after completing the course), and bit by bit saw my attitude, habits, and most importantly, my work, begin to change for the better. I found at the completion of the course that I knew myself a lot better as well, not necessarily because of Cameron's words, but because the exercises she provides require some digging into your own beliefs, tastes, and attitudes. I have also recommended this book to several friends, and those who actually did the exercises, esp. the morning pages (those are essential to the book's effect) agreed with me that it changed their lives. These are people who generally, like myself, scoff at the self-help book quick fix format. This is not a quick fix, but a helpful guide to recovering and sustaining a more creative way of life. Some of the language, as an earlier reviewer mentioned, is a bit new-agey, and yes there are references to God, but as Cameron states in the introduction, what is meant by God is any kind of higher power, and it does not advocate any specific religious orientation. The principles are sound, and adverse reactions to her use of language can, and I think should be taken with a grain of salt. Overall a highly effective and useful book.

Walking home last night I saw a homeless man trudging the streets, bent double from the weight of carrying around a dozen or more cheap plastic bags which were stuffed full of old tin cans and other junk. It struck me as a symbol of all the psychological junk and baggage we carry around with us in our lives which we have accumulated over the years - and how liberating it would be just to drop this baggage and walk away from it. After 11 weeks on Julia Cameron's course, this is how I feel. I am a classical musician who lost my childhood enjoyment of playing whilst studying at a top European conservatoire - over-critical academic life battered my creativity out of me and playing was a trial. Music became to be about who had the best technique - expressing the music itself didn't matter and I began to hate it. I started to suffer dreadful stage fright, and gave up. But underneath I still longed to play. This book has helped me dig right down to the roots of the problem, I could literally feel the layers and layers of restrictive beliefs being dug away week by week. Now I feel transformed and excited, self-assured and organised, with all the resources I need to succeed. I feel like an excited child again! In an almost spooky way Julia gradually worked through my blocks - feeling too old, too poor, too lazy, negative family attitudes, hostility from teachers to creative students etc. I have a couple of things to say to the few critics who have given low ratings here (funny how no one has said - `I've done the 12 weeks to the letter and it didn't work' isn't it?!!) - Julia does mention `God' a lot, but if you actually read the book, you will see she explains that `God' is shorthand for Mother Nature or whatever creative force you think may or may not be around us in the universe - she doesn't mean Christianity - this isn't a book on Evangelicalism, but `God' is quicker than listing the dozen or so alternatives every time she wants to refer to some kind of creative force. Secondly, the morning pages are nothing to do with writing a book or learning to write. They are a form of self-therapy whereby you wake up early and in your semi-asleep state, you write down all the nonsense that is going around in your head. This clears the decks for the day, stops your thoughts becoming obsessively stuck in the past or on old problems. On reading my morning pages from week 1 I can't believe how bitter, depressed and downtrodden I was then. This is why it is important to do them in the morning, not at night, and not to replace them with say, 30 minutes of painting or pottery etc. I would say to anyone thinking of doing this book - follow it to the letter, it is a lot of work and you will feel resistance to it at the beginning and in the latter weeks when you may have to confront some painful old demons (especially in week 9 when you have to read all your morning pages and see what you were really like!) but if you swallow your pride and take a leap of faith `the net will appear' and you will be transformed forever. I'm off to sort out my next concert - good luck to you all!

I was initially inspired and as excited as all the other reviewers below, and even found that my creative juices were flowing once again.

Unfortunately, it just took up too much of my time. The morning pages alone usually took me almost an hour to write (maybe I needed a larger ruled notebook?) It's all great if you're a professional freelance writer, but tougher if you're in the more likely situation of needing to hold down your 9-5 (or 9-7).

I found that the exercises cut into the already sparse time I had left in my week to concentrate on my music. My morning pages were full of discovery, but I had little time left to take care of my art or my body (even Ms. Cameron advises to stay healthy).

It's all wonderful stuff, but just doesn't take real world time constraints into account. Be ready for that.