If you're not a spiritual person, there are things about this book that you may not like, but there are also things that you'll benefit from. NOTE: There are mixed reviews. Much of the book I didn't connect with, but many techniques I found to be smart and clever.
One of these techniques is morning pages. Julia Cameron encourages you to wake up each morning, and before you do anything (even have the first cup of coffee), write 3 pages of whatever comes to mind. It doesn't have to make sense or be descriptive. "Nothing is too petty, too silly, too stupid, or too weird to be included." Even if all you write about are your problems, get it down, because that negativity is lowering your creativity.
Julia discusses our censor. This is where out critic is, and Julie says, "always remember that your censor's negative options are not the truth." She prompts us to find a cartoon image of our censor (perhaps the shark from JAWS), put an X through it, and post it where we write.
This book is also a 12-week course "to becoming and discovering your creative self." Julia walks you through tasks to help you get to know yourself and your dreams, and she pushes you to meet those dreams by taking easy steps. Some of these may seem silly, but I've always enjoyed self-help books. I couldn't do all of the lessons because I got the book from the library, but I did create wish lists.
QUESTIONS: What image would you use for your censor?
Interesting exercise she suggests. I'm spiritual in that I have a relationship with God so I might enjoy it.
She had a lot of interesting exercises in this book.
I'd fallen off but I usedto make it a habit to write 100-200 new words to a story before getting out of bed in the morning.
That would be a very good routine to get in to.
I was spiritual long before I was religious. Many people who aren't involved with organized religion are deeply spiritual, just as many people deeply involved with organized religion aren't always so spiritual.
That is the process for sure.
I've heard of this book. I'm not spiritual and it's a great fit for me but I've heard it's helped a lot of writers.
It definitely shouldn't feel like homework. That's what journaling ends up feeling for me if I try to do it each day.
Can I have my morning cup of coffee first? Otherwise it might take me two hours to write three pages.
I have read many books that have workshops, and have found much to appreciate from them, but have not been one to do the workshops. I do consider myself a spiritual person and I often write when I first get up (often recording dreams).
Sometimes I skip the exercises. Unless it's an easy one.
This was interesting to read Chrys....what's going on outside my poetry world.
LOL. I guess my scary censor would be a picture of a spider or stink bug. I remember when all beginning writers were advised to read this book.
I still haven't figured out what my scary censor is.
I could get up early, but must, must have coffee first. Otherwise no words would come out, says a true coffee addict. Sounds like a great book!
I'm not a morning person, so I think I'd struggle with this, too.
Sounds like a book I'll have to check out. My inner censor... I'll have to think on that. Something will come to me. But, I could not write first thing in the morning. I have a hard enough time getting out of bed to get to work on time as it is.
I hate getting out of bed, too.
I know a lot of people really like and recommend that book. I did enjoy reading but like you I did not really connect with it.
I connect more with The Author's Mindset by Joanna Penn and The Art of War (not the old book by same title but different author which is a good read) BUT James Scott Bell book by same title. Also his book The Mental Game for Writers.
I do think The Artist Way is worth a read especially if you have never read at least once. There are some good techniques in it as you stated. She clever with writing that makes a enjoyable read.
Those are two books I'll have to check out sometime. I enjoy self-help and writing books, too.
I think I'll get this book as I've never read it before.
I'm a spiritual person, so I'd check it out for sure.
Our own censor = ego. It thrives on fooling us on what's REAL.
Looks like she has some great advice.
I borrowed this book from a friend many years ago. I really enjoyed it and found it extremely valuable. I don't know why I didn't buy my own copy? Thanks for the review, Chrys!
This would be a good one to own, especially because of the exercises.
I like what you shared about this book!
My censor is a scarily formidable, spike-heeled woman in a tight red dress holding a barbed red pen. Picturing my censor this way helps me realize that I'm a casual person for a reason and my writing suits me, not ... her.
Sounds interesting, and I like the spiritual aspect. It's fun with books present activities to connect readers to the concepts.
Wow, talk about timely. Allow yourself to be a beginner. That's me. I'm getting ready to submit my first piece to the anthology and I'm so afraid. It's the first time I'm sending something to be judged by true, accomplished writers and it's scary! But we all need to start somewhere, huh?
Good luck with your submission!!!
I've heard of this book but have not read it. Maybe it's time I did. My censor is always at work. Would like to ignore it Not sure who/what the censor is. Thanks for the info.
I love the artistic abuse idea. I can criticize myself into a fetal position when my brain is feeling evil...like a little droll troll.
An artist's brain can be especially evil.
If there is one good piece of advice here, and one I fight with every day day, it's that last one. It's easy to hate your own work into non-completion.
It is a lot easier. Something we all have to work on, huh?
I struggle with reading self-help books, whether spiritual or not (and I have a relationship wiht God), but I migh be willing to give this one a try. I think I'm just waiting for someone to write an amazing self-help or how-to book, disguised as a fairytale or mystery novel.