Comments on: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

By: Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:14:33 +0000

Care, it’s very interesting and has some good ideas, but it may be more helpful for you than it was for me…

By: Care

Care — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:23:31 +0000

This book fell into my lap and yet I’ve barely cracked it open. I saw a Cameron quote, liked it, checked bookmooch and it was available. and now I’m seeing it everywhere. I think I need to dedicate some time to it. Thank you!

By: Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:38:40 +0000

Jupiter, yes, I think it’s very useful. I used to journal all the time, but I’ve stopped. I think the morning pages are more rambling than even a journal. I wish you luck in your creative endeavors!

By: Jupiter

Jupiter — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:27:31 +0000

So,I decided to go get this from the library last week. Just from skimming through,I see that there are a lot of things that are going to be very helpful to me (and I think I’m going to have to buy the book now). I am in serious need of repairing my creative process *sigh*

I’ve done the same idea of The Morning Pages for years now. I had no idea it was supposed to be so therapeutic for me haha!

And yes…the God-given is a bit of a turn off . I’m Pagan,though…and used to mentally substituting or erasing spiritual terminology to suit my own ideas/needs so it’s not that huge of a deal to me but still….

By: Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:50:08 +0000

Amanda, yes, everyone needs their own method. I tend to enjoy hearing how other people “make it” so I like reviewing self-help type books sometimes. As for the stay-at-home thing, I know others don’t enjoy it as I do, so maybe Cameron was right to encourage them to get out. What I took exception to was her glib way of saying “get a sitter” and “go shopping for new clothes” in every chapter as if money is not and should never hinder creativity. It does because this is life! As a mom, at this point, I’m still able to carve out some time for myself: that’s what my reading and this blog is all about! I also happen to have a perfect child, thus far, so that helps….

dew, Yes, and the ironic thing is I agree that creativity is God-given: I just think Cameron forgot her audience and it really felt over-the-top!

By: dew

dew — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:21:01 +0000

The god-given stuff really was a turnoff, you’re right. But I still found the book useful in several ways when I read it a few years ago.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:09:37 +0000

I think everyone has to find their own method for overcoming the creativity hump. I’ve never read books like these. I’ve had other people give classes on this sort of subject, and I’ve actually felt my creativity dampered. That’s why I have, thus far, avoided any and all books that tell me about writing, how to write, how to overcome blocks, etc.

Unlike you, I did not find a lot of joy in being a stay at home mom to my babies. I found the situation very stressful, and I’m no where near as patient as I should be. Unfortunately, getting a babysitter wouldn’t have been an option (especially for three kids). Thankfully, my kids have gotten a little older, and I’ve been able to carve out time to myself, which keeps me from going insane. And my production and creativity have both flourished because of this.

By: Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:57:00 +0000

Natasha, I think the point of this book is there are many ways to be creative! I think her emphasis is how to make creativity your career, but even for a non-career woman myself, I was inspired!

Chain Reader, Thank you! What a nice compliment. My reading and this blog are my way of fending off that “brain dead” feeling! It’s my spot for creativity right now.

By: Chain Reader

Chain Reader — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:25:52 +0000

I’m impressed that you keep up such an excellent blog with a baby in your life! I was pretty brain dead when my kids were babies (I have had 4). Your blog is an expression of your creativity as well as a way of serving others. I had not even heard of this book, and while I have not been creative over the years in such an artistic way, I have had to be very creative in parenting, which has been very fulfilling. I wonder if her plan could be helpful in that respect. I’m still trying to come up with a way to get my kids to flush the toilet!

By: Natasha @ Maw Books

Natasha @ Maw Books — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:17:17 +0000

I haven’t read The Artist’s Way but I have not one but two copies in my house! When I was going to school for photography this was one of the recommended books on our book list. I feel guilty every time I look at it because I haven’t read it yet. I recently picked up a second one thinking that when I finally read it I could give the second one away on my blog giving me the motivation to read it. I don’t think it will happen this year. But sometime!

I do feel like I’ve let my creativity slip big time. Especially since I’m not using my talents to even take great photos of my children. I really could use some creativity back in my life.