4.18

3

Apr 27, 2012

Got this for my birthday from a friend. Took it on holiday to read. Discovered it was a book of exercises to be completed over months. So, I'd backed myself into a corner. I always do all my homework, and I did every last bit of this. Didn't skip a morning page, went on all my artist's dates, etc. I got some good fun out of it. Most memorable artist's date: I flew an airplane.

5

Nov 29, 2014

I believe this is the quintessential book for all creatives. Julia Cameron wisely guides the novice to the seasoned artist through the ups and downs of making art. Whether it be writing, screen plays, directing, acting, music makers, painters, whatever kind of creative soul you are, the issues of fear of failure, dry spells, relevance are addressed along with many activities which uncover the underlying hang ups that derail many artists. This is the second time I have read this book. The second I believe this is the quintessential book for all creatives. Julia Cameron wisely guides the novice to the seasoned artist through the ups and downs of making art. Whether it be writing, screen plays, directing, acting, music makers, painters, whatever kind of creative soul you are, the issues of fear of failure, dry spells, relevance are addressed along with many activities which uncover the underlying hang ups that derail many artists. This is the second time I have read this book. The second time, I learned as much as the first time. Twenty years ago, this book was telling but held different information for me then than it holds now with this recent reading.
I totally recommend this book for anyone who sees themselves as active artist or want to be artists It will change your life. ...more

2

Sep 16, 2017

The Artist's Way program itself is wonderful. However, I expected so much more from the workbook. It's actually just a large notebook with a few pages of notes and instructions on how to use the workbook at the beginning and some notes at the end (the endnotes are actually just the last two appendices from the book copied into the workbook). The only difference between this workbook at any other notebook (apart from these notes) is that it has a quote from the book on every page. This can be The Artist's Way program itself is wonderful. However, I expected so much more from the workbook. It's actually just a large notebook with a few pages of notes and instructions on how to use the workbook at the beginning and some notes at the end (the endnotes are actually just the last two appendices from the book copied into the workbook). The only difference between this workbook at any other notebook (apart from these notes) is that it has a quote from the book on every page. This can be motivational, but I think you can do without it. The book itself is the most valuable part of the program so I would recommend you buy that, but use any notebook for the workbook (i.e. the artist's journal actually). ...more

3

May 7, 2014

I know lots of people who reckon this book is a life-changer. I'm sure it is. But for me, the 12-step references and higher power stuff were a complete offput.

3

Jun 02, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. working on this book right now... i can definitely go without the 12step jargon, but that aside it has been fun, helpful and inspiring..the most helpful tool is the morning pages exercise, which consists of writing three pages or for 30 minutes each morning when one wakes up. it is all stream-of-consciousness style and has been a very helpful tool.

4

Jul 02, 2012

I put off reading this book for 15 years because of the God stuff, but now that I'm open to spirituality I was able to read it and be open to many of the ideas. That said, the spiritual flavor isn't right for me. To me, the spirituality in this book comes across as generic and is hard to connect with because it seems watered down, generalized, and not authentic. The morning pages (for me) are the most useful thing that came from this book. I did find some insights in the chapters, but the I put off reading this book for 15 years because of the God stuff, but now that I'm open to spirituality I was able to read it and be open to many of the ideas. That said, the spiritual flavor isn't right for me. To me, the spirituality in this book comes across as generic and is hard to connect with because it seems watered down, generalized, and not authentic. The morning pages (for me) are the most useful thing that came from this book. I did find some insights in the chapters, but the artists dates and the exercises didn't really didn't do it for me. Maybe it just wasn't the right time. That said, the insights I allowed myself to have in the morning pages sparked changes in my life. ...more

5

Jan 07, 2018

Beware, the author's writing speaks to you like a little child. Clearly this works for a lot of people given how popular this book is. But if you don't like being identified as an 8 year old girl, then you'll probably want to push aside this preference before you can open yourself to receiving the wisdom in this book.

This book offers lots of exercises and tricks that can help you conquer your inner critic and find a creative life. The most interesting exercise I found was one where sh asked Beware, the author's writing speaks to you like a little child. Clearly this works for a lot of people given how popular this book is. But if you don't like being identified as an 8 year old girl, then you'll probably want to push aside this preference before you can open yourself to receiving the wisdom in this book.

This book offers lots of exercises and tricks that can help you conquer your inner critic and find a creative life. The most interesting exercise I found was one where sh asked readers to answer these questions and then add one of these to their life. What are 5 hobbies that sound fun? 5 classes that sound fun? 5 things you'd never do that sound fun? 5 skills that's fun to learn? 5 silly things you want to try once? You'll see for yourself how this treasure chest of methods for creating fun and intrigue can then lead you to a more creative life. ...more

5

Oct 09, 2010

This is a 12 week program into more fully releasing your creativity. I just finished week 1 and must say I did not expect it to be as powerful as it was. I'm looking forward to the next 11 weeks and to whom I am becoming as an artist. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to write, draw, paint, sing, whatever your chosen method of creating...It requires a commitment, and it's worth it.

4

Oct 16, 2014

I first attempted this in 1999, but barely started. This last June I decided that it was time to take a second crack at it and I am so very glad that I did. Not only was the daily writing a wonderful exercise, but she thoroughly attacks any excuse one has to not create. Her tasks are grounded in creative visualization as well as practicality. I recommend this to any kind of artist who finds themselves "stuck".

3

Oct 09, 2014

The spirituality new-age type feel of this made it a struggle for me at points. Some of the sections are also ridiculously repetitive, telling the same thing over and over.
This workbook contains a 12 week program to reignite your creativity, and I think some of the exercises are great. I'm particularly a fan of morning pages (big shout out to 750 words!) and liked some of the exercises to unleash your inner creator.
That said, I really didn't like how the creative side was continuously spoken The spirituality new-age type feel of this made it a struggle for me at points. Some of the sections are also ridiculously repetitive, telling the same thing over and over.
This workbook contains a 12 week program to reignite your creativity, and I think some of the exercises are great. I'm particularly a fan of morning pages (big shout out to 750 words!) and liked some of the exercises to unleash your inner creator.
That said, I really didn't like how the creative side was continuously spoken about like it's a child that needs to be taken out for ice cream on a regular basis. While there is always a playful side to creativity, I found this whole child thing a little obnoxious.
...more

5

Mar 10, 2014

I read this book all the way through because I found the author's ideas to ring true with me. Now, I'll be returning to it to fulfill on the creativity exercises provided at the end of each of the twelve chapters.
The author was greatly influenced by her experience with AA, and the philosophy of a strong belief in God, the self-affirmations, and the reflections you are asked to make about what might be blocking you and why were inspiring to me. (There are 12 chapters in the book - not a I read this book all the way through because I found the author's ideas to ring true with me. Now, I'll be returning to it to fulfill on the creativity exercises provided at the end of each of the twelve chapters.
The author was greatly influenced by her experience with AA, and the philosophy of a strong belief in God, the self-affirmations, and the reflections you are asked to make about what might be blocking you and why were inspiring to me. (There are 12 chapters in the book - not a coincidence that AA has a 12 step program!)
I already have begun writing my morning pages every day, and I find them to be a tremendous help -- cathartic.
I recommend The Artist's Way not just to artists who may need some help to get themselves unblocked, but to anyone who would want to unlock the doors to more creativity in their work and their everyday life. ...more

0

Oct 17, 2014

Great not only for artist but for people who feel creatively blocked in life.

0

Feb 18, 2015

I have read the book that goes with this workbook more than once to jumpstart my writing and have always found it useful. I like using the workbook for the same purpose. The book is a necessity. The workbook is a nice tool as well.

4

Feb 28, 2015

You do not need to be an artist in the sense of a gifted painter, sculptor, writer, musician, etc. to enjoy this book. We are all artists in that each of us designs, creates and shapes our own future. We make the choices that will determine where our paths will lead. The only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves.
Julia Cameron makes the journey a little smoother by helping us rid ourselves of life's negative emotions - fear, jealousy, guilt, limited beliefs, etc. While the book You do not need to be an artist in the sense of a gifted painter, sculptor, writer, musician, etc. to enjoy this book. We are all artists in that each of us designs, creates and shapes our own future. We make the choices that will determine where our paths will lead. The only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves.
Julia Cameron makes the journey a little smoother by helping us rid ourselves of life's negative emotions - fear, jealousy, guilt, limited beliefs, etc. While the book makes interesting and insightful reading, I think it is important to be committed to completing all the exercises for maximum benefit. The author does touch on spirituality and makes reference to God in several instances; however, whatever your own personal beliefs, the reader can easily adapt the material written here to any spiritual belief, regardless of what "Higher Power" you believe in. ...more

3

Oct 04, 2019

I knew this was really just a glorified journal for the Morning Pages that Cameron insists you do in her Artist's Way program. It actually is more. While it's definitely not a replacement for the AW book itself, it includes inspirational quotes that are related to the subject, a brief synopsis of that week's theme from AW, and...(my chagrin--I didn't notice this until my 12 weeks were done)...a place for notes about artist dates (also in the AW program). Oops!
I found this spiral-bound edition I knew this was really just a glorified journal for the Morning Pages that Cameron insists you do in her Artist's Way program. It actually is more. While it's definitely not a replacement for the AW book itself, it includes inspirational quotes that are related to the subject, a brief synopsis of that week's theme from AW, and...(my chagrin--I didn't notice this until my 12 weeks were done)...a place for notes about artist dates (also in the AW program). Oops!
I found this spiral-bound edition very clunky, however. The cover is a very sturdy hardboard, while the pages may eventually fall out because they don't move very freely. I don't sit and write straight-on at my desk--I angle my writing surface and--in the early morning--may want to curl up with my journal in my lap--which was impossible with this. It's also very wide--if you do this every morning for the rest of your life, you'll run out of bookshelves quickly! I'm glad I started with this one, but any future Morning Pages will be in a regular composition book or spiral notebook. ...more

5

Dec 30, 2018

This is the best personal development book I have ever read. It has changed my life by helping me listen to myself actively, find solutions to my own challenges and rediscover my well hidden creativity. I would recommend it to anyone not feeling settled in their lives.

3

Dec 10, 2018

I would have rated this book higher had I read it years ago. Some of this stuff didn’t quite apply to me, some of it I had worked through in therapy.

But some of it was good for me to work through and I can see myself going through this book again in a few years to see how I’ve progressed.

5

Jan 30, 2019

Love it! Of course some things I did not follow and there are some things I do not agree but generally a brilliant book!

3

May 20, 2019

I wouldn't bother with this one. It's just the same kind of essays and activities you find in The Sound of Paper (or probably The Artist's Way, but I'm going backwards) but fewer or them and shorter.

4

Dec 20, 2018

I’m so glad I read this book & did all the exercises. I’ve come back in Jan 2019 to say I am still using this book. I liked that it was done in a 12 step fashion. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that, but then I am biased and think many of us could do with having some of the lessons from the AA 12 Step Program in our lives

3

Oct 14, 2015

In the start this book was boring for me as I grade my self as very logical person and not into art or some thing (at least i used to think before this book). This book forced me to think more about my self and I think either you are logical or what ever your mbti type is or your personality is you are an artist in what ever you do and there are many creative killing points for you. Creativity is not easy; similarly you are so involved in your life that u don't give time to pamper your self but In the start this book was boring for me as I grade my self as very logical person and not into art or some thing (at least i used to think before this book). This book forced me to think more about my self and I think either you are logical or what ever your mbti type is or your personality is you are an artist in what ever you do and there are many creative killing points for you. Creativity is not easy; similarly you are so involved in your life that u don't give time to pamper your self but you should. I will have to go through book again to make sure to do exercises which are there. If you consider your self logical like my self and used to do things with the spur of moment then this is the best book for you and will change your life IF U WANT TO change your life. ...more

5

Apr 03, 2015

Even though I finished this amazing workbook a few weeks ago (it's a 12-week course book), it's still difficult for me to say fully how I feel about the course/workshop. This book is a very comprehensive workbook focused on helping the reader open his/her creative potential. Each of the 12 chapters is a week's worth of varying tasks and exercises, sometimes feeling a bit daunting to me. But, then again, the goal of the workbook is to get the reader/participant to engage in creative thinking, Even though I finished this amazing workbook a few weeks ago (it's a 12-week course book), it's still difficult for me to say fully how I feel about the course/workshop. This book is a very comprehensive workbook focused on helping the reader open his/her creative potential. Each of the 12 chapters is a week's worth of varying tasks and exercises, sometimes feeling a bit daunting to me. But, then again, the goal of the workbook is to get the reader/participant to engage in creative thinking, attitude, and actions. I love the book. I've done this course at least 3 times and each time I've had creative breakthroughs, which is the goal. I plan to go through the book/course again, maybe next time with a friend so that we can give each other feedback and good mirroring on progress. ...more

4

After reading "Magic Writing", I wanted to find a book written for older audiences that explored a similar topic: writing, art and creativity. I stumbled upon "The Artists Way" in my search and was ...Full Review

4

Feb 11, 2015

Somewhere around Chapter Nine, my reading of this book trailed off and life took over - in a good way. The book did me an enormous amount of good, and I recommend it to anyone who's in an existential crisis about their creative work and who doesn't mind encountering the word "God" from a Christian world-view. I may come back to it again. It took me places I didn't think I would go, and I feel clearer and stronger now than I did before reading it. Affirmations are one of the primary tools used Somewhere around Chapter Nine, my reading of this book trailed off and life took over - in a good way. The book did me an enormous amount of good, and I recommend it to anyone who's in an existential crisis about their creative work and who doesn't mind encountering the word "God" from a Christian world-view. I may come back to it again. It took me places I didn't think I would go, and I feel clearer and stronger now than I did before reading it. Affirmations are one of the primary tools used here that also popped up in my simultaneous reading of Pema Chodron (though Pema is very clear about calling them Aspirations versus Affirmations, and she makes a case for this). ...more

4

Feb 11, 2016

My creativity has expanded a lot since I started this workbook. One of my favorite artist's dates was going to the dollar store and exploring the craft section. Another good one was visiting the art exhibit at Art Reach. I did artist pages for several days and I think that is part of the reason why I was successful at filling out an entire journal. I think that there are noticeable improvements in my artistic and spiritual side since deciding to do this workbook. I recommend it to anyone who is My creativity has expanded a lot since I started this workbook. One of my favorite artist's dates was going to the dollar store and exploring the craft section. Another good one was visiting the art exhibit at Art Reach. I did artist pages for several days and I think that is part of the reason why I was successful at filling out an entire journal. I think that there are noticeable improvements in my artistic and spiritual side since deciding to do this workbook. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to increase their level of creativity. ...more