Excellent book- a bit too 'American' in style, which I do find irritating, but the message is clear and it's the second copy I have bought having lost the first by lending it out.A good self-help book which does work if you follow the advice.Definately aimed at USA readers but thats fairly obvious from description so you know what you're in for before you buy.
Lots of case histories which are hard to relate to being European-and they are the irritating bits. I just skip over them so I don't alienate myself from the book.

I was reluctant to try this process, feeling a bit snobby as a mid-career artist with a BFA and MFA in painting. I was leery of sappiness of this program. But finding myself frustrated with my work, feeling too tightly wound and over analytical, it was just the anecdote I needed. In some ways this program is the counterbalance to my MFA program which I finished 15 yrs ago and left me firmly planted in my brain - thinking, thinking, thinking - over thinking. This book helped me to create again through my intuition and to trust my instincts. I'm certainly not suggesting that thought and analysis are not important integral parts of art making which is at its core problem solving. But I do agree with the premise that artistic "block" stems from living too much in your brain.

The book gives you simple weekly and daily exercises that are reflective and thoughtful. There is plenty of talk of "god" or "spirit" "source" or "universe" but it also clarifies that you may simply substitute in "creative intuition" or "muse" or some such term if you are not comfortable with the religious undertones. For me this was uncomfortable at first, given that I was totally in my rational head, but this sort of leap of faith is just what I needed. Some of the exercises did not apply as well to me, but I can almost always find some benefit, even if small. Many are cathartic. The daily process of the morning pages is both a grueling task and a revelation.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this process for any creative person, no matter what "level" you have achieved thus far. There is always room to grow and learn, and this is a provocative and enriching experience.

This is really more than just a book. It is an at-home course, a sort of 12-step program. And (no matter who you are or what you want out of this) it is a life-altering experience if you trust in the exercises enough to try them. At its core, it is about getting in touch with yourself, with a greater power, with everything. And yet, you wonder how some of the most important things it suggests (i.e. the morning pages) could be anything more than a waste of time. Still, if you believe in it enough to give it a try... things happen.

The Artist's WayThe Artist's Way Workbook

This is an excellent guide for freeing your artist within. If you follow the suggested 12 week program it is astounding what will happen. It would be helpful for anyone, artist or not, who wanted to access their own potential.

For those already creative types who need a boost, or for those non-creative types (the group to which I belong), this is an excellent book. Cameron views creativity as a spiritual gift that we all possess - just in different degrees and different areas. Some of us are highly creative but tend to get stuck, while others, like myself, are looking for creativity, and her very practical but also highly creative ideas will help.

This text has applications to personal, spiritual, business life etc - everything. Get out of the box, think in new ways, see life in new ways. Her guide is meant to be used over a 12 week period, but many groups use it for months or even years - whatever works is fine.

Want to add creativity to your life - or renew your creativity - then read this book!

Wow...The Artist's Way is challenging and eye-opening. I would recommend this program to anyone whether you think of yourself as an artist or not!

I thought this book was in excellent condition it was described very well online and I got it very soon I was very satisfied its a great book to learn from

This is a wonderful book, and has really been eye and mind opening for me, as a college student in the arts. It has really reinforced my creativity in a time when I doubted it. This was by far one of the best purchases I've made in a long time.

The Artist's Way has been my 'bible" for reclaiming my creativity. Julia Cameron has such great creative wisdom and insight that inspires me daily (I'm now reading her book Walking in this World which is also excellent). 3 Morning Pages a day a weekly artist dates at my art studio and elsewhere have become a staple to maintain my creative life now for many years. I saw Julia live this summer(2009) at the Omega Institute(Hudson Valley NY) and her wisdom on the pages of her books totally matches her wisdom as a live teacher and warm witty person. Take her classes if you can find one (she lives in NYC).

I highly recommend this book(and for that matter all julia's wonderful books) to anyone who has lost touch with their own magical creativity and voice.
-- Jamieson Haverkampf,
Author of the 4-time-award winning 500+ resource guide: Mom Minus Dad
Mom Minus Dad: The Essential Resource Guide for Busy Adults with a Newly Widowed Parent

I have started this 12 week course and am now on week 3, and it is really amazing. I am loving the artistic growth and balance it is bringing into my life. If you are an artist, writer, dancer, or really anyone, you should take this self-guided course. Simply Incredible!

I am only on chapter two of this boo and it has already revolutionized the way my thoughts and approaches toward creativity. It is a healing book as well as a discovery tool. I recommend this book for anyone looking to unlock creativity in their lives.

So far I really like this book. The morning pages are helping me to clear my head (and mood, especially when I wake up feeling bad), and they are getting me into writing again. Since I started writing them I began writing a story. I am a person that often DOES do things like "artist dates" (swinging on swings, spending time in a bookstore picking out a beautiful journal and pen, etc.), I just didn't think of them like that. I find myself describing things in detail when I run out of things to say in my morning pages, and that is a good thing. I notice I have become more aware of my surroundings, too, for some reason. I noticed, for the first time, little waterfalls that trickle down my side of the mountain here in Hawaii.
I'll update this when I finish it, but right now it is helping in the way I hoped it would.

(Also, I bought this book a few years ago. I was NOT ready for it at that time. I started reading it and put it away. I am ready for it now. I've had it waiting on my shelf for me. I wasn't ready to deal with the emotions that come out when you make art, then. So, it may seem that not every person willfind this book equally useful.)

One of my favorite books for inspiration is The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The subtitle is Creativity as a Spiritual Practice, which proclaims its message and its value.
I can't recommend a better choice for overcoming writer's block, for reviving your sense of purpose and respect for the power of creativity. It is inspirational and practical. Julia reminds the writer that all creativity is tied to spirituality and the writer must respect and value his inner life and nourish his soul and creative gifts.
Especially helpful are her recommendations for doing "morning pages"--writing every day as soon as one awakes to drain off all negative thoughts and express half formed hopes and concerns, and to keep the habit of writing, also her "artist's dates"--a day you give yourself each week devoted to refilling the pitcher, nourishing the spirit, valuing your artist soul and the child within who loves play and joy.
Julia defines writing as tuning in and dropping down into the well to the underground river of creativity beneath normal consciousness. She stresses that creativity is natural and that the ultimate creator will collaborate if you only tune in.
In addition, the book is full of practical exercises and advice. I keep it on my desk, along with my notebook full of morning pages right next to my computer and I dip into it frequently for inspiration.

If you are looking for something to change your life,or to help you along the way, this book is for you.

Some books you own are read and put back on the shelf. This book stays near your bed or given to someone that you think is very special and needs a good lift. Julia Cameron allows the readers to experiment with ways that allow them to connect with a deep instinctive side oftentimes supressed in our fast-moving and busy world. A great book if you have time alone to spend near a beach or in the mountains, and if you just want to delve deeper into who you are, not who you want to create. I read somewhere, that the word "personality" comes from the Latin root meaning "persona" which means "mask". Who are we behind our personalities? What is our true nature when we do not have our masks? Who are we when we are not pretending? Julia walks us through thought provoking ideas, stories, and exercises that enable us to move in this journey of self-discovery. The road is long, but I'm glad that books like this exist to remind you that others have also traversed similar paths, and you can learn from what they've learned. Happy Reading!

Sometimes you read a book that confirms things you were afraid to say out loud. That's what "The Artist's Way" is for me. Learning that much of what I don't trust to express has to do with being "blocked" and how to get "unblocked" has been liberating and validating. This is a great eye-opening book that I know I will refer to over and over throughout my life. I look forward to reading more of Cameron's work.

Try joining a workshop and read this book together. I say that because there is so much MORE to learn from other artists, or aspiring artists as there is from youself. This is a great self-help book, and if a group isn't available, you'll be fine. But try to find an Artist's Way Workshop before you begin....you'll be glad you did.

The Artist's Way is not just about feeling good about dabbling with paints, toting around a moleskine notebook, buying clay at the art supply store, or accumulating other artsy trappings. It's not just about learning secrets of creativity, or what to draw, write, or photograph. It's not just about making time for art and nurturing yourself artistically. It's about all of these and more--it's about discovering the creative side hidden somewhere within all of us, about embracing creativity as a part of your true identity, and about making the lifestyle choices and sacrifices that sustained creativity requires.

Amidst such a wealth of glowing reviews there's little need to go into greater detail, so I will conclude by simply saying that while I've read other excellent books on writing and creativity (chief among them Bird by Bird, Hey Whipple, Squeeze This!, On Writing (Stephen King), and Writing Down the Bones), I can unequivocally say that The Artist's Way has been the best and most influential by far.

This was recommended by a painter, and I can see no connection with the visual arts. I'd rather spend my morning painting than writing! bah humbug!

Julia Cameron has helped me with her books far more than any painting instructor ever has.

You're standing on a sloping hill in the middle of the woods. You are awed by the brilliant green canopy of the many tall trees that surround you. Five, maybe ten different species of birds are calling overhead, flitting about in the underbrush. The air is refreshing, the moment almost exhilarating.

There are only three problems: 1) you're hungry and thirsty; 2) you have no paper or pen! and 3) You have a choice of several paths to take. You've taken a few, in fact, and they've all led you back to this place. You now have no idea which of the paths will lead you to the place where you can be living what you believe in, creating the art/work and co-creating the life you are meant to live.

Just then, something tells you to sit down. You sit. "Look around you." ("Huh?" you think. "Looking around is all I've been doing. Duh." You look around anyway. And find this book.

The Artist's Way.

It is the beginning -- of new questions, new answers to old ones, new ways, new ways of seeing. One more chance to give it a go -- to live your own life. Your way and God's way may finally become one! You have found The Artist's Way. Now you can find YOUR way...

If you feel at all uptight about being an artist or any type of creative individual, this is the book you must read.

A member of our art league suggestd we offer this reading to our members and form a discussion group. Well, I joined not knowing how dissappointed I would be. One, there seemed to be some frustration between those who are die hard Christins and those of us who believe, but not necessarily of one particular faith. A lot of religious overtones.

Also, I was aghast that all we seemed to be doing was digging up the past and lingering on frustrations and disappointments. Most of us have overcome those issues and moved on. Why rehash it?

All in all, I completed my commitiment to finish the book and be part of the discussion group, but caution that this is a book that I would not recommend to just anyone.

I write morning pages daily. It works. I'm a Julia Cameron fan anyway and love this book as well as the The Right to Write. Doing the morning pages is a wonderful way to connect with yourself. With any creative endeavor, it's the practise that makes the experience unique. The ends justifies the means and the time it takes to "get there." Themes, characters, undercurrents, blatant issues, and hopefully some humor will come alive if you follow the protocol. I use the morning pages as a tool and a memoir (edited) to pass along to family and loved ones. There are wonderful quotes throughout the book.

I am in the middle of a class that is using this book for the content. I am loving the class. The book works great. I just wonder if I did not have the 2 hour class each week, would the book work as well. I think not.
The class leader uses the book as homework but does other activities during the two hours. We do follow the book but I'm not sure I would really understand the process or why I am doing certain things.
Personally, I don't think I would follow the book on my own.

Cameron explains artistic and spiritual ways to express yourself and stay on a path of freedom for your soul.

An empowering guide for uncovering creativity that is natural within each of us. It helped me get in touch with my own writing skills and creativity which led to writing books. The Artist's Way transforms you into a more creative and spiritual person by not being afraid of one's own inner self.Sustained by Faith: Personal Awakening in God

I must have felt a bit creative when i picked up this book because it is not the kind I normally look for in a book store. Once I started reading however, I was hooked. I liked the fact that the Morning Pages was at the begining of the book, which I immediately started to practice. You do not know relief untill you write three pages of any and everything that is on your mind in the morning. I was worried that I would not stick to it but, I can say that I am now addicted and look forward to writing every morning. That is the immediate reason I was drawn back in. If I got this much value from a single thing out out of this book, imagine what you would get. I can confidently recommend it.

I had wanted to make a list of the most important books that I had read pertaining to writing. Topping the list would be The Artists Way by Julia Cameron. I may not have become a writer at only 30 were it not for the guidance and tools in this practical guide.

After years of teaching writing classes Julia assembled her most effective study tips. One of these was the three page splurge. In this exersize the writer would spit out three pages of writing per day no matter what was in your mind. The purpose was to empty out the chatter from inside your head in order to pave the way for a focused voice. Finding that voice is tantamount to writing in a clear and pronounced way. Another asks the writer to create a timeline of their life in order to better understand where are they coming from and where they are heading. While looking back we witness the roots of our creativity which reveals our need to move forward.

In addition to the exersizes are the quotes from prominent writers, all of which are aimed at bettering the artist's understanding of oneself. Our self-expression is our livelihood, our crafted words create worlds of wonder in which others bathe their imaginations. Julia's book helped me reinforce my identity and start to write with more authority. By 35 I had already penned seven books and I couldn't be happier with my progress.

This is one of the best books ever put together for anyone who wants to be creative. Doing the workbook and following her plan has changed more in my life than just my creativity. I take better care of myself in all aspects of my life.

I have found balance between work and pleasure which leads me to create a lot more. I learned the difference between living day to day and being in the moment and really experiencing life. My self confidence is higher than it has ever been and it keeps moving in the positive and solid direction. I say go for it, what have you got to lose with so much to learn about yourself but a small amount of time and energy.

You may find yourself writing a great novel or painting a wonderful picture or just being more creative in your life. Since I worked through this book I have developed my own web site, designed three patterns for sewing room decor products to sell and I can tell that is just the beginning of what I am capable of. I hope you will at least check it out from the library and have a look. Jnetti

Cameron has done a phenomenal job with this book. It is definitely time consuming to go through all of the activities, but what in life is worthy that doesn't take some effort? It helps you to find your passion and bring out your creative side. It's a great complement to Pearls of Wellness (Pearls of Wellness 52 Inspirations to Achieve a Peaceful Body, Mind, and Spirit).

Exactly what I was looking for when Borders didn't have it in stock! ANd for a lot less money!

I first bought The Artist's Way a few years ago as part of a creative writing class, and came back to it recently. I'm in week 11, and it's changed my life so much! Every week provides exercises, which along with the morning pages, are meant to mine out some important insights as to why you're stuck as an artist, or to help you do more things for yourself. If you don't have any sort of block, long-term or short-term, then it probably is not the book for you. The book could be divided into three important parts: morning pages, artist dates, and essays. The essays are pretty helpful to read, generally well-written but sometimes a bit on the New Age side. An artist date is just taking yourself somewhere or doing something without interruption from anyone else, to do something fun. Morning pages, as nearly everyone has already said, consist of three pages written in a notebook every morning. They are about the most helpful facet, but I still recommend getting the book. Remember though, it doesn't actually have anything to do with any technical or historical aspects of art. Just more of a preliminary step before creation, for people that feel too shy or ashamed or something.
Somewhere at the beginning, you'll list changes that could happen in your life, things you always wanted to do, ways you could be nicer to yourself. By the end, you'll have done them. I swear I've gotten better at nearly everything. I can play guitar better, my voice can hit high notes clearer, I've improved at drawing and I go more places. I can't pick out a single flaw in this book. Others may find something bad to say, but personally I think it all works.

I borrowed the original from a friend and worked with it a couple of years ago. I bought the tenth anniversary edition because this year I was determined to get beyond my midlife crisis and I couldn't find this book in the library. Of course I saw the related titles in Amazon.com, and looked them up. I kind of wish Amazon and other online stores had a discreet way of indicating the order of the titles in a series. I immediately gravitated to Vein of Gold, and started to use it, but now I am in a class that is based on Walking This World. I can't do both at the same time, so I'm concentrating on the class. Artist's Way is an excellent introduction.

I can't even explain how much change I've made in my life since reading this book. Julia Cameron says things that every artist wants to hear. The main things I've taken from this book are Morning Pages, Artist Dates and going on walks - those three simple things have totally centered me. I wasn't even necessarily diligent with all the other worksheets.

Even if you don't care to increase your creativity, it will help anyone to live life!

This is my second copy of this book. I've worn one out already. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. It is life altering!

Just get it.

The first chapter as I remember was a little bit boring for me and when I start complaining to my friend, she told me :"Just read it."
And that was the best advice she ever gave me.
I gained a lot of self-confidence as an artist and person, came to conclusion in a lot of things that bothered me for a long time, it truly gave me a peace of mind.

So, for you, my friend:"Just ge-e-et it".

Julia Cameron's book was the reason I've been able to create plays, acting jobs! I can only say this: IT WORKS! I'm living proof! For anyone who is blocked, these tools used over years creates a strong powerful base upon which to create work!The Green Room

A good accompany piece to The Artist's Way book. Can't use this instead. So much is left out but she hits some key points.

Got this book for an Artist's Way course and I'm glad I'm in the weekly course or I wouldn't do the projects. For me, I need to not only be held accountable but also to hear what others are doing as they open their path. It also helps to have a facilitator who is open and offers suggestions. The book is rather dated and doesn't take into account the time we spend on the internet and how that needs to be balanced.

This book got into my hands at a crucial moment in my life and has been a life changing experience. I would recommend it to anyone struggling with self doubt about your capacity to create art.
Do the 12 weeks and you will discover a new you.

My boyfriend and I have an ongoing argument about whether fear or laziness is more likely to keep someone from action. He claims it's laziness, but my answer is fear.

Julia Cameron would seem to agree with me. Her book, a classic for "blocked" artists, outlines a 12-week program for "creative recovery." Week one is devoted to the tension between "the dream of action and the fear of failure."

I discovered The Artist's Way nearly two years ago, and it became I lifeline for me as I recommitted myself to singing.

The book's numerous exercises helped me discover and confront the fears that held me back from fully pursuing my dream.

Self-acceptance and the freedom to fail have been essential to me as I've taken new artistic risks, and they are woven throughout Cameron's recipe for success.

The spiritual overtones in The Artist's Way might not appeal to all readers. However, I found it easy to "translate" these into my own words, and I highly recommend the book to anyone who has fallen into a creative rut.

If you are looking for validation for the talents you think might be lurking around inside you somewhere, you need to read this. It will remind you that there's more to who you are than just a work-producing-robot! With The Artist's Way as my workbook, I am now reading Cameron's Right to Write and am looking forward to Vein of Gold. Just get the book. If she wrote the phone book I think I'd read it!

I bought the version of this she published years ago on cassette tape and have worn the one last cassette I have of the original 2 cassette set to a thin memory. She did that version live and the energy from having an audience enhanced her delivery. This aspect was missing in this CD version which I'd hoped to buy as a replacement so I returned the CDs to Amazon. The return was problem free.

Much creativity is lost between the time we are young children and when we become adults. The school system, societal influences, and even maturity itself eventually whittles away the artist in most people.

Julia Cameron systematically addresses subjects to release the enormous creativity we all have. I found the book useful for stimulating an artist's though processes. Improving one's creativity is a key element in developing the right brain for Critical Thinking.

The Artist's Way validated several ideas that I had picked up through the years. I have been fortunate to have a very creative family. My sister has created amazing miniatures for many years. After retirement my father became an amazing wood carver ( I have a ship he carved on my mantle in the living room) and my mother an excellent painter (some of her painting are displayed prominently around my house).

This book's twelve week system is a good common sense approach to using the right side of the brain much more effectively. The book chapters each focus on twelve subjects. They are: Recovering a sense of safety, identity, power, integrity, possibility, abundance, connection, strength, compassion, self-protection, autonomy and faith.

There are many great ideas to ponder in the book. For example, in the chapter: ecovering a sense of Power, Cameron writes:

"Remember that creativity is a tribal experience and that tribal elders will initiate the gifted youngsters who cross their path. This may sound like wishful thinking, but it is not. Sometimes an older artist will be moved to help out even against his or her own wishes. "I don't know why I'm doing this for you, but..." Again, I would say that some of the helping hands may be something more than human."

Some people may like the considerable connection to the universe (or God) that Cameron uses. Others may not. However, the force of the universe is something that no man or woman completely understands and it does seem to govern many of what happens in our lives (Karma etc). Accepting there are things that we don't understand and striving to have these forces on our side is a good thing!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I received this book for Christmas. It is a gift which has kept giving. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to wake themselves and become their authentic selves. Anyone who does not cherish the process is not ready to move forward on their spiritual path. I look forward to sharing this timeless book with others!

I am currently about midway through "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity". I am enjoying the book. Julia Cameron writes about unblocking creativity through doing several different exercises. The first exercise is the "Morning Pages". This is 3 pages of stream of consciousness writing that you are supposed to do first thing every morning. The only problem I have with this is that she wants it done in longhand on notebook paper. I prefer to type. The idea behind the "Morning Pages" is to get all of the mental clutter and psychic gunk out of your head and onto the page. Then you will have room for creativity. So far, so good, in my case at least, but then again, I write every morning anyway. The second exercise is "The Artist Date". Ms. Cameron says that we should go alone a few times a week on creative excursion. I have had more trouble doing this.
All in all, I think this is a wonderful tool for unblocking creativity, and if you are already a writer, the morning pages are very useful. If you are a painter, as I am, then it works as well. It helps you focus in on your creativity and it has helped me see more clearly the things that have kept me blocked.

I actually wanted a Christian book and was encouraged by those that complained about that element. The author actually says god can be whatever you want to call it and gives a variety of examples. That aside, it is really just common sense suggestions such as setting aside time to meditate daily through writing as well as setting aside time weekly to practice your craft whether it is writing, painting or acting. Good suggestions but nothing new.

I was in a mess, putting on weight, v low self esteem, looking for help and a wonderful 'guru' said he could put sticky plaster on BUT. He was so so right - however, initially the book seemed to be not for me - am not an 'artist' and the emphasis on this in the early pages nearly made me switch off. But don't, and in my view this is not the real message. For me, the real message, is about valuing and loving yourself. Also this book does ask for a quite a commitment - morning pages, etc. But do not be put off - I have changed out of all recognition. Lost 11lb in 2 weeks, look and feel alive and gently confident - am getting used to 'spoiling' myself and putting myself - not first - but giving me the initial time that I need, which then makes me calmer and able to be there for others - 'in my time' NOT ' when they shout! Brilliant.

First of all, I must admit that I am reading this book as a requirement for an art class. Unlike most people in my art class, I grew up in a creative, nurturing environment and I have been allowed all of my life to do and be creative. I have been an professional artist for well over 15 years, and then I receive this book.

Trying to be fair to my instructor and classmates, I am dutifully reading and trying to follow Ms. Cameron's advice. However, I am not finding the book as helpful as I had hoped and there are many points at which I find that the book falls very short of being universally useful.

First of all, Ms. Cameron assumes that the reader grew up with unsupportive parents and also assumes that the reader's creative self was bullied completely into submission. Because none of this applies to me, I'm finding that many of the chapters don't offer much information for me that results in any kind of constructive change or benefit.

Secondly, I found this book to be willfully more religious than I bargained for. During my doing of exercises in Chapter 2, I found myself rewriting the principles to eliminate the word "God" and replace it with something like "the world." This part of the book's assumption is insulting to someone like myself who recognizes that creativity (and indeed perception) comes completely from within. On its own. No God required! Imagine that!

There are some good and useful things about this book, which is why I give it 3 stars instead of 2. The morning pages are helpful to me -- my problem isn't creativity, it's organizatiton. I do the pages, but only in an abbreviated form. I write in a small book and keep my time writing each morning to 15 mintues. Three small pages in my tiny handwriting is more than enough to get my crap thoughts onto paper and my day started before 6:45 am. I may never stop morning pages... but Ms. Cameron -- affirmations? You have to be kidding me. I quit copying sentances multiple times after 3rd grade, thank you very much.

The artist's date is also nice, but since I already do other things I enjoy that aren't my artwork (watch indie films, play guitar, play ukulele, go shopping in trendy urban boutiques, you name it), adding ANOTHER artist date keeps me from a couple of hours of real work per week. My problem isn't getting good and creative ideas, it's finding the time to actually do the ideas that I constantly generate.

Aside from those features, I'm finding it difficult to believe that 7 more weeks of the program will net anything more than reading a lot of fluffy claptrap that is probably helpful to the actually blocked creatives but not at all helpful to me... and in that amount of time I could have enjoyed a work of fiction that chose to read.

I'll be recommending this to only my most insecure friends.

If you're in my situation, you might find "Time Management for the Creative Person" and a workbook on overcoming Procrastination a whole lot more helpful.