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

13 years..still going strong
Helen, a TAW disciple, 01/20/2008

On Christmas of 1994 my husband gave me this book by my request. I began The Artist's Way the next day and threw myself into the program lock, stock and barrel. Now, all these years later, I can honestly say that this book was among one of my major influences in life. I not only became more aware of my creativity, I learned to be aware of times when I let it go lax, so that I can reclaim it. There is never anything like the first time you go through the 12 weeks. I tried to recreate the experience, but it is never as powerful. I advise anyone doing this to do ALL the steps. Do not skip things like reading deprivation and the money issues because otherwise you will miss something you need to understand the larger process. TAW has brought many wonderful things to my life, not the least gave me the courage to begin college at the age of 43. Now I am an English teacher and I love my career. One of the things colleagues always say is that I am creative. It is a direct result of living the principles of this book. It is never too late to find the creative life. Don't just BUY this book -- take it for all its worth!

Also recommended: Wild Mind, Life Paint and Passion, Bird by Bird, Transformation Soup, Simple Abundance, Zen Guitar

THE ARTIST'S WAY
Shawn Levesque, singer songwriter, teacher, poet., 11/28/2007

I was given this book on my birthday last year. I originally met it with severe skepticism but, with taking a leap of faith and taking the plunge, I fell in love with it. It is universally applicable to all types of creativity as well as all levels. As a singer songwriter I have found the morning pages quite helpful...there have been some amazing moments where the pen and paper directed my mind and hand...the creator truly was working through me. BUY THIS FOR ANY CREATIVE PERSON IN YOUR LIFE! THEY WILL APPRECIATE THE POSITIVE TRANSFORMAION THE BOOK FACILITATES!

MUST READ!!!!
Matthew (simon485192000@yahoo.com), working on it., 07/03/2006

I have read about afew books on inspiration for Writers. And this book came highly recommended in them. I immediatley bought it after I found it at a local Library used book sale. I'm glad I did and wish I'd read it when it was originally published back in 1992. I've had it for almost three months now and refer to it daily, especially the creative affirmations on pg. 36. I'm still waiting on more of the 'syncronicity'. But I found alot of myself in this book and do the moring pages daily. I'm looking forward to any positive changes that this book may bring me.

Also recommended: Writing Down the Bones and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: (and its all small stuff)

RE-CONNECT WITH CHILDHOOD DREAMS
Yolanda A. Reid, Writer, * * * * * * * *, 03/28/2006

This book is awesome! I re-connected with thoughts and dreams I'd either forgotten or never knew I had. The 'as a kid' exercise ( pg. 125) helps dredge up some of those thoughts and dreams. In the exercise, you complete several sentences. For example, 'As a kid, I missed the chance to . . .' or 'As a kid, I lacked . . .' or 'As a kid, I dreamed of being . . . .' I discovered that I thought extreme snowboarding, jai alai, and poker are fun things I'd never do (page 87). One of my favorite exercises was to list 20 things for 'If I didn't have to do it perfectly, I would try. . .' Tango lessons. Surfing. Flower arranging. Wearing a kimono. Writing a verse play. This book asks you to make lots of lists--which I liked. From the 'five people you admire' to 'five favorite childhood foods' (pages 76-77). Ovaltine rocks!!! And so does this book.

Also recommended: CREATIVE VISUALIZATION by Shakti Gawain SIMPLE ABUNDANCE by Sarah Ban Breathnach HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT AND WANT WHAT YOU HAVE by John Gray

Life Changing
Al, a professional musician, 01/12/2006

I had been artistically dead for 7 years. This book found ME. From the first page to the last I felt that it was written just for me. I am not an easy sell when it come s to 'self-help'at all but this book saved my life and I am experiencing successes that I could not have dreamed of earlier. If you are an artist or want to understand yourself better, this book will help you.