The Artist's Way

Is a book by Julia Cameron that I found some time back in a charity shop in an industrial estate in Cherry Orchard, in Dublin.

I bought it because at a first browse it seemed interesting and it made great promises about unblocking your creative self. I have been dreaming about unblocking it for about 25 years so another book to the collection on the topic does not hurt.

I started reading the book diligently, as you do when you start a new diet, really committed. I read a few pages each morning while having my coffee. It made sense, it was nice, it proposed exercises that are meant to help you get going with your chosen art. Not just writing, any creative endeavour you might undertake.

One of the exercises that it prescribes is to write every morning for a set amount of time. Free writing, for yourself, not thinking about anyone else’s opinions, and ignoring the voice in your head (or voices?), yeah you know it, that voice that continuously criticizes you.

For a bit I did this exercise, not long enough though to reap its benefits, I don't think. I do recommend the book though, it is not fakeish it feels quite genuine.

I thought about it because since I got this page, a tip from my beloved better half, I want to write in it, I want to make use of it, but I am a very slow writer and fighting daemons takes so much of my time that I barely get to write.

So, I remembered the book and the advice to write about anything, no matter what, just write, the action in itself is important because it makes writing a part of your daily activities, and then, when/if you do not write, you will miss it, the act of writing.

If you like this type of books I can write about others, I have read some during my ongoing battles.

I do hope that by writing no matter what I will be able to write more fiction.

That is what I love, stories, characters, situations, creating. So, here's hoping!