Chapter #44: Inside The Artist's Way

“It is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.”

Feeling My Shelf is a bi-weekly newsletter about books, life, and well, life with books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and get comfy. Note: This week’s email is a little longer than normal so you may have to expand in a browser. Now, onto some recent reads!

1. A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

   It's a book lover’s dream, literally. Eileen, aka Elsy’s trip north for a solo stay at a cabin in the woods hits an interesting snag when her car unexpectedly breaks down, and she finds herself stranded in a quaint little town that’s eerily similar to the one in her favorite romance series. Spoiler alert, but not really: that’s because it is the small town—the weather, businesses, and people just as her favorite, late author described them in her books. I’ll be honest; I thought Elsy was on something. I could not figure out what was happening, though I kept reading (at lightning speed) because the dynamics between Elsy and a grumpy bookstore were too good to stop. And as things finally came together, my heart swelled. 

2. Funny Story by Emily Henry

   Emily Henry’s signature wit is on full display in this story following Daphne and Miles, roommates haphazardly thrown together when their respective exes dump them to date each other. This is basically New Girl in book form! 1) Two recently dumped people living under one roof — the quirky, bookish woman who works with children and the messy, oddly charming, aimless male bartender. 2) Both characters fight the obvious chemistry buzzing between them, creating delicious “will they/won’t they” tension. 3.) And an eclectic, lovable cast of supporting characters to round things out. 

I've always read self-help books, seeking advice on everything from productivity hacks to mindfulness techniques. But I admit I was skeptical of The Artist's Way.

Every time I passed the shelf it was on in my usual bookstore, it caught my eye. Not because the cover is particularly eye-catching but because of how it was displayed—front and center, beckoning every passerby to stop and pick it up. So, one day, I did. A quick Google search left me feeling equal parts intrigued and doubtful. A 12-week course to unblock creativity? Interesting. The cult-like following that raves about the method? It had to be too good to be true. 

But, at the time, my creativity felt stuck in a permanent traffic jam, and my usual tricks weren't working. These exercises could help me overcome the barriers I faced and rekindle my passion. So, with cautious optimism, I embarked on the journey, ready to see if The Artist's Way could genuinely make a difference.

What is The Artists Way:

The Artist's Way, first published in 1992 by Julia Cameron is a self-help guide designed to assist people in recovering their creative self and overcoming creative blocks. The book is structured as a 12-week course, each week focusing on different aspects of creativity and providing exercises and tools to help readers reconnect with their artistic side. The course is often recommended by artists, writers, and other creative professionals seeking to ✨rejuvenate✨ their creative processes (ahem, like me!)

Overall Themes and Goals

• Overcoming Creative Blocks: The book addresses common barriers to creativity, like self-doubt, fear of failure (!), and perfectionism (!!).

• Rediscovery of Creativity: It aims to help readers rediscover their creative passions, whether writing, art, music, etc.

• Healing Through Creativity: Cameron views creativity as a spiritual practice that can lead to personal healing and growth.

The main tools:

I can sum this them up in one sentence. The greatest tool you’ll ever meet (artist dates) and the worst (morning pages.)

• Morning Pages: One of the core tools, Morning Pages involve writing three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing as soon as you wake up. This practice is supposed to help clear the mind, process emotions, and tap into deeper creative thoughts.

• Artist Dates: Readers are encouraged to take a weekly solo expedition to nurture the inner artist. These dates are meant to be fun and indulgent, aimed at replenishing creative resources.

Other key components:

• Weekly Exercises: Each week of the course introduces specific tasks and exercises designed to unblock creativity, such as identifying and confronting negative beliefs, exploring neglected interests, and acknowledging accomplishments.

• Creative Affirmations: The book is super big on affirmations, provided to help shift negative self-talk and reinforce positive beliefs about one's creative abilities.

Weekly Recaps

Each chapter of The Artist’s Way builds on the previous one, guiding readers through a broad journey of creative recovery and empowerment. Below, you’ll find info on the topics discussed and my thoughts on each week.

My first Artist Date!

Week 1: Recovering a Sense of Safety

• This chapter focuses on identifying and overcoming negative self-beliefs and fears that hinder creativity. It introduces the concept of the Morning Pages and stresses the importance of self-compassion in the creative process. It all immediately felt a little “woo woo.” My morning pages were a bit ramble-y, but I liked the additional exercises (creative monster hall of fame, writing a petty letter to the editor.) It’s funny how my “monsters” (i.e. the people who breathed negativity into our creative life at some point) aren’t my parents, as the book implied. My monsters didn’t appear in my story until college, which was an interesting realization for me.

• Quote I loved: “Very often audacity, not talent, makes one person an artist and another a shadow artist — hiding in the shadows, afraid to step out and expose the dream to the light, fearful that it will disintegrate to the touch.”

• Morning Pages Count: 6/7 — My hands hurt so much by end of week. I need to step away from the computer more often.

• Artist Date: I saw Black Cypress Bayou at the Geffen Playhouse.

Week 2: Recovering a Sense of Identity

• This chapter emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and personal validation, encouraging us to reclaim our creative dreams. Week two was a little meh for me. I (once again) missed a day of morning pages and didn’t find the exercises as fun. There was a lot of referring back to the previous week.

• Quote I loved: “Do not let your self doubt turn into self sabotage.” (Easier said then done.)

• Morning Pages Count: 6/7

• Artist Date: Craft night where I made my own felt tip pens (also, easier said then done.)

Week 3: Recovering a Sense of Power

• This chapter deals with confronting the internal and external blocks of creativity. It focuses on anger and synchronicity as tools for creative growth and encourages setting boundaries to protect creative energy. I journaled all seven days this week and was most impressed that I journaled in public on one of those days! I felt like the main character in a movie journaling while I sipped a latte with barista sounds in the background. Journaling has cleared my head, and I’ve started writing (non-journal things!) again.

• Quote I loved: “We say we are scared by failure, but what frightens us more is the possibility of success.”

• Morning Pages Count: 7/7

• Artist Date: A good old fashioned ice cream date at Van Leeuwen in Studio City.

Fun flea market finds

Week 4: Recovering a Sense of Integrity

• The chapter emphasizes honesty and authenticity in creative expression and introduces the concept of " reading deprivation" to refocus on personal creativity. We examined the discrepancies between our current lives and our true desires. It has been my worst journaling week so far, but I have been on the move (!) and taking some personal risks — which, in line with this week's messages, are more of what I genuinely want to do. 

• Quote I loved: “As we gain–or regain— our creative identity, we lose the false self we were sustaining.”

• Morning Pages Count: 4/7

• Artist Date: A morning of browsing at the Pasadena City College Flea Market

Week 5: Recovering a Sense of Possibility

• This chapter is about expanding one's creative horizons and overcoming self-imposed limitations. It encourages experimentation and openness to new ideas, fostering a sense of creative abundance. It was another bad journaling week, but I made some strides creatively with my writing group. I also got some very unexpected inspo for future writing. I loved the speed-writing wishlist exercise — writing down all the zany things I wish I could do or have— because, as Cameron says, "wishes can be frivolous." So, of course, one of the things I wrote was, "I wish I wrote a book that was selected as a Beyoncé Book Club pick."

• Quote I loved: “By replacing no way with maybe, we open the door to mystery and to magic.”

• Morning Pages Count: 4/7

• Artist Date: Kept it simple and spent a few hours putting together this puzzle.

Hey, look! I can make more than just mugs

Week 6: Recovering a Sense of Abundance

• This week is about tackling a major creative block: money! It encourages generosity to oneself and a shift from scarcity to abundance thinking. Funny enough, this is the week I learned I was getting another raise at work.

• Quote I loved: “Creativity is not and never has been sensible.”

• Morning Pages Count: 6/7

• Artist Date: A solo movie date that featured a childhood favorite and the superior theater candy — Buncha Crunch!

Week 7: Recovering a Sense of Connection

• This chapter was about listening—a key component in tapping into our creative self and breaking free from perfectionism. I was tasked with thinking about the things that I’d try if I didn’t have to do them perfectly. For me, that’s shooting videos and (pauses because it feels cringe to write out loud) launching a YouTube channel. I loved that my Artist Date was something discussed in this chapter—collaging because I love a good vision board session. 

• Quote I loved: “Expect the universe to support your dream. It will.”

• Morning Pages Count: 7/7 (Another perfect journaling week!)

• Artist Date: I made a mini vision board focused solely on creativity

Week 8: Recovering a Sense of Strength

• The chapter discusses accepting and moving on from losses and setbacks and how time is a great adversary. We talk ourselves out of trying things and being beginners because we’re “too old” or “too young.” We jump ahead in steps, worrying about the end instead of focusing on the creative process—for example, selling the novel vs. writing pages. I feel called out every week, and this one was no different. 

• Quote I loved: “Focused on process, our creative life retains a sense of adventure.”

• Morning Pages Count: 4/7

• Artist Date: I finally went back to pottery and made four new pieces!

Not a painter, but this was fun

Week 9: Recovering a Sense of Compassion

• This chapter addresses the issue of self-criticism and encourages self-care and kindness. It introduces the concept of creative U-turns and how to recover from setbacks. AGAIN, EASIER SAID THAN DONE.

• Quote I loved: “Do not call the inability to start laziness. Call it fear.”

• Morning Pages Count: 3/7

• Artist Date: I am not a painter at all. And yet, I found myself sipping a matcha and painting with watercolors on the patio of a coffee shop this week.

Week 10: Recovering a Sense of Self Protection

• The chapter is all about protecting one’s peace. It emphasizes the importance of solitude, boundaries, and creating a safe environment for creativity to flourish. I’m not good at setting boundaries, but with the tips in this chapter, I hope to get better. 

• Quote I loved: “The need to win—now!—is a need to win approval from others. As an antidote, we must learn to approve of ourselves. Showing up for the work is the win that matters.”

• Morning Pages Count: 2/7

• Artist Date: My favorite book event of the year: The L.A. Times Festival of Books

Week 11: Recovering a Sense of Autonomy

• This chapter focuses on the importance of self-direction and independence in the creative process. We're encouraged to take responsibility for our creative lives and trust our inner voice. I was also tasked with building an "artist's altar" filled with visuals and knick-knacks that feed my inner artist. As someone who already collects a bunch of random shit (those little bins by the register in any store always get me!) loved this.

• Quote I loved: “To be an artist is to recognize the particular. To appreciate the peculiar. To allow a sense of play in your relationship to accepted standards.”

• Morning Pages Count: 2/7

• Artist Date: I baked lemon crinkle cookies! They didn’t turn out the way they were supposed to, but they tasted good (which is really all that counts right?)

Week 12: Recovering a Sense of Faith

• We’ve made it to the final week, which is all about the importance of faith in oneself and the creative process. This chapter emphasizes the role of creativity as a spiritual practice and encourages continued commitment to artistic growth and exploration. In a nutshell, keep doing everything I’vee been doing over the last 12 weeks. 

• Quote I loved: “Each of us has an inner dream that we can unfold if we will just have the courage to admit what it is. And the faith to trust our own admission.”

• Morning Pages Count: 3/7

• Artists Date: I went of a creative field trip of sorts to Remainders Creative Reuse in Pasadena, a craft thrift store. Who knew places like this existed?

Final Thoughts:

Did The Artist's Way unblock my creativity? Surprisingly, yes. Artist Dates rekindled my sense of wonder and inspiration. The exercises pushed me to confront and overcome my creative blocks, gradually shifting my once-skeptical mindset. After the last 12 weeks, I've prioritized creativity, feeling more inspired and productive than in years. But most importantly, it didn't just unstick my creative flow; it reshaped how I view and nurture my artistic self. Yes, my inner artist must be nurtured, not just forced to whip out content on demand (or deadlines).

Conversely, I was ready to toss this book at a few points. The writing is a bit repetitive. Many times, I found myself desperately wanting a cliff notes version. Oh, and I absolutely loathe Morning Pages. Sorry, not sorry. I will not continue to do those. I think journaling is good when the urge to "brain dump" hits, but every day? Not for me. But I'm happy I gave it a try. 

This is truly the kind of book you go back to.

In closing, If you're intrigued and feeling "blocked" creatively, I say go for it because if there's one thing I learned, it's that "it is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity."

I mentioned in my last newsletter that I was currently reading When I Think of You by Myah Ariel (a second-chance romance set against the backdrop of Hollywood). But, funny story, I got sidetracked when I got a notification from Libby Funny Story became available so I pivoted. Promise that I’ll actually be diving into it time.

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