I’m one more wannabe artist/writer who just can’t seem to get my brilliant ideas together enough to ‘actualize’ them. (lol)
Two friends of mine each reccomended the book ‘The Artists’ Way’ to me, both of them claiming it will help jumpstart my creative endeavors. One of these friends is an actor who has written several plays (and performed them). The other is a concert pianist. I am inclined to give their their advice some credence, cuz’ they are working artists and not the self-absorbed, semi-delusional waiter/waitress types who obsess about their ‘crahhft’ while taking bit parts on soaps or ‘Law & Order’.
I stopped in at my local Barnes & Noble and read through the introduction & first chapter of the book. It seems very New Agey and touchy-feelie; lots of ruminating by the author about seeing the sunset over the Hudson from her Riverside Drive apartment, and how we are simply conduits for the creative power of God. Ahem, heh.
So any one else out there read or ‘used’ this book? Did it help? Is it worth $15.95 + tax?
I bought it for myself, suggested it to a “blocked” friend, and she never gave it back. She said she wasn’t going to do everything they suggested, i.e., daily journal, etc., but if I ever get it back from her, I’d like to take a shot at it. I’ve been blocked for decades!
I began the course set out in the book and enjoyed it. I found it made me think about my ideas about creativity, the sources of my creativity, other stuff.
However, once I got into grad school, I just didn’t have the time to dedicate to it (journals, artist’s dates) nor any of the potential crafty/arty outcomes. So, it’s sitting on my bookshelf.
I do know that in cities and online there are groups who go through the book together, which I thought would be fun and helpful (with the right people, granted).
I’m not much on follow-through for things like journaling, but I did find some very helpful “jump-start” ideas in the book, and when I was able to keep up the journaling it was more helpful.
You might also look for a book called A Whack On The Side Of The Head. Not so much about art/writing per se, more about just thinking creatively, but very helpful just the same.
It is an interesting and helpful little device. It is something to get you psyched about your creativity and will help stop you being so negative on yourself. The new age stuff can be ignored. It also reads similar to the “Inner Game of Tennis/Music” books where they try to help you overcome the nagging doubting voice that focuses on mistakes rather than enjoy your art for what it is.