Julia Cameron -- If She Can't Get You Inspired...

by Songül Arslan

There are times when we are so worn-out and empty that nothing seems to get us inspired. Every little act, no matter how small, can seem insurmountably difficult and can eat away the last bit of our energy. When you feel that drained, I advise you to read one of Julia Cameron's books.

I came across her books on the internet when I was surfing for inspiration. I stumbled upon The Right to Write : An Invitation and Initiation into the Writing Life and decided to give it a try and see if it could really jump start my creativity. The first thing that struck me was that it was as though Julia Cameron was speaking directly to me in her writing. That feeling stuck with me from the beginning to the end, something that can be very consoling if you feel left alone with your writer's block.

So who is Julia Cameron? She is an artist, a fiction writer, a poet, a composer, a journalist, a playwright and an essayist. She has written about twenty-four books, ranging from novels to poetry collections, and she has also written for TV. If anyone is qualified to write about inspiration and creativity, it's Julia Cameron.

After finishing The Right to Write, I felt more alive and was sure that my writer's block would soon come to an end. The thing is, it wasn't only my writing that was blocked, but other parts of my life as well. Because I found Cameron's book so invigorating, I decided to read her The Artist's Way as well.

This book is a joy to read, and very accessible to everyone. Each chapter builds on what has come before, making it a book that truly helps you grow. The strength of the book is that it is not only to be read, but also "done." Cameron recommends a number of exercises, and one called "The Morning Pages" features strongly. Every day when you get up, she says, there is one thing you should do first: write three pages in your journal. It doesn't matter what or who it is about, just write. Forget your inner critic and censor and just write and go on, no matter how simple, ridiculous, or mundane it might seem.

The Morning Pages seems like a simple assignment, but it takes hard work to accomplish. To be honest, I don't do it every day, but still I reap the benefits of doing it just a few times a week. I have become more focused, not only in my writing but also in my work. While writing, ideas pop into my head that I never would have discovered if I wasn't sitting down, forced to come up with three pages of ideas. When I miss a day, I make up on other days by writing more, even if I repeat what I have already written. If nothing else, it keeps me busy.

Another prominent exercise in the book is my favourite: "The Artist's Date." The Artist is you, of course, and you have to take yourself on a date. This is no a regular date, however, but a date that surpasses the boundaries of traditional dates. You make and take time for yourself, take time off from what you are doing and do something to inspire you, at least once a week. You fill the well in your mind with new, colourful images and visions and other senses, especially when you do something you have never done before. The key is that you have to do it alone, because the date is with you, the artist. I could have thought of a thousand reasons not to take myself on an Artist's Date--"why should I do this alone" or "why should I spend money on an advised activity", but in the end I really got the idea behind this exercise. Now? I'm totally hooked.

Since I started exploring my creativity with the help of Cameron, I've discovered more of her books and I've learned that in addition to being helpful in the creative process, they are a great pleasure to read. Her words are made up of little magical tinglings that show clarity and perspective, an art in itself. I am glad that Vein of Gold and Walking in this World are waiting for me when I'm ready. I am certain the creative advice they hold will help me further on my way. I hope she will continue to write these books since I plan on reading them all, and I know that once I am finished, I will be gasping greedily for more.