Books to Inspire Creativity

Writer Julia Cameron Inspires Many On Their Creative Journey

Apr 29, 2007

Over a decade after "The Artists Way" was originally published many still find this book a source of inspiration.

Creativity is becoming more and more popular as people reach for meaning in life, away from the hustle and bustle that inhabits our daily lives. Often people have the desire to be creative but don't know where to start.

Go to any large bookstore and you will find a growing selection of books designed to teach you how to motivate yourself to live a creative existence. There are books on almost every creative genre whether it is writing, painting, crafts or acting. In addition, there are writers that, regardless of the chosen activity, focus on the creative process itself. These writers make it their mission to help you navigate through your creative journey.

One of the most prolific of these writers is Julia Cameron who is an artist, playwright, poet and writer and is perhaps most well known for her best selling book on the creative practice The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity – Penguin Putman. Released in 1992 and re-released in 2002, The Artists Way continues to inspire many and is the first book in a trilogy designed to get you started. “Walking in This World: The Practical Art of Creativity”- Penguin Group released 2002 is basically the intermediate version of The Artist’s Way which helps you to continue your creative growth and the third installment, “Finding Water: The Art of Perseverance” – Penguin Group 2006 is meant to help those already following a creative path to overcome creative blocks and stagnancy.

Morning Pages are three full pages written longhand first thing every morning. In these pages, you write without censoring yourself. You rant, dream, worry and explore in these pages and they help you to “Keep the drama on the page”.

Artist Dates are also a valuable tool to regain creative passion. These are essentially “dates” with your creative self. This time is meant to be spent alone nurturing your creativity. Artist’s dates can range from visiting an art gallery to going to a corner craft store.

Each book consists of a twelve week course designed to gradually get you comfortable with the creative process through the use of tools and exercises which motivate and inspire.

Want to take this journey with others? The Artist’s Way has spawned what are called “creativity clusters” which are groups of compassionate companions who get together to work on course together. Working in such a way can help for many as it gives you a sense of accountability, which can keep you focused and moving forward.

Although this process can be challenging and require courage, growth is not effortless, it takes time but it is an investment in yourself.

The copyright of the article Books to Inspire Creativity in Developing Personal Interests is owned by Belinda Witzenhausen. Permission to republish Books to Inspire Creativity in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.