I'm only on my 25th day. I'm not an artist but I was very stuck for months. My wife put this book in my hand. The book itself bored me but I read the introduction and immediately understood the power of this writing and there is already a huge change in everything that happens to me. I decided to write for 3 months and then see what happens next.
I am shocked how this post appeared in my feed. I bought this book from a thrift store over a decade ago and I was glued to it. Re-read it over and over and used yellow highlights throughout. Like you, I still have my morning pages. This book was so life changing that I had even ordered another one from Amazon to gift a friend. Its a life changing book. As I write this, I see it on the shelf of my hutch. After feeling stuck and unmotivated, feeling I need to giveup on my creative endeavors, this post is a reminder that I have the answer right there on the shelf. With all the chaos of life in recent years I totally forgot how impactful this book was in my life. Thank you sooo much for the reminder! New follower here!
I find it interesting that he kept his journal in the large college ruled books. I did so as well. I started in 1983 and filled my last book in 1991. When I stacked the books up, they almost reached my waist.
THAT, my friend, is freakin' awesome. I must confess, I had fallen out of the habit for a long, long while. But, I'm back at it again and I'm already well on my way to adding a new notebook to the pile!
Im currently 25 yrs old, feeling burnt out and overwhelmed my how unstimulating adult life can be when you aren’t going after your creative pursuits whatever they may be. I purchase the book a year ago on a recommendation, and have yet to even skim through the introduction. Im feeling disillusioned with my life choices and have a plan that I refuse to be swayed from by anyone, even myself. I hope this book truly is as life changing as everyone claims. Thank you for making this video and sharing your experience. Here goes nothing…
Don't give up on yourself! You'd be pleasantly surprised what just a little additional effort on a daily basis can do to turn everything around for you. The fact is... I've stopped doing my morning pages, and it's time for me to get back into the habit. Your note inspires me to make a point of it. Have you cracked open that book yet? Keep us posted on how it goes!
I've stumble upon the book in my Tiktok fyp (I guess every generation has its "Bible", and for the Y's is this one). I confess that in the first videos I've watched, I didn't gave so much credibility, because was just a lot of young people sayin how the book changed their lifes in a complete romantic (and woowie) way. So I've decided to check reviews on UA-cam. You were the first video sugested for me, and you, my friend, gave me the credibility I was looking for. Great video! Today I will go after the book, hope to find it here in Brasil. Btw, loved your videos!
Super glad to hear this! Yeah, I've found that sometimes, I can really get into the flow and reveal ideas that were hidden under the surface that I didn't even know I could produce. Keep it up! It's amazing how far it can take you!
This is the best video on The Artist Way book. I appreciate your presentation here. Your opinions are short and sweet, straight to the point. You are able to hilights for us what works for you. Morning journaling. Artist date. What is the third point? No worries, i shall go rewatch your video. It is very important when you said you have much clarity in your life after regular journaling. I have written some eBook but zero sales but i wanted to keep writing. Maybe journaling will help improve my writing, i wrote on my phone, i know is a big nono, i will have to write my journal with a pen and notebook.
Please note: I am not (as of this posting) a paid affiliate of any online book sellers or the like. The Artist's Way is currently available via any decent sized bookstore, online or brick & mortar. I got my copy sometime in the late '90s. The current version is a slightly updated "25th Anniversary" edition, but the contents are still very much the same.
I'm revisiting the points of this book decades later...i don't handwrite them anymore, i can type so fast that i get all my thoughts out. And if i remember correctly you destroy the pages. So each morning i delete the day before and get it all out again. Maybe if I was younger i would think of handwriting them but I want to save my hands for my artwork. The religious slant definitely put me off but I did overlook it back in the day and found a lot of benefit from this book. Brain dumping has been a life changer/saver, A weekly date has given me so much more joy and self care and the 5 alternative lives exercise is so fun when you find little ways to incorporate those things into your 'now' life. When i do that exercise, I try to question the underlying reason i would want that alternative life and then it's easier to see how i can add it to my life.
you have a comfortable voice to listen to. I've heard that there's a higher chance people click away when you change the audio quality, which you did at 3:11. I think I'm gonna start writing 3 (or maybe first 1) page every morning, without stopping the writing. Do you have any questions you like to ask yourself during journalling? I'd like to take my practice to a next level.
Thanks for pointing out the change in the audio quality. I'm going to figure out how to manage that in future videos, although it may take a few more tries before I figure out how to do what I was attempting (voice-over as opposed to direct recording.) As for approaches to the morning pages, one thing I've been doing recently is to start with "what do I feel grateful about today", and then move on to my normal writing. But, usually, I start with whatever is foremost on my mind, and take it from there. Hope this helps!
storyteller yessir!! i've started doing morning pages since you shared in synthesizer school. it's such good practice for my mind. sidenotes: i'm quite inconsistent at the moment. and i also might do it in afternoons or nights instead of the morning.
At the end of the day, morning pages are a tool that you should use as suits you best. For a very long time, the only way I could write them consistently was in the morning... and, during another period of my life, I could only write them late at night after the rest of the house was asleep. And, don't beat yourself up for being inconsistent. Do what you can, and eventually you'll find a rhythm that works for you.
I stumbled upon this video less than 10 minutes ago, and remembered that I had bought The Artist's Way years ago, and didn't get far with it. I was surprised to find my copy (a 1995 edition) close to hand in my bookshelves, despite having moved house several times. I intend to give it another go and see if it can help me. Thank you!
Required reading at Evergreen State College Indigenous Studies Program. "Artists Way" and Joseph Campbells "Hero's Journey," contain tools and instructions to a creative, purposeful life
An excellent question, and it's a toughie to answer because there was no single reason. I think having kids followed by having marital strife led me to take my writing outlet to a different channel. Instead of employing morning pages at the beginning of the day, I posted my thoughts on a pseudonymous blog where I could work through all the conflicting thoughts that were swirling around in my mind, but also get feedback from readers. One thing about morning pages is that it helps you to clear out your mind and reveal what remains, but with a public blog (that wasn't under my real name) I could clear out my mind and get additional minds to act as a sanity check on my thought processes. It was what I needed at the time. But, when those issues were resolved and my life went onto its new direction, I didn't return to morning pages as a regular habit. Rather, I would engage occasionally. Still helpful, but not as much. I'm likely to return to them. But, in the meantime, there's kids to raise, other writing projects that help me to clear out the mental gunk, and now this vlog. We'll see where this all leads together, yes? :-)
@@theinrisfilesare you on the spectrum? Marriage can be hard enough, but especially if you're on the spectrum. People on the spectrum can often be so bright, innovative, focused (especial on a special interest), however can really struggle with the compromise, collaboration, perspective taking, expressive empathy. This can provide a challenge to the relating aspects of relationship. Marriage hits on our biggest insecurities and deepest wounds. Mark Hutten, on you tube, has really helped me post neurodiverse relationship.
@@bluebellbeatnik4945 I’m very, very well aware. My ex is on the spectrum, and I am left waving in the wind with most, 95%, of the parental duties. It was a very difficult relationship and still lingers, as our child has a ways to go until adulthood (and has had health issues). I’m exhausted
In the book, Cameron insists that there's a completely different quality to the writing in terms of how your mind engages with the writing process when you write by hand as opposed to typing, and in my personal experience, I've found this to be true. Assuming you know how to touch type, handwriting feels like it takes more work than typing your thoughts, so it seems to me that you end up engaging more with what you're writing because you're always thinking of ways to write your thoughts with more precision; to make it more compact. I can't say for certain that's what's really going on, but that's how it feels; in my experience, "automatic writing" gets more of your mind's processing power when you filter it through your pen as opposed to your keyboard. The act of putting in that extra effort and that extra choosiness with your words makes the connection between you and the words more intimate. Go ahead and give handwriting a try and see how it feels after you've done it for a bit. My experience with the morning pages led to me writing roughly two thirds of my first novel's first draft by hand rather than typing it, and I noticed a difference in the texture of the writing; in how engaging it was. I'd be curious to know if you experience the same thing.
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." ~Pablo Picasso
that old domestic abuser, kidnapper and misogynist!
I bought this book when I was in art school. It has been my "Bible" for decades. It is so full of inspiration and wisdom.🥰
I'm only on my 25th day. I'm not an artist but I was very stuck for months. My wife put this book in my hand. The book itself bored me but I read the introduction and immediately understood the power of this writing and there is already a huge change in everything that happens to me. I decided to write for 3 months and then see what happens next.
how did it bore you???
So, how did it go?
I am shocked how this post appeared in my feed. I bought this book from a thrift store over a decade ago and I was glued to it. Re-read it over and over and used yellow highlights throughout. Like you, I still have my morning pages. This book was so life changing that I had even ordered another one from Amazon to gift a friend. Its a life changing book. As I write this, I see it on the shelf of my hutch. After feeling stuck and unmotivated, feeling I need to giveup on my creative endeavors, this post is a reminder that I have the answer right there on the shelf. With all the chaos of life in recent years I totally forgot how impactful this book was in my life. Thank you sooo much for the reminder! New follower here!
There are two sequels to this book.
I find it interesting that he kept his journal in the large college ruled books. I did so as well. I started in 1983 and filled my last book in 1991. When I stacked the books up, they almost reached my waist.
THAT, my friend, is freakin' awesome. I must confess, I had fallen out of the habit for a long, long while. But, I'm back at it again and I'm already well on my way to adding a new notebook to the pile!
Im currently 25 yrs old, feeling burnt out and overwhelmed my how unstimulating adult life can be when you aren’t going after your creative pursuits whatever they may be. I purchase the book a year ago on a recommendation, and have yet to even skim through the introduction. Im feeling disillusioned with my life choices and have a plan that I refuse to be swayed from by anyone, even myself. I hope this book truly is as life changing as everyone claims. Thank you for making this video and sharing your experience. Here goes nothing…
Don't give up on yourself! You'd be pleasantly surprised what just a little additional effort on a daily basis can do to turn everything around for you. The fact is... I've stopped doing my morning pages, and it's time for me to get back into the habit. Your note inspires me to make a point of it. Have you cracked open that book yet? Keep us posted on how it goes!
Wanda! How are we doing? Any updates? :)
I've stumble upon the book in my Tiktok fyp (I guess every generation has its "Bible", and for the Y's is this one). I confess that in the first videos I've watched, I didn't gave so much credibility, because was just a lot of young people sayin how the book changed their lifes in a complete romantic (and woowie) way. So I've decided to check reviews on UA-cam. You were the first video sugested for me, and you, my friend, gave me the credibility I was looking for. Great video! Today I will go after the book, hope to find it here in Brasil. Btw, loved your videos!
I tried it :) did non stop writing for 45 minutes (3 pages) and it really cleared my mind about something I had to work through. Thanks for the tip!
Super glad to hear this! Yeah, I've found that sometimes, I can really get into the flow and reveal ideas that were hidden under the surface that I didn't even know I could produce. Keep it up! It's amazing how far it can take you!
This is the best video on The Artist Way book. I appreciate your presentation here. Your opinions are short and sweet, straight to the point. You are able to hilights for us what works for you. Morning journaling. Artist date. What is the third point? No worries, i shall go rewatch your video. It is very important when you said you have much clarity in your life after regular journaling. I have written some eBook but zero sales but i wanted to keep writing. Maybe journaling will help improve my writing, i wrote on my phone, i know is a big nono, i will have to write my journal with a pen and notebook.
Thank you I found that video very educating
Thank you for sharing your ideas on this end. It is great keep up the good work and keep going!
Please note: I am not (as of this posting) a paid affiliate of any online book sellers or the like. The Artist's Way is currently available via any decent sized bookstore, online or brick & mortar. I got my copy sometime in the late '90s. The current version is a slightly updated "25th Anniversary" edition, but the contents are still very much the same.
I can tell this is going to be my new favourite youtube channel
I'm revisiting the points of this book decades later...i don't handwrite them anymore, i can type so fast that i get all my thoughts out. And if i remember correctly you destroy the pages. So each morning i delete the day before and get it all out again. Maybe if I was younger i would think of handwriting them but I want to save my hands for my artwork. The religious slant definitely put me off but I did overlook it back in the day and found a lot of benefit from this book. Brain dumping has been a life changer/saver, A weekly date has given me so much more joy and self care and the 5 alternative lives exercise is so fun when you find little ways to incorporate those things into your 'now' life. When i do that exercise, I try to question the underlying reason i would want that alternative life and then it's easier to see how i can add it to my life.
you have a comfortable voice to listen to. I've heard that there's a higher chance people click away when you change the audio quality, which you did at 3:11.
I think I'm gonna start writing 3 (or maybe first 1) page every morning, without stopping the writing. Do you have any questions you like to ask yourself during journalling? I'd like to take my practice to a next level.
Thanks for pointing out the change in the audio quality. I'm going to figure out how to manage that in future videos, although it may take a few more tries before I figure out how to do what I was attempting (voice-over as opposed to direct recording.)
As for approaches to the morning pages, one thing I've been doing recently is to start with "what do I feel grateful about today", and then move on to my normal writing. But, usually, I start with whatever is foremost on my mind, and take it from there.
Hope this helps!
storyteller yessir!! i've started doing morning pages since you shared in synthesizer school. it's such good practice for my mind.
sidenotes:
i'm quite inconsistent at the moment.
and i also might do it in afternoons or nights instead of the morning.
At the end of the day, morning pages are a tool that you should use as suits you best. For a very long time, the only way I could write them consistently was in the morning... and, during another period of my life, I could only write them late at night after the rest of the house was asleep. And, don't beat yourself up for being inconsistent. Do what you can, and eventually you'll find a rhythm that works for you.
I stumbled upon this video less than 10 minutes ago, and remembered that I had bought The Artist's Way years ago, and didn't get far with it. I was surprised to find my copy (a 1995 edition) close to hand in my bookshelves, despite having moved house several times. I intend to give it another go and see if it can help me. Thank you!
With your morning coffee is a great time too.
Great vid! Will have to give this book a read
Let us know how you like it once you've given it a shot! It really is a fantastic workbook.
Required reading at Evergreen State College Indigenous Studies Program. "Artists Way" and Joseph Campbells "Hero's Journey," contain tools and instructions to a creative, purposeful life
Love this book!
I loved this book
Well done and we'll said ! Thank you so much
I will try that, thank you 🙏
Be sure to come back here and tell us how it goes!
*Thank you!*
Why did you stop the morning pages?
An excellent question, and it's a toughie to answer because there was no single reason. I think having kids followed by having marital strife led me to take my writing outlet to a different channel. Instead of employing morning pages at the beginning of the day, I posted my thoughts on a pseudonymous blog where I could work through all the conflicting thoughts that were swirling around in my mind, but also get feedback from readers. One thing about morning pages is that it helps you to clear out your mind and reveal what remains, but with a public blog (that wasn't under my real name) I could clear out my mind and get additional minds to act as a sanity check on my thought processes. It was what I needed at the time. But, when those issues were resolved and my life went onto its new direction, I didn't return to morning pages as a regular habit. Rather, I would engage occasionally. Still helpful, but not as much. I'm likely to return to them. But, in the meantime, there's kids to raise, other writing projects that help me to clear out the mental gunk, and now this vlog. We'll see where this all leads together, yes? :-)
@@theinrisfilesare you on the spectrum?
Marriage can be hard enough, but especially if you're on the spectrum.
People on the spectrum can often be so bright, innovative, focused (especial on a special interest), however can really struggle with the compromise, collaboration, perspective taking, expressive empathy. This can provide a challenge to the relating aspects of relationship. Marriage hits on our biggest insecurities and deepest wounds. Mark Hutten, on you tube, has really helped me post neurodiverse relationship.
@@Alphacentauri819 also very hard for the wives of men on the spectrum! It's harder.
@@bluebellbeatnik4945 I’m very, very well aware.
My ex is on the spectrum, and I am left waving in the wind with most, 95%, of the parental duties. It was a very difficult relationship and still lingers, as our child has a ways to go until adulthood (and has had health issues). I’m exhausted
why do you think that I should to stick to writing by hand and not on the computer??
In the book, Cameron insists that there's a completely different quality to the writing in terms of how your mind engages with the writing process when you write by hand as opposed to typing, and in my personal experience, I've found this to be true. Assuming you know how to touch type, handwriting feels like it takes more work than typing your thoughts, so it seems to me that you end up engaging more with what you're writing because you're always thinking of ways to write your thoughts with more precision; to make it more compact. I can't say for certain that's what's really going on, but that's how it feels; in my experience, "automatic writing" gets more of your mind's processing power when you filter it through your pen as opposed to your keyboard. The act of putting in that extra effort and that extra choosiness with your words makes the connection between you and the words more intimate.
Go ahead and give handwriting a try and see how it feels after you've done it for a bit. My experience with the morning pages led to me writing roughly two thirds of my first novel's first draft by hand rather than typing it, and I noticed a difference in the texture of the writing; in how engaging it was. I'd be curious to know if you experience the same thing.
By hand is good ✨️
I journal on a daily is it still worth getting it?
Yes. The book has a lot of other exercises that can be very constructive and thought-provoking. I definitely found the book to be worth it.