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The Artist's Way!! Week one  

post #1 of 45
1/21/08 at 4:25am
Thread Starter 
I've bought "The Artist's Way" and the companion workbook...but it's been sitting on my counter for about a week now....I've yet to crack it open.

I used to write. And sometimes writing was the only thing that could calm my soul...but since I got married 2 years ago, I've barely written anything. Having a new baby (to go with my big kids, 10 & 14) didn't do anything to help my creative process. I barely have time to shower, get little sleep, and always have an overabundance of housework to do...so, how am I supposed to find time to devote to my writing?

I've heard that "The Artist's Way" is supposed to be very liberating and inspiring, but I think I have been resisting picking it up...afraid it's going to ask too much of me, afraid I won't be successful at completing it (although the only reason I know it is something to be 'completed' is because I read a review about it, not because I've opened it to check it out).

I know I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to honoring my creative gifts...and allowing myself to enjoy things that really do fulfill me...but I'm having a hard time finding the motivation to just pick up the dang book and get started.
post #2 of 45
1/21/08 at 10:05am
Sounds very interesting, I would love to hear others opinions of it!
post #3 of 45
1/21/08 at 10:30am

Support group

I have had a serious problem with creative blockage. I bought the set of three books in one and it has so far at least gotten my pen moving, though I am not happy with what I have written. I would be happy to start a sort of support group/ study that we each check in here with our insights. She suggests that in the book (the support group)

So how it would work wwould be that we pick a day to check in, say Monday perhaps. We are responsible for reading the chapter and doing the exercises and check in on the next Monday.

I am game, anyone else? I am on the 3rd chapter, but would gladly go back and start over

I am going CRAZY with my lack of creative juices, it seems that I can only write well when I am gong through a tough period, such as heartbreak.

What do you think?
post #4 of 45
1/21/08 at 2:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BelovedK View Post
I have had a serious problem with creative blockage. I bought the set of three books in one and it has so far at least gotten my pen moving, though I am not happy with what I have written. I would be happy to start a sort of support group/ study that we each check in here with our insights. She suggests that in the book (the support group)

So how it would work wwould be that we pick a day to check in, say Monday perhaps. We are responsible for reading the chapter and doing the exercises and check in on the next Monday.

I am game, anyone else? I am on the 3rd chapter, but would gladly go back and start over

I am going CRAZY with my lack of creative juices, it seems that I can only write well when I am gong through a tough period, such as heartbreak.

What do you think?

A support group is a good idea and it requires activity and accountability.

I've been wary of picking up the book because I've heard it is very demanding...and I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with normal responsibilities, ya know?

BelovedK--are you working through TAW right now, like you've already started on the first week, etc?

I think it's a great idea to use Monday's as check in because that gives us a whole week and weekend to get started and get through it.

I wonder if we can get any more people interested.
post #5 of 45
1/23/08 at 9:34am
I would love to be part of a support group. I have started and stopped the AW probably three or four times. This time I want to finish.

I started this morning, struggling with my morning pages. I'll be honest and say I did two pages instead of three. It's a start and I'm not downing myself. I have some work ahead of me; I know this. And this time starting it, I am actually writing again, though not at the pace I would like.
post #6 of 45
1/23/08 at 2:24pm

Monday the 28th? Kickoff date?????

I am up for starting next monday with chapter 1 again. I have started, and have been doing the morning pages but not the artists dates. I have been falling behind.

So, how about Monday the 28th? We can check in with our intentions, then read the chapter and do the exercises and check back in on Monday the 4th of February. Does that sound doable?

You work with one chapter for a month before you move on.

I could use a kick start. I have brought a novel I am working on out of hiding. I am going to finish it, even if it is complete crap. I have to experience completing something, I could learn alot.
post #7 of 45
1/23/08 at 2:45pm
Sign me up! I'll have the book and workbook tomorrow (thank you, Amazon), and I'm excited about getting started.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BelovedK View Post
I could use a kick start. I have brought a novel I am working on out of hiding. I am going to finish it, even if it is complete crap. I have to experience completing something, I could learn alot.
That's exactly what I'm feeling and doing. I started a novel in November that I'd love to finish, even if it turns out to be awful.
post #8 of 45
1/23/08 at 3:38pm
Ok, do I need the book and the workbook then??
post #9 of 45
1/23/08 at 4:47pm
Just the book.
post #10 of 45
1/24/08 at 2:12am
Thread Starter 
Is it one month?

I thought it was one week per chapter?

Did I read that wrong? Or are we just adopting that rule for the support group?
post #11 of 45
1/24/08 at 9:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cjanelles View Post
Is it one month?

I thought it was one week per chapter?

Did I read that wrong? Or are we just adopting that rule for the support group?
It IS one week. I don't know what I was thinking
post #12 of 45
1/24/08 at 9:40am
Ok, I'll *try* and go get this this weekend.
post #13 of 45
1/26/08 at 12:22am
Jan 28 sounds good to me. I'll look at the couple days this week that I managed to do part of my morning pages as just a practice run. I have tried to do this more than a few times now, and I really really want to finish. It is so true what Julia Cameron says about avoiding what you truly need. I need to finish. I've been blocked and have come out the other side, but it's not always easy to sustain. It's tough at times. I guess I'm hoping the Artist's Way helps me in some small way. What does everyone hope for?
post #14 of 45
1/26/08 at 12:30am
My creativity is not gone, it is just...well...I am not sure where it is. I HOPE to find it and make a reconnection.

I have no doubt that it will work. I am going to make it happen
post #15 of 45
1/28/08 at 1:02pm

Monday Jan 28th Kick off!

Hi all

I didn't do morning pages this morning, my DS was up during the night with intense ear pain we actually went to the dr this am (we usually don't do that, it was THAT bad)

I thought we could all start the book today with the prologue and chapter one. We start our morning pages tomorrow (if you didn't do them this morning)

There can be discussion throughout the week, and next monday we can kick off chapter two

Who is in?
post #16 of 45
1/28/08 at 6:48pm
I'm in!

I did the reading on Sunday and did my "morning" pages this afternoon when my son got into his playtime groove.

I'm looking forward to doing this week's exercises, they seem interesting and worthwhile.

I think the hardest thing for me will be the artist's dates. I have a hard time squeezing in a solo shower, let alone two whole hours a week *alone*! My husband is very willing to help me with this, though, so I think I'll be able to work something out.

Here's to a good week, writer mamas!
post #17 of 45
1/28/08 at 8:59pm
is it just the two of us? it's totally ok if it is, I just thought more were interested.

The artist dates will be tricky for me too, I just stay so busy and I can't think of what to do, can we take our artist to the movies?
post #18 of 45
1/28/08 at 10:57pm
I'm in! I didn't do my morning pages today, but my alarm clock is set to sneak out of bed before I have to get hubby out the door. For me this is about taking some time for me and feeling like I can take some time for me. And feeling safe about it.

If hubby can take time out of the week to golf, well, I can find some space to write and nurture my soul. Easier said than done...but...I'm working on it!
post #19 of 45
1/28/08 at 11:33pm
YAY!!!

My son still has a wicked ear infection. He is 12, but he had me up all night. I hope he gets a good night's rest, that will make it easier to do MP, I will anyway though
post #20 of 45
1/29/08 at 12:53am
I wasn't able to get the book yet, maybe I can jump in next week?
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