Being fairly new, in both the blogging and writing worlds, I would not venture to advise anyone on the subject of books on writing. However because it is today’s theme for the 2011 WordCount Blogathon, I will gladly oblige. Contrary to what this post’s title announces, I only have two…
The pleasure and the excitement I felt in reading, Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, simply put them on the top of my personal list, on this subject. They were both instrumental in helping me finding my writing courage, the one I did not know I possessed.
Last year, I went through quite a bit of struggle with Julia Cameron’s morning pages. Discovering how freeing it was to do them regularly rain or shine, took a while longer than previously expected, but I stuck with it. Looking back I am glad I plowed through, as it gave me the discipline of daily writing. This regular ritual, where I find myself able to hear my own thoughts free of any outside distractions, has become essential to me. It’s like I am breathing through my pen.
In Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg’s short essays explaining some of her techniques and her own struggle was something that truly gave me the desire to go through with writing. Her simple exercises, the themes and ideas she offers were inspiring. Teaching me how to keep the creative juices going was simply invaluable.
Yesterday evening I had the very first reading of something I wrote, in front of my writing group and felt more determined than ever to just keep at it. Had I not read those two essential books, I might still be wondering what would happen if I did not do it…
Far Away In The Sunshine 
[…] Morning Pages are what I do regularly. They encourage me to empty what’s in my head and in my heart. Writing away the worries and, the anger allows for joy and creativity to be back in my heart. In truth it’s yet another attempt at them, just started this month again. Still going strong though so I’m filled with hope. Which is what brought me back here dear friends. I did miss you lots… […]
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Did you mean to repost this?
As a reader rather than a writer they are new to me.
You are missed, and I hope life is treating you kindly.
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Yes, truth is I’m trying to step back in the blog and the new theme is totally out of my control. I have a scheduled post going out in a few hours as well. I’m so glad to see you here. I miss blogging and you sweet friend. I hope life is goo with you too
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Tracy, somehow it does not really surprise me that you love those books too. Morning pages are so hard to do all the time, but totally worth it, keep going, sweet friend :-)Karen, I also found that doing the morning pages first was the only way there were going to get done. Good luck :-)Michelle, I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did :-)Karen, I am very interested please tell me more ;-)Mildred, I thank you for your kind words and will follow your suggestion and visit your friend. Thank you for sharing :-)Karen, I love your new id photograph, and thank you for your wishes, they mean a lot 🙂
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Just read the Artist's Way this year and loved it. Glad you are finding encouragement and inspiration from your writing group. Wishing you well.
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Loved the way you introduce yourself in your profile! Your blog seems very interesting and I believe I will visit you from time to time;o)And if you like reading, I recommend you to visit a very dear friend of mine whose texte are true gifts, here: http://nevine-sultan.blogspot.com/And thank you so much for visiting my place and leaving a very mysterious comment! But I'm going to visit Hilary right away and Ihope I'll find more;o)Have a nice and happy day****
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And I have a suggestion on the photography side, in case you are interested – actually anything by Michael Freeman. He has really given me some good tips to better my picture taking.
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Two great suggestions, neither of which I've read before but this makes me think maybe now's the time. Thanks for sharing.Michelle Rafter
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anyes, the Artist's Way has become a really good resource for me for many years now…i now find that i miss doing the morning pages if i happen to put other things first (which is now rare). i have intended to read Writing Down the Bones – and will do so now, given your kind prompt. thank you! -k.
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Those two books you show at the top are my fave, Anyes! I periodically re-read The Artist's Way for a refresher. I find it helps in all areas of my creative life. I'm doing morning pages 3 times a week now, mostly as that's what I can manage just now, but look to get back to it daily. VERY brave of you to read aloud at your writing group–cheers for fearlessness and writing. :o) ((HUGS))
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