During summer 2016, I am following the 12-week course prescribed in Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way (London: Pan Books, 1995). The book focuses on ways to re-discover your creativity. Each week, I will be posting an update on my progress.

Week 1

What’s involved? Week 1’s reading and tasks focus on reflection. Who has helped – or criticised – your previous attempts to be creative? Do you believe that your creativity and talent are worth investing in – and if not, why not?

How long does it take? It took me 10-15 minutes each day to complete the Morning Pages (Cameron’s name for what is effectively a journal which you write in each morning as soon as you wake up). In addition to this, I spent around 3 hours (over the course of the week) reading the Week 1 chapter and completing most of the writing tasks.

Trees in sunshine. (Copyright Kerrie McKinnel)

Hardest part? The only thing I really struggled to find time for was the Artist’s Date (Cameron’s term for essentially going on a date alone, allowing yourself to concentrate on the sights and sounds of your chosen destination.) I hate to say it so early on, but I think this might be a recurrent answer for me. Making time for something like that isn’t always going to be easy when you have a toddler to work around. Having said that, it’s a great idea and I could definitely squeeze it in somewhere if I really wanted to, even if it’s just a quick walk after the toddler is in bed. I hope that as the course continues then I’ll be able to make the time for my weekly artist’s date.

Week 1 overall? So far, it seems like an easy course to follow. The tasks were enjoyable and they encouraged me to reflect on my writing past, especially the wonderful friends and family who have supported me over the years. Any difficulties in sticking to the tasks have been purely down to personal/family issues and me not being committed enough to make time for everything. I am not yet sure that the course is going to make any difference to my writing, but I am ready to be convinced!

Do you want to rediscover your creative self too? If you’d like to join me as I complete Julia Cameron’s course The Artist’s Way, please post here or find me on Facebook (Kerrie McKinnel – Author) and let me know!