Write For Life By Julia Cameron
My Experience As I Complete The Final Week
6 weeks ago I wasn’t writing much at all. Although I had just finished writing my second book (Open Up Before I Self Destruct: On Life), I had been avoiding words for about 2 weeks. I guess I was basking in the peace of having completed a project, but the voice in my head was screaming ‘there’s so many more projects we have to work on, so let’s go!’
Last year I had attempted to do The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron which was recommended to me by my artist friend Alicia. During that program I had purchased another of Julia’s books called, Write For Life. The title had grabbed my attention as I loved writing. I made a mental note to start it once I had completed The Artist’s Way. Needless to say, I neither completed the program nor picked up the next book. Which brings me back to the beginning of this post: 6 weeks ago.
After I finished writing my book, I began to think about all the other projects I had. There was one in particular that has never left my mind. I had started it 8 years ago but that’s all I did; I just kept restarting it. I hadn’t even written past the first chapter.
Every month I add more and more project ideas to my list and with each new idea, that old one keeps getting pushed further down the priority list even though I feel the most strongly about it.
I decided that since I am really getting into writing this year with two books already under my belt, there’s no better time to start my journey with Julia once again. This time however, I will start with Write For Life and do The Artist’s Way second… if I felt I wanted to.
It wasn’t until I was near the end of Write For Life that I decided to work on that old idea I had abandoned all those years ago. This came about when Julia suggested that I handwrite 2 pages a day of a project. I hadn’t really considered making handwriting my primary way of working but upon some reflection, it made so much sense as I tend to flit back and forth between typing and handwriting for every project.
During the program I set some good foundations for my writing process which was none existent up until that point. Before when I would write, I would do it when the mood struck and would try all sorts of techniques. I didn’t know what was for me back then but I do now. Now I know how I work and where I prefer to work. I know what working conditions I like to be in. I know roughly how long I take during each writing session. I’m more discipline and show up consistently.
I’m really glad I’ve added writing to my daily routine which was the main goal I had for myself upon starting this program.
I’ve really found that I prefer to write. When it comes to art such as painting, that will now be a supplement to my writing, it will no longer come before.
I’m interested to see now what I will do moving forward when I begin The Artist’s Way. I am thinking to film some weekly vlogs for my YouTube channelabout it all. Would that be something you would be interested in?
There are way fewer tasks to do in Write For Life than The Artist’s Way which was a huge relief, so I feel like I’m prepared mentally for the next chapter of my life now.
Near the beginning of Write For Life I applied for the uni of my dreams. I had thought about going to uni a few times now to do Creative Writing, but I didn’t think I was good enough or that I should be pursuing writing. I was so known for being an artist by everyone I knew that it felt like it was my identity. Don’t get me wrong, I am an artist but I’m not limited to being just that or having do only that. Seeing myself show up daily to write gave me the encouragement I needed to just try and apply. The people who I didn’t think would be on board with this change of direction told me I should go for it as they had seen how serious I was becoming with writing. And…. I got an unconditional offer!
I’ve been trying to think of all the little things I may need to help me prepare; one of which was an academic planner. I had spent a few days on and off looking for a nice design. Last week I decided to check Papier and saw an absolutely stunning cover! I LOVE green so this just felt perfect. I decided to add my artist/writer name to it as a little treat to myself and saved it to my basket. Luckily one of the tasks for that week was to congratulate myself for completing the program by spoiling myself to something nice. That was the permission I needed to treat myself to something that I would keep forever and use to aid me on my writing journey.
I plan to get a new Papier academic planner for each year I’m at uni and really decorate the insides and use them well. I want to have them on my bookcase as a reminder of the work that I put in for myself every day and each year to achieve the dream that I want of being a writer and author.
I also calculated the weeks of The Artist’s Way and the final week of the program is the week before enrolment for uni! Now I know I’m definitely getting myself better prepared to start my academic year off with a good writing and creative process.
I’m so excited for what the future holds and so thankful for how far I’ve come in such a short space of time.
If you’re planning on doing The Artist’s Way or are already on the program, please let me know! I’d love to hear more about your journey so far and show my support.