The Artist’s Way

Another book that every aspiring and published writer should have on their shelf is "The Artist's Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity", by Julia Cameron. Julia gently but firmly walks you through the trials, tribulation and elation of being a writer. There is no tip-toeing around the inner struggle every artist faces, Julia dives right in with the first chapter "Recovering a Sense of Safety" where she gently guides you through the negative voices in your head and teaches you to find your ally within.

This is a book that you have to dedicate 12 weeks to. Each week starts with a new phase of recovery (Identity, Safety, Possibility etc.) and she works you through the specific exercises and tasks for the week. Most important Julia has you write three pages every morning. Three pages that are whatever you want to write, three pages that no one will read and you won't go back and read. I admit that I found this hard at first, and I still have a little difficulty following this practice – but the time spent is well worth the rewards. Julia cautions several times, not to go back and read your morning pages.

Here are a few items that Julia has in her lessons that I highlighted as meaningful to me:

    "Leap and the net will appear"
    "Remember that your Censor's negative opinions are not the truth"
    "Logic brain is our Censor…let artist brain play"
    "Your enemy within: Core Negative Beliefs"
    "We often choose to ignore the dream and blame our continued misery on God"


I realized that in looking back at the comments I highlighted I had been going through an inner struggle. Do I become selfish and dedicate myself to my dream? Do I put aside my job, my family, and my pets to write? I have come so far since those first few days – I now work part time, I pet sit and dog walk for extra money, I have a nook in my room that my family knows is my "DO NOT DISTURB" area. My family pitches in and helps with cooking, cleaning (as they should have been doing anyway). I would say that I am a much happier person!

If you are suffering from self-doubt, writers block, want to understand what makes a writer/artist tick or you just want to become a better writer you really need to pick up a copy of this book. Dedicate twelve weeks to positive thoughts and dreams, you'll be amazed!

From the Mixed-Up Files of Jennifer Bertman

In my quest to become a better writer I have stumbled across several helpful blogs. My newest is "From the Mixed-Up Files of Jennifer Bertman". Jennifer has tons of interviews with successful children's writers – she includes pictures of their work spaces, pets and inspirations. I enjoy reading about what other writers are going through, find out new children's books that inspire me not to mention Jennifer has a great sense of humor. How about reading this book to your children – "Always Lots of Heinies at the Zoo". Like myself, Jennifer is also a member of SCBWI.  Thanks Jennifer!

11 Mistakes Beginning Children's Writers Make - The Writer Magazine

I recently attended a children's book writers conference hosted by SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators).  I went into this conference feeling rather proud of myself.  Head held I high, I thought to myself, I am a writer.  I signed the registration sheet, recieved my packet of information, and sat down at one of the big tables, ready for action.  I soaked up the information presented by agents, editors and successful published authors.  I realized when they read my manuscript during the critique session that maybe, just maybe I have more work to do.  I left a little down hearted and not as optimistic as I had been when I entered.  I came home, chucked my entire manuscript.  The manuscrip I thought any publisher in their right mind should publish.  I realized I had a lot of work to do, it's not as easy as most people think!  Now, I find myself drafting and redrafting.    I have gone through almost an entire spiral pad trying to rethink my Easy Reader of not more than 2,000 words.  Not only do I have to make sure that I have a beginning, middle and end - I have to have a plot to capture an 8 year old!  I went on line to some of my favorite writing sites.  I found this great article at the Writer Magazine site:  11 Mistakes Beginning Children's Writers Make .  I went on line and re-read several of the on-line newsletters and advice pages at the Children's Book Insider and I searched the SCBWI website for more help and advice. 

What I have decided, is that I need to take the information and knowledge I have learned - USE IT!  I also need to stay connected with other writers, join critique group, read books like a writer, find books in my genre and read, read, read! Stay away from rhyming or poetry type books unless you're a poet, try to stay away from words that end in "ly".  For instance slowly could be replaced by dawdle.  Use an active voice not a passive voice -- action - action -action.  My head is spinning!  Or should it by my head is twisting around on my neck????