The Artist’s Way Toolkit: How To Use the Creative Practices

A 12-week course based on Cameron’s 1992 classic The Artist’s Way is still going strong and helping people. In this book based on the course, Cameron talks of four essential tasks in her toolkit for creative recovery. The first task is (aptly named) morning pages: upon waking, thoughts begin flowing, and readers should write these down. Stories of how the morning pages have changed peoples’ lives follow as answers to frequently asked questions. The second exercise is called the artist date, meaning a solo activity that piques the interest. A date can be something that brings joy or replaces one’s creative reservoir. Answers to common related questions follow examples of successes. The third task is the conscious and simple act of walking, as stretching one’s legs expands the mind and mindset. The last task, and perhaps the most difficult, is guidance: asking to let go and listen by writing questions and listening. Examples from former students and common questions with answers are again listed. Basic ideas, contracts, principles, affirmations, prayers, and mantras are included, with a checklist and examples of artist dates. Back matter offers acknowledgments and appendixes of poetry, quotes, and a bibliography of Cameron’s Creative Kingdom books.