I recently bought "It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond" when it was on sale at either BookBub or Early Bird Books. It looked like something that would really interest me, but I ended up having trouble with it from the start. The same thing happened with this book. The problem? I am not a morning person. I am a born owl. Ms. Cameron doesn't appear to recognize the impossibility of owls doing her "morning pages". It's understandable she says they can't be done at the end of the day or night, since you would end up reflecting on the day or night's activities, which is not what you want. But it is like an instant disconnect when you start reading her books, if you are not a lark.

Can't "morning pages" be done when first awakening at another time than morning? Of course they could, but Ms. Cameron doesn't even go there. In addition, there is a problem with "walking" every day. Some people with bad knees or other health issues cannot take walks outside. Only briefly, does the author recognize such "disabilities" by saying such individuals could "wheel, pedal or swim". Those things would not be the same, however, since the book goes on and on about being outside and encountering nature and such. One guesses that is why she didn't elaborate on those three things. Another disconnect for many individuals. A third disconnect for some would be the religious/spiritual nature of "the artist's way", but I personally had no problem with that at all. I thought her ideas about seeking "guidance" were interesting.

So, who should get this book? I would recommend it to a morning person who does not have bad knees, or any other such mobility problems. I would also recommend getting a paper copy, not the Kindle copy. The book actually stops at around 35% of the Kindle with the rest being space to handwrite whatever. Yes, Julia Cameron says you must handwrite your morning pages and such, to get the best connection to your thoughts and feelings, unless you are not able to write with a pen or pencil. Bad handwriting is not an excuse. Simply write slower, she says. Can I see myself practicing the "artist's way" methods? Right now, no. There is too much disconnection, especially since she says not to write down dreams in your "morning pages". There is no way I would be able to do that. Moreover, writing slower is not going to make my handwriting more legible.

I have tried getting through the Artist's Way multiple times, and have give up after a few chapters each time. The only things that worked for me were the morning pages and artist's dates. So when I came across this toolkit, I was hopeful that it would help me go even deeper with these practices through worksheets etc. That's not what this book is, unfortunately. A good refresher for artist's way but not the practice-oriented toolkit I was looking for.

This was not quite what I was expecting. I thought this would be a companion to The Artist Way, which I have been a fan of for many, many years. I thought this would be more of a workbook with tools, directions, worksheets, tasks, etc. But it really is just another version of The Artists Way. Don't get me wrong, the advice and information is excellent, but it's not anything Ms. Cameron hasn't explored or shared before. I was disappointed. I read the whole thing and enjoyed it. But it's more of a refresher course than a toolkit.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ms. Cameron and the publisher for an early look.

I have been followed by “The Artist’s Way” program and books since 2020 and I deep down know that (because I have heard so many so many positive testimonials) my life will ultimately change if I commit to this program! But somehow my subconscious running from it because it’s unknown journey so when I saw this book on NetGalley I wanted to request to educate and inspire myself to commit to my creative transformation aka OG The Artist Way program.

I was provided eARC by publisher through NetGalley and this review is purely my own opinion.

The book is explanation of four essential tools in the program. Morning Pages, Artist’s Dates, Walking and Guidance. These essential tools explained in throughly with real life testimonials and additional deep diveQ&As. Honestly I loved learning about this tools and how pivotal and essential for this program. Honestly more I have read testimonials from real people more I got inspired to commit the process. I am excited 😊

In the end of the book also have beautiful poetry, prayer,affirmations and artist date ideas.

If you are curious and being followed by “The Artist Way” program and you are scared to commit I highly suggest reading this book beforehand to understand everything throughly!

This book is truly inspired me to commit the program and change my creative journey!

Another helpful resource from Cameron. I always feel energized reading her tips and suggestions for writers and their practices. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I expected this book to have more tools/worksheets/specific directives since it was labeled as a toolkit. Instead, it just seemed like an abridged version of the authors other works. The information is good, but it isn’t exactly what I was expecting, and I feel like all of what she addresses here has been explored in other books that she has written.

I felt this book was more descriptive than a toolkit. I dove a bit deeper into the practice that Julia Cameron talks about in her Artist Way book so this is more of a closer look the chapters and tools each chapter uses. It gives explanations and how to use it in every day life. I gave it 3 stars because I felt a bit mislead about the contents of this book- I think it should have been clearer that this was not new information. I don't think it really moved my artist way practice forward it was just a deeper look. For those who are looking for that, its a good fit. I personally did not really need to read it. But others may find it helpful. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Essentials for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I think calling this a toolkit is a little misleading. Thus doesn't feel like it adds to the available texts that's already available. If you have this authors other works I would skip this book.

I was expecting this to be more of a workbook instruction as were orevious chapters in previous books, but it's a summary (each chapter focuses on one tool) of the essential tools collected along the years. For example, the most famous one is the first chapter; morning pages. It includes definition, explanation, how to execute it, and then has many testemonies of practical aplication in people's lives. People with different lifestyles as well. Each chapter ends with a series of Faqs where we can we can find plenty of answers.

This reads as though it is an FAQ page on the Artists Way website. I anticipated that it would be more useful or interactive but there are very few portions to express yourself. Completely unnecessary. Do not reccomend.