Write for Life

This is the book I’ve been waiting for! I loved Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, and her newest release offers a practical and encouraging guide for writers wanting to build stronger writing habits. This is great for creatives already familiar with Cameron’s work and for new and veteran writers wanting to establish a better routine for writing.

"Write for Life" is an essential book for anyone who writes or dreams of writing. I am familiar with Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" and this newest book did not disappoint. Full of practical advice and real-life examples, I found this book infinitely helpful as a writer and have already implemented some of the ideas. Highly recommended for writers and artists. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Write for Life is Julia Cameron's 6-week course on fueling your creativity to finish your writing projects. I found her voice gentle and encouraging--along with that soothing cover, this is the perfect vehicle to accompany you while facing procrastination or that ever-dreaded writer's block. I'm very much looking forward to putting her advice to practice.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for making this available to read on NetGalley in exchange for a review.

A necessity for the writer's arsenal of inspiration and instruction. Julia Cameron never fails to deliver when it comes to make life as a writer feel possible and also necessary. It's a calling, and she shows how to follow it. Will definitely share with my writer friends. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

Years ago, I went through “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron and it help me me a lot. Then life interfered and I forgot about the lessons I learned. While I could go back to the beginning, I found this book more than enough to get me back into the practices she recommended, along with some new ideas. Plus, this book is not just for writers, but for creative person, whether it be art, music, or writing.

In this six-week program, Ms. Cameron encourages you to “prime the pump” by doing morning pages, taking a walk, setting goals, and taking artists dates. There’s a lot more here too, but these are her basics that she builds on. At the end of each chapter, she has a set of “check-ins” – did you do these things type of lists as well as recaps of what you should have done.

Recommendation: Highest of recommendations. I’d have given her ten stars if I could. And this is definitely on my “to be purchased” list (though waiting until the end of next January will be a challenge). I guess I could always go back to the beginning while I wait.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in hopes of a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by anyone or anything.

Always wanted to write and not sure where to begin? Well, Julia Cameron’s Write for Life: Creative Tools for Every Writer will take you on a 6 week journey from start to finish. Filled with information from a lifetime of experience, with each chapter Julia builds upon the lessons from the previous chapter. Included in these chapters are not only Julia’s advice but helpful tidbits she’s curated from other authors. And at the end of each chapter you’re presented not only with a list of tasks, but with her ‘check in’ questions where she asks a list of questions which makes you look back at what you’ve done and is meant to hold you accountable. This is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to be a writer. Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Write for Life.

I've read Cameron's "The Artist's way" and loved it. I am happy to say that I immediately fell in love with this one, too. Cameron has a very descriptive, conversational way of writing and I found it an easy, informative read. I also fell in love with her pen-stealing dog Lily. My Daisy isn't a pen thief but she is also part of my daily routine.

Routine is an important element of being a writer. Cameron describes hers early on in the "Prime the Pump" section, so to speak, and I found myself wishing my dog and I could join her on their daily walks as she detailed the colors, views, and smells, even the dust that cars might kick up along the way. At the very least, she had me wishing I could be one of those receiving her regular notes and cards. I imagine I could find more than a few from here in Alaska to share.

In any case, on to the book. Since the book blurb did a wonderful job detailing the contents, I'll simply add a few thoughts as I read. First, I liked the seeming simplicity and that Cameron seemed to be talking directly to me as she shared writing experiences and what she's learned. There's something to be learned here whether you're tackling the next great novel or simply writing a note to friends. Each section ends with a list of things to ask yourself at the end of each of the six weeks suggested. I found those interesting as all too often we tend to think of the writing process being a "do this" and "do that" routine, thinking when we complete on step, we can forget about it and move on. Sorry, doesn't work that way. You'll note there is much repetition in the checklists, for instance.

Bottom line, written in a friendly, conversational tone, this book is packed with practical information on writing and examples from both Cameron's own experiences and those of others. I got a chuckle out of her humorous, poetic response to one critic of her book, for instance, a reminder that no one is immune to criticism. More importantly, she takes us from getting the first words on paper through the moment a copy of the book is in your hands, giving both suggestions and support. Cameron believes anyone can write and it shows.

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for reminding me of the joy or writing, not to mention simply enjoying your life and goofy dog. My Daisy sends Lily a lick and suggests pencils are better than pens for chewing. That's a whole other story.

I'm no writer or artist but from what I read this could be very beneficial to those who do.
Cameron has created a very informative book here with Write for Life.. the art and practice of writing..
This six week journey will inspire and give you that drive to writers success.
Full of information, advice and answers to questions.
I believe this is the perfect kit to help writers open that door to their creativity.
And push you toward the goals you have set for yourself.

St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Essentials,
Thank you for this eARC to title.

Julia Cameron is brilliant. I've been doing morning pages most of my adult life and she is fantastic about getting creativity out of me personally.

I highly suggest following the program. I know it's easy to want to skip around out of excitement. I am working on a project so getting this book was like winning the book lotto. I have become more disciplined in my writing due to this book. I rarely skip my morning pages as it's a part of me. Julia's writing mixes great prose with lessons and teachable moments. It's not like a typical "how to" it's like reading with a good friend who understands the struggle to keep writing when you are not in the mood or your mind isn't into it. Many writer's, myself included, feel we are not good enough, our thoughts become our downfall. This book pushed me though those moments. It's packed full of wisdom, ideas and again, her own brilliant writing. I'm on my 3rd read if this book that is highlight like crazy. This book is a writing class on its own. Any writer beginner or seasoned this book would be an exceptional addition to your library.

Great book full of information any writer can use. I can't wait to get a copy of this to add to my shelves.

Amazing resource for burned out writers who want to simplify things and reboot and reset. A lot of repetition throughout the book. But this one was a more concise version of The Artist Pathway. A resource all writers need to remind themselves to go back to the basics. Julia Cameron is the fairy godmother to all of us writers.