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The Sound of Paper
In this landmark book on the creative process, the bestselling author of The Artist's Way reveals the intricate soul work artists must undertake in order to find inspiration.
In The Sound of Paper, Julia Cameron delves deep into the heart of the personal struggles that all artists face. What can we do when we face our keyboard or canvas with nothing but a cold emptiness?...more
In The Sound of Paper, Julia Cameron delves deep into the heart of the personal struggles that all artists face. What can we do when we face our keyboard or canvas with nothing but a cold emptiness?...more
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published
January 19th 2004
by Tarcher
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de ja vu? ... or could it be that I'm reading too much Cameron?
Now in this volume she's not only repeating what she said in The Right to Write (and I use that example because this book is written along the same lines) but she is actually repeating what she said a few pages previously: "I spend ... months in New York and ... months in Taos" we hear at least 3-4 times in consecutive essays. Another example is her dogs, her friends - and I'm relieved to note that the names she mentions really seem...more
Now in this volume she's not only repeating what she said in The Right to Write (and I use that example because this book is written along the same lines) but she is actually repeating what she said a few pages previously: "I spend ... months in New York and ... months in Taos" we hear at least 3-4 times in consecutive essays. Another example is her dogs, her friends - and I'm relieved to note that the names she mentions really seem...more
* In order to make art, we must first make an artful life, a life rich enough and diverse enough to give us fuel.
* At bottom, cynicism is a cheap and shoddy response to a life we are afraid to love because it might, for a time, be painful.
Both quotes by Julia Cameron in The Sound Of Paper
Found the book at BookSale Farmers Plaza for P175. I’m currently reading it. But taking my sweet time to finish. Because it’s just too rich to be taken in one sitting (unlike potato-chip novels which were made...more
* At bottom, cynicism is a cheap and shoddy response to a life we are afraid to love because it might, for a time, be painful.
Both quotes by Julia Cameron in The Sound Of Paper
Found the book at BookSale Farmers Plaza for P175. I’m currently reading it. But taking my sweet time to finish. Because it’s just too rich to be taken in one sitting (unlike potato-chip novels which were made...more
This is a book containing several small essays about the grounded, successful creative life. Most of them begin with a description of her surroundings, either in NYC or Taos, and then shows how our writing (or painting, or sculpture, etc.) lives exist in the same way. For example: lightning bolts split a tree in its path down the middle, just how a creative bolt of inspiration can take us over and burn us out if we are not careful.
Three issues that would normally irk me: 1. Because of the essay...more
Three issues that would normally irk me: 1. Because of the essay...more
I don't know if I'm the only one feeling this way, but most of the time, I pick a book to read based on my mood. There are some books that have been abandoned for years in my bookshelf, simply because I don't feel like reading them, yet.
Thus, it’s kind of frustrating when you have to spend about 30 minutes walking back and forth between the high shelves in the library, because you don't know what kind of book that you want to read.
I’m really when I found this book, "The Sound of Paper", next to...more
Thus, it’s kind of frustrating when you have to spend about 30 minutes walking back and forth between the high shelves in the library, because you don't know what kind of book that you want to read.
I’m really when I found this book, "The Sound of Paper", next to...more
Reading Cameron is like having a writing coach at your elbow. She continually offers encouragement, but that's not the only reason to read her. She also conveys what it is like to nurture and live the artist's life, how it is different from other kinds of pursuits, and some pitfalls to avoid. She provides exercises after every chapter to explore one's own psyche, to bring up from the subconscious level ideas and new directions to explore.
The setting of this particular book, a very dry summer in...more
The setting of this particular book, a very dry summer in...more
I'm working my way through this book, and the creative exercises are an inspiration. For the past two weeks, anytime I have felt creatively 'down' or stuck on something, and can't figure out what to do, I've turned to this book. The chapters are short, some just two pages, but truly insightful. Some of the exercises I'm doing now, and some I will save for later. I borrowed the book from the library, so I'm going to have to buy it, or maybe I'll write the exercises on slips of paper that I can 'p...more
This is an good book for bathtime reading, if reading the paper version. I have read about 25% of this book so far and although it is probably middle of the road stuff, it is at the upper end of that middle road. It is written in lots of very short snappy chapters which sandwich simple but effective exercises for the reader to undertake. A lot of the material is similar to Natalie Goldberg's style but that is not a criticism. It works well for Natalie and it would appear to work well for Julia t...more
Creativity expert Julia Cameron once again inspires the blocked artist in The Sound of Paper, a series of essays that serve as a roadmap to rediscovering the creativity that Cameron believes is the lifeblood at the core of everyone’s soul. Designed for artists, writers, musicians, actors, sculptors, and anyone else whose desires lean toward the creative, Cameron’s book reads similar to The Right to Write, another book of essays tailored more toward the impact writing can have on the creative lif...more
I will read this book over and over. It's inspiring.
In Cameron’s own words, this book is “a creative troubleshooting guide for those who have been put off by their creativity”. Just like The Artist’s Way (which is the sorta the bible of creativity), The Sound of Paper offers spiritual solutions as well as creative exercises for writers and artists.
My three star rating is solely based on my belief that this book could help those struggling to work through their creative blocks. However, this exhausted me. I think I made the mistake of reading The...more
4 likes · like · see review
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
The Sound of Paper: Starting From Scratch is a series of related chapter or essays on creativity and creative blocks. Author Julia Cameron (The Artist’s Way) begins each essay (or chapter) by musing on some aspect the day-to-day life of the worlds in which she lives, beginning in New York and moving from there to Taos, New Mexico, where she spends part of each year. From walks in Central Park to drought and eventual rain in Taos, Cameron makes...more
The Sound of Paper: Starting From Scratch is a series of related chapter or essays on creativity and creative blocks. Author Julia Cameron (The Artist’s Way) begins each essay (or chapter) by musing on some aspect the day-to-day life of the worlds in which she lives, beginning in New York and moving from there to Taos, New Mexico, where she spends part of each year. From walks in Central Park to drought and eventual rain in Taos, Cameron makes...more
Lots of good stuff, but there are a couple of things I want to make note of so as not to lose when I switch journals - today :)
"In order to make art, we must first make an artful life, a life rich enough and diverse enough to give us fuel" (15).
"...imagine that we are writing to someone who listens with the rapt attention of a new lover" (24).
"abyss" (from the Greek"bottomless") p. 39
The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek words meaning "filled with God" (54).
"...opening ourselves to impulse....more
"In order to make art, we must first make an artful life, a life rich enough and diverse enough to give us fuel" (15).
"...imagine that we are writing to someone who listens with the rapt attention of a new lover" (24).
"abyss" (from the Greek"bottomless") p. 39
The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek words meaning "filled with God" (54).
"...opening ourselves to impulse....more
Fans of Cameron's will be delighted by her new offering. The best-selling author of The Artist's Way delves once again into her methods of dealing with writing. Cameron loves to introduce the spiritual into her book, which is great if you're inclined to her mostly Christian beliefs. I think her books would be far more powerful if she used simple psychology instead.
The Sound of Paper is essentially about Writer's Block. Why does it happen and how do you nurture yourself and find a way out. This...more
Though the book sometimes borders on corny, there were so many thoughts and points in here that really struck home that I am forced to admit how much I enjoyed and connected with this book. Cameron takes a close look at what drives (and stalls) an artist in their pursuit of their art. She uses the metaphors of life in the Southwest: drought, wildfires, lightening storms, rainbows, fiesta, solitude, rebirth, to examine the seasons and changing weather of an artist's life: when a writer is facing...more
The book is organized in chapters then a writing prompt that corresponds with the chapter. The usual morning pages, artist dates, and mind-body walks are the foundational creative tools Cameron bases all her work on and the first chapter reviews these. The great chapters and good chapters make the book worth reading and I will certainly keep it with my other writing books. However it is not on my list of must have writing books.
Jan 14, 2010
Arleen York
added it
Cameron provides a number of approaches to removing creative block. All are designed to entice you to write--just write--and every day. It works. Her descriptions of where she is and what the day is like as she begins each of her writing segments makes the reader stop and think about how special where she or he is at this particular time. This book is a life enhancer, whether or not you write, but especially if you do.
I'd have given this 3 stars if I hadn't already read it: The Artist's Way is basically the same book. If you liked that, you'll like this; if you haven't read that, I liked this one better, though only marginally. Comforting words for the struggling/blocked artist or one who creates in a vacuum, but a little too touchy-feely in general for my tastes.
By the time I am done I will probably have read all of Julia Cameron's books. Not only is the cover beautiful, the text engaging but it is written about a topic that is near and dear to my heart. At the end of each writing is an exercise that you the reader can do. An enjoyable read with "oh, I never thought of doing that" exclamations.
Great book about the creative process especially the ups and downs. Julia is a beautiful writer. She really knows how to capture the essence of her surroundings in words. You don't have to read it cover to cover. You can skip around. I am always inspired to write after reading a bit of this. My copy is dog eared and well read.
I had to return this to the library unfinished; it's worth checking out again and reading more. It took some time just to do each chapter; it's not difficult to read, but made me ponder a lot and made me want to write more, which meant I was reading it less and writing more. Which is the point of the book.
Although the book seems slightly repetitive, it is interesting to track Cameron's creative process. You get a sense of how she works through this collection of essays. For me, much of what she resonated with my creative sensibility. I think there are quite a few useful insights and exercises for those who are either stuck or just starting out artistically. It is a volume that I think anyone could benefit from.
I cannot put this book down. I have read it walking on the street, lying on the beach, waiting in waiting rooms. Julia Cameron really captivates and inspires me. I am also reading 'The Artist's Way'. Very important for budding creative writers, or writers who have simply lost their juice.
I found myself unable to finish this book, not because it is not worth reading, but because it is a book that is meant to be read slowly and carefully. Exercises for the serious, and perhaps the not-so-serious writers, are given. I would recommend it as a book whose chapters are to be read randomly. There were times I found the book to esoteric and ethereal for my tastes.
Appropriate title. About all I got out of this book was hearing the sound of paper as I turned pages. The author talks and talks about how to write, even though you have nothing to say. That's fine, but do you have to publish it when you have nothing to say?
The book has a few good nuggets, but meh.
I try to be positive because it's good to have things to inspire one to creativity.
For the record, I hold no malice toward the author and appreciate her desire to help us all in our creative endeavor, however, I'm glad that I checked the book out from the library instead of buying it.
I try to be positive because it's good to have things to inspire one to creativity.
For the record, I hold no malice toward the author and appreciate her desire to help us all in our creative endeavor, however, I'm glad that I checked the book out from the library instead of buying it.
I love the layout of this book...the chapters are short, but rich with content with a little assignment and something to digest at the end of each one. I find this book very comforting, almost like a portable retreat....lovely.
I recommend this one if you like writing: if you're a beginner or if you've been practising for a long time. I like the exercises she gives at the end of each chapter.
I really enjoy the conversation way she blends her stories of her writing life. I have read all the Artist's Way books, and recommended them to my Poetry Group.
This is a book you will read and re-read - it has helped me through a difficult life changing situation, and has brought more clarity to my thoughts and new directions.
Read this recently end of 2011 (last few days - maybe even into the start of 2012) and will get around to doing a review and hopefully soon.
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| Lovin this book! | 1 | 8 | Jul 19, 2007 05:36pm |
Julia Cameron has been an active artist for more than thirty years, with fifteen books (including bestsellers The Artist's Way, Walking In This World and The Right to Write) and countless television, film, and theater scripts to her credit. Writing since the age of 18, Cameron has a long list of screenplay and teleplay credits to her name, including an episode of Miami Vice, and Elvis and the Beau...more
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