Finding Water: The Art of Perseverance

by Julia Cameron

Outlines a twelve-week program for overcoming a creative block or otherwise working through dry periods in an artist's life, in a guide that covers such topics as staying focused, starting new projects, and finding inspiration in unlikely places. By the author of The Artist's Way. 75,000 first printing.

Genres: Writing, Art, Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Philosophy, Personal Growth

304 pages, Hardcover

First published December 28, 2006

About the author

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 Beauty Queen, which starred Don Johnson. She was a writer on such movies as Taxi Driver, New York, New York, and The Last Waltz. She wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning independent feature film, God's Will, which premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival, and was selected by the London Film Festival, the Munich International Film Festival, and Women in Film Festival, among others. In addition to making film, Cameron has taught film at such diverse places as Chicago Filmmakers, Northwestern University, and Columbia College. Her profound teachings on unlocking creativity and living from the creative center have inspired countless artists to unleash their full potential.

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back when The Artist's Way first came out, I read it and I was into it. It inspired me. The format suited me. Anything where you are asked to make a list is for me. I love my lists! So recently I saw this on the shelf at the library and decided to read it. It was the beginning of a new year and seemed like a good time to read something like this, to ignite my creativity and feel motivated. To be fair, I skipped the second book in the series since it didn't happen to be on the shelf at the library. I also didn't take it week-by-week and do all the assignments like a good girl. Given that, I did not enjoy this even half as much as the first book in the trilogy. It is basically the same as the first one: Artist's Dates, Morning Pages... I got it. I'm not saying it's bad advice. It's just not new advice. And the tone was different, more depressing. I guess that's because it wasn't about how to get started but more about how to keep going.

Even though I do not consider myself a critic, there were some things that bugged me. Here are my complaints:
-This really felt like it was more about being a recovering alcoholic than anything else. She admits that she is in AA and openly applies the 12 steps to getting past creative blocks. I can see how this might be useful and I'm glad the program works for her. I just didn't relate to that aspect. I have a friend on Facebook who is a recovering alcoholic. He posts hundreds of inspirational quotations, mostly Christian-based about perseverance and positive attitude. There are pictures of sunsets on the beach or ballerinas along with the affirmations. I am tempted to block him. THIS is how I saw this book, down to the distracting quotations in the margins.
-There was too much God talk for my taste. Maybe this is an addendum to my first gripe.
-She talks about her dogs a lot. I don't care about her dogs.
-She uses the word "husband" as a verb a LOT - over and over! I almost wanted to keep score.

Speaking of husbands, she used to be married to Martin Scorcese. This fact is irrelevant except that it leads me to assume she's not exactly poor. That, and she describes her apartment on Central Park. It also doesn't really matter if she is rich or poor except that... poor people (creative or not) do not have the luxury of dwelling on stuff like this. And when I look at it like that, it sort of makes me think that her (totally valid, understandable) struggles are sort of "made-up". This is starting to sound mean and unfair and I don't want it to. It's all relative. I'm no better. I appreciate that she is continually trying to improve herself and that she is sharing her struggles and successes with others.

One more thing... She talks a lot about how the art comes through her rather than from her. She's not alone. This is a common way of describing the artistic process - as if you are merely a conduit through which the ideas flow. You just have to listen and execute. This is not my experience. I wish it were. It sounds cool. When I am creating something, I do get into "the zone" (that's what I call it) but I don't feel like it is separate from me. Maybe I'm not there yet or never will be. The only time I did feel the way she describes is when I was pregnant. I was creating something but I was simply the vessel through which something larger worked. While the results were awesome, I didn't particularly enjoy that process. I'm too much of a control freak.

[Barbara Conelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Artist's Way and Walking In The World, I didn't know what to expect when I opened Finding Water. I thought everything had been said, discussed and done. And I was wrong!

I must say that Finding Water is my most favorite book of the series. This book is much more focused on inner guidance and reveals more details of Julia's life in New York. As a New Yorker who loves her city, I know the places Julia writes about, I know the wonderful changes of Central Park throughout the year, I know how inspiring the city can be if you're just willing to watch and listen.

Finding Water is a very deep, comforting and soothing book that feeds and encourages your soul. This book will help you understand that if art is your purpose, you never stop pursuing it regardless of circumstances. And that even after many, many, many years devoted to your art, the reality may not always be a sunlit rose garden.

In Finding Water, Julia doesn't promise you fame, wealth and money. Instead, she opens your eyes to new possibilities and to the true meaning of your art. Art is something that is born deep within your heart and that does not depend on outer validation or recognition. It depends only on you and on your love, passion and perseverance.

And by the way, if you're a New Yorker like me, Finding Water will encourage you to fall in love with your city again. And if you're not, you will take the book and fly to New York just to watch the eagles in Central Park and be inspired.

[Cath Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve weeks of reflection and writing is the format of Julia Cameron's series of workbooks about the creative process. There are: 'The Artist's Way', 'Walking in this World' and 'Finding Water, the Art of Perseverance'. I have many books by her and have read parts of all of them. 'Finding Water' was the first book I used as the workbook she meant it to be. Twelve weeks is a very long time and it didn't feel like that. Looking back what I mostly liked about the book and the twelve weeks is coming back to it day after day and just sit, read, reflect and do my writing. And once again I have experienced how much writing helps me to stay uncluttered. I've already pencilled in an appointment with another book by her, same time next year.

[da AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Cameron book on nurturing one's creativity...

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I find a lot of repetition in Julia's books, they still speak directly to me and my need to be creative. Always I find her books a good read to get grounded and refocused.

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you've read The Artist's Way, you've read this book. Actually, if you've read the first three chapters of this book, you've read the entire book. Much of it revolves around her alcoholism/sobriety and her relationship with God, so I'm not sure why she has such resistance to being labeled a "self-help" author.

[Kimberly Cain · Rating 1 out of 5]

As much as I have loved Cameron's other books, The Artist's Way, Vein of Gold, & Walking in this World, I did not enjoy Finding Water: The Art of Perseverance.

Maybe this writing was cathartic for Cameron. And maybe it will be helpful for those who are at a critically low point to feel they're not alone. I don't know, however, if it will help to energize them into the next level of creativity, however - & that's really one of the main reasons for using Cameron's tools. She's a master!

The book comes from a perspective of being at a low point & needing fuel to persevere, so if one is not at that juncture, I would recommend another Cameron offering.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia's books always make feel like I have a friend I haven't met yet. She shares her viewpoint, her motivation, and her fear of becoming a blocked artist. She has great strategies for simple solutions; Morning Pages is a great tool for clearing the clutter in your brain. She is also a passionate walker, which we have in common. Step by step, she accepts new challenges in her creative life . She talks like a friend, not an Writer of Authority. She has a big heart, and a vision to share. Take a stroll around Central Park with her & Tiger Lily , look at the trees in all kinds of weather, and feel better about life in general. :))

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not follow Julia's advice step by step as I did with her first book in the trilogy, but this is still an inspiring and helpful book. After reading it cover to cover, it remains an essential part of my library because it's easy to pick up for a quick shot of inspiration, or to get back on track if it feels like the well is starting to run dry.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow up to the Artist's way - I actually liked this one more! I read a chapter every sunday and it really helped me reestablish a daily writing routine as well as take concrete actions to support my art.

[July Savitska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Уже 3 книга из серии Джулии Кэмерон, прочитанная мною. Просто очень импонирует манера выкладки, задания из книг изменили мое отношение к творчеству и очень круто изменили мою жизнь (может не полностью, но однозначно помогли найти более гармоничный путь к себе). Конкретно эта книга даёт практические упражнения в преодолении кризисов, которые случаются у всех (независимо от того считает себя человек творческой натурой или нет). Книга помогает найти почву под ногами, когда кажется ее нет. Помогает вернуться к источникам - маленькими шагами по чуть-чуть вернуть себе вдохновение, уверенность и свободу новых идей.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read and reread The Artist's Way many years ago and really enjoyed and learned from it. I've also read others of Cameron's books in The Artist's Way "journey". And, although I don't fancy myself an artist I have found some very helpful suggestions just to make my life more creative and full.
This book is quite different though it is structured the same way, with a 12 week journey, focus on morning pages and other exercises. This book is more like a memoir or diary and Cameron shares much more of her day to day life while writing the book. She seems much more vulnerable in this book. It doesn't offer much advice that is new but illustrates, through her daily struggle, the need for and way to perseverance. I vacillated in liking that and wishing for more.

[Arezoo Ahmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The grace to be again—one more time—a beginner is the most useful position an artist can take."

If you're a Julia Cameron child you know. If you're not, there is no explaining it for you.

[JoyfulK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book kept me interested. It encouraged me to pay attention to my creative life. There were many exercises that were short and helpful, and some more extended exercises that I sometimes did and sometimes skipped. I picked up this book because I found The Artist's Way very helpful, and I hoped this book would help me increase my perseverance on projects I choose. However, it turns out to be focused not on perseverance in general but on perseverance with an artistic career. The focus is very much on developing a daily habit of doing your creative work---treating it like showing up for a job rather just doing it when the inspiration strikes. This is an extremely necessary habit for the working artist. However, given that my primary career is not artistic (and that I'm not trying to go there right now), it wasn't as helpful to me. However, the suggestions towards building a supportive system for your work (whatever it is) and the focus on persevering despite one's mood helped me.

If you don't currently plan to be a working artist and want to open up your creative spigots, check out The Artist's Way, Cameron's earlier book. If you're a working artist, or you want to be, Finding Water is a good choice.

[Vanessa Kinzey Bergolios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of people complain about this book but it was exactly what I needed. Cameron does draw from her personal experiences with spirituality and alcoholism in this book, but I don't think that's a bad thing. Anything that didn't resonate with me I just accepted as learning part of her story/perspective. I would highly recommend this book as a part of The Artist's Way experience.

My favorite change in this book vs The Artist's Way and Walking In This World is how Cameron spaced out the tasks. It was easier to read this book in more of a "devotional" way, with shorter essays and tasks sprinkled throughout the week. The previous two books felt kind of overwhelming at the beginning of each week.

I think I'd still recommend The Artist's Way as the "best" of Cameron's books, but I loved this one, too.

[Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book generated much thoughtfulness and precipitated several mindful practices. Several of those I've only jotted down, but I know when the time's right I'll begin to practice them. You know Cameron is of quality cloth by so many of the quotes she shared. It can be a little uncomfortable to read about others' struggles, right? Especially when you don't know them. But the source of that very raw sharing is the same source of all the advice and wisdom she imparts, and there's MUCH generosity in that wisdom. I have my morning pages. I need to work on the "extras" - like artist dates, etc, but I'm so grateful I found this gem to enhance my own daily grind....

[Cindy Brookshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done with the last book in Julia Cameron's trilogy, but certainly not done with The Artist's Way. I've been meeting with two other writers in person and on Zoom through the first book (twice), the second book and now the third. In between, we check up on each other during a weekly "Sacred Circle" and in the passage of time, decide which book to take up for the next 12-week cycle. All of us have seen dramatic progress in our writing, painting, pottery, journaling and other artistic pursuits. Thank you, Miss Cameron! As always, she suggests not charging for these classes, so we do them for free, inviting other writers in from time to time to see if they're willing to join us on the journey.

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, gentle read. Ideal for anyone who feels 'blocked' in their creativity, or who wants to improve their stress resilience, or just achieve better work-life balance.

Actually, I've picked up this book to read a second time, more carefully. It's become a great spiritual resource to encourage me as a writer. The author succinctly and gently describes many of the issues professional writers face, and provides direction about how to overcome them.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Cameron lets herself be very vulnerable in this third volume of The Artist's Way Trilogy. I led a thirteen-week group and some of the workshop participants were put off by her sometimes dark view of the world. I emphasized to my workshop that Julia always showed the way out of the dark, and that it was necessary to write about the dark too. The book is full of solutions and ways to live a creative life. Highly recommended read, especially as a group.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third installment in The Artist's Way franchise turned out to be the best one for me. I finally understand artist dates! There are sections that feel repetitive and at times I wondered if I was reading the results of Julia Cameron's artistic sagging middle. In the end, it doesn't matter because by showing us her underbelly, Cameron proves her point even more. Keep on keeping on, my fellow artists.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been part of a study group using this book. I expect to go through the book again, either alone or with a different group. For me the most memorable advice was that as a writer my job is "to just show up at the computer". It's true. We let things hold us back when if we were willing to "just show up", who knows what the potential might be?

[Nilchance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Cameron's core principles have some issues (for example, there's no advice for those of us who can't do daily walks due to disability or bad neighborhoods or low spoons) but her writing about writing lights a fire under me like no one else, except Natalie Goldberg.

Also, this book presents a very powerful and intimate view of someone struggling with depression.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I found Julia Cameron's work. This is the 4th book I've read of hers. Her work is uplifting. It gives you hope that your creativity still exists and can fulfill its destiny in your lifetime despite the many challenges put before you in this troubled world. Look into the Artist' Way as a primer.

[Sundry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I see that many people get good out of this book. The Artist's Way was wonderful, but I found this depressing. If you're depressed and need to hear a kindred voice, it may be good, but it ran aground for me. Had to stop.

[Terrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I need some perseverance....

Turns out I needed perseverance to get through the book. Most of it is filled with self-indulgent angst. If I wanted that I could read Anne Rice...

[Teri Temme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morning Pages are always valuable - I never know why I stop! They are already helping me to clarify the direction of my life. Thank you Julia! Great vignettes of NYC through the seasons.

[Katrina Sark · Rating 3 out of 5]

p.13 – In creativity, as in running, you have to start where you are.

p.18 – There is no such thing as a missed day of dog walking. Even in the thickest snow or the fiercest cold we venture out.
In seeking to nurture our creativity, we, too, need adventures that can be counted on. I call them “Artist Dates.” As the name suggests, we are out to romance or woo our artist. We do so by taking a weekly solo expedition to do something that is just plain fun.

p.19 – The intuition that we are connected to a power greater than ourselves is one of the first fruits of Artist Dates. There is a sense of wonder that enters our lives the moment we slow down enough to give it access.

p.105 – Optimism is an elected attitude, a form of emotional courage. It is a habit that can and must be learned if we are to survive as artists.

p.232 – So much of making art is like running a marathon. We may have to run the race ourselves but it is tremendously helpful to have friends who can cheer us on.
The courage to create is the courage to make something out of what we are feeling.

Quotes

“The material itself dictates how it should be written.” (William Faulkner)

“There is no enlightenment outside of daily life.” (Thich Nhat Nanh)

“A multitude of small delights constitute happiness.” (Charles Baudelaire)

“Happiness walks on busy feet.” (Kitte Turmell)

“Solitude is needed to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character.” (James Russel Lowell)

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to life.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

“Trouble is only opportunity in work clothes.” (Henry J. Kaiser)

“Work and love – these are the basics. Without them there is neurosis.” (Theodor Reik)

“When a woman tells the truth, she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” (Adrienne Rich)

“Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels.” (Faith Whittlesey)

“One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have wholehearted enthusiasm.” (Hannah Senesh)

“A friend is one before whom I may think our loud.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

“When unhappy, one doubts everything; when happy, one doubts nothing.” (Joseph Roux)

“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

“What we call fate does not come into us from the outside, but emerges from us.” (Rainer Maria Rilke)

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” (Mahatma Ghandi)

“We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.” (Carl Jung)

“Talent develops in quiet places, character in the full current of human life.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

“We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are.” (The Talmud)

“I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate.” (Vincent van Gogh)

“When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)

“If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.” (Emily Dickenson)

“Talk that does not end in any kind of action is better suppressed altogether.” (Thomas Carlyle)

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

“Tell me thy company and I’ll tell thee what thou art.” (Miguel de Cervantes)

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” (Antoine de Saint Exupéry)

“A classic is a book that has never finished saying all it has to say.” (Italo Calvino)

[Katarzyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying I did TAW (with some modifications) and absolutely loved it, it got me out of huge burnout stage and I am eternally grateful for this. Then I read the second book in the series because I loved how the chapters were holding me accountable week by week, and with the same intent I bought the third book.

I don't want to say I'm disappointed, I was expecting "more of the same", but after getting through those three months (book is 12 chapters for 12 weeks again) sheesh, I am TIRED.

Not only does the author go more in more into religious subjects, which are problematic for me and harder and harder to just ignore/skip (I have no spiritual bone in my body, I can't just think of a different "higher power"), some chapters feel like they're MOSTLY about god, prayers and other stuff not everyone believes in.

Also, I swear to god (sic!), if I had 5$ for every "cute" essay that was about her untrained dogs and how they lunge at other dogs, squirrels, "piruette" at the end of their leashes, bark, try to jump at runners, bikers, children... I'd have enough to hire a trainer and send her to her house. Julia, from one dog person to another, train your damn dogs!!!

All in all, I am sticking with my journaling, I am sticking with my Artist Dates, I am sticking with "easy does it". But I am very happy that I am done with reading those essays that are, in this particular book, very, VERY repetitive, reiterating the same two-three things in pages and pages. There's some gems in there, but you'll have to get through a lot of very uninteresting descriptions of walks, meals and her playing the piano.

[Shane DM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia Cameron is a writer not afraid of sharing her vulnerabilities. In this motivational book, she warmly takes the reader on a hand-held tour of her writing life. She lives in New York City apartment within walking distance of Central Park. All is not sunshine and flowers, however. She tells about her history of alcoholism and depression, how she still feels the need to drink and/or capitulate to sadness. Despite her many successes, she lacks faith in herself as a writer, and, to combat these dark moments, she utilizes strategies to keep afloat. Repeatedly in the book she emphasizes three strategies to accomplish this, namely, writing her morning pages -- three pages upon waking every morning; going on what she calls artist dates; and finally, taking walks around the neighborhood. At the end of each chapter these three strategies are drilled home in the mind of the reader.

Cameron speaks often of God. Some may not appreciate her dependence on such a being, but she believes that God is the source of her artistic inspiration, and when a writer places too much confidence on mortal abilities, the resulting work is not as strong.

She takes an abundance of walks in the book. Here is where she practices what she preaches, and we readers are treated to all the seasons of New York City, particularly as it applies to Central Park. Her images are strong – her dogs sniffing the bushes and taunting (and being taunted by) squirrels; barking daringly and ferociously at much larger dogs; joggers dressed in yellow slickers braving the weather no matter what. In these descriptions of the milieu of NYC, she springboards into how the writer too must write no matter what, even if there is no desire.

Each section of every chapter concludes with an assignment that she calls a Diving Rod. For example, she instructs the reader to make a list of five things to be thankful for. In another assignment she encourages the reader to venture into the neighborhood and walk more slowly than usual, to notice the small things that are typically overlooked in the frenetic haste of city life.

There is no direct teaching of writing here. No grammatical analyses of sentences, no discussion of mechanical craft. This is a motivational book aimed at the artist who needs encouragement to keep going and not quit. She is like the benevolent aunt who calls you every week and lifts the hands that hang down, gives her shoulder for support.

I don’t count myself as a serious writer, one whose sole occupation is cranking out the words, day in and day out. The book didn’t ring my bell at this stage of my life, but there’s no saying it won’t in the future. Overall, there is good advice in Finding Water; you don’t have to be a writer to be the sole beneficiary of Cameron’s wisdom.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very much the same as the other books in Julia Cameron's published books. If you're into that kind of thing, it's interesting.

If you don't really mind, then it doesn't really matter either way. In this work, she has resources such as for Alcoholics Anonymous and for opening up your own Creative Cluster. As I don't particularly partake from AA, I just smiled, took the information, and looked to put this up here. I thought Transitions: Prayers and Declarations for a Changing Life was better.
I think I have a lot of her books.

What I liked most as in this author's other books were all the arbitrary quotes on the sides.

So it's basically more of the same, besides what I mentioned. If you wanted more, there's not really a whole lot besides a few inspirational quotes.