The Creative Life: True Tales of Inspiration

by Julia Cameron

A passionate and inspiring guide to creating a life built around the creative process.

This groundbreaking new work from the bestselling author of The Artist's Way, guides readers in creating a vision for their lives in which art and life are inextricably linked. According to Julia Cameron, when we allow our creative spirit to serve as our compass, we discover that the art we have always longed to create is suddenly within our grasp.

In The Creative Life, Cameron shows readers how to use their creative hearts and minds to cultivate lives that nourish and sustain their art. Through beautifully drawn scenes from her own life, as well as the lives of the many artists around her, Cameron reveals that creativity flourishes during the quiet pauses in our lives-and that it is only when we allow ourselves to slow down and savor life that we discover ways to depict it sensitively and poetically in our art. By opening the curtain on her own life and the lives of the artists who surround her, Cameron reveals a world rich with creative possibility.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Art, Memoir, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

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

[Barbara Storey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, boring, boring. The book starts out with Julia Cameron, originator of the practice of morning pages, sharing - in a sense - her own morning pages with us. But it becomes so repetitive - work on musical, work on book, go out to dinner with a friend (every night), have a music lesson, walk dogs, and all of these just being repeated, over and over and over for 200-some pages. I skimmed the last 50 pages, and didn't miss a thing. A little too much name-dropping - largely people I've never heard of - a little too self satisfied, self-congratulatory, "all of my friends are wonderful and talented and perfect and brilliant", going on endlessly. I'm going to try and forget this book, so I can now go on to The Artist's Way and not have my experience of that tainted by this useless book.

[Liaken · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a collection of Cameron's experiences during a period of her life, and truthfully, it didn't feel hopeful or connected. It felt sad and depressed.

The long title, The Creative Life: True Tales of Inspiration, Finding Your True North, is entirely misleading and it makes me wonder who chose it, as it seems it was chosen to "sell."

"The Creative Life" -- or, at least, Julia Cameron's life where she hobnobs in New York with all the people she has connected with during her long career. Not a very helpful or realistic model for those just starting out or, might I add, those who are more introverted and wouldn't thrive on a steady diet of gatherings.

It isn't "True Tales of Inspiration." It's more like, What I ordered at the restaurant when I went out to eat with this artist or that poet and what I wore and how the weather was drizzling and how I was tired and felt blocked.

And "Finding Your True North" ... who put that on the cover? There's even a compass pointing North. What is this part supposed to mean? The book doesn't have to do with finding anything. It's just a pastiche of journal entries. I didn't get inspired nor did I see anything about process (though she says a lot throughout the book, "it's a process").

It's too bad, really. She has written so much that is so good. I'll read her other books instead, as this is not a book I would recommend, alas.

[Kaseka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 of 5. As always, I love Julia Cameron's writing style and comfortable voice. The Creative Life is a creative diary/memoir of a year or so in Cameron's life, and in it we're given a candid view of her life through a collection of short, hopeful scenes.

One of my foremost thoughts while reading was dismay: I don't have the money to go to a restaurant every time I want to meet a friend! How much will I have to earn to sustain such a practice? Upon reflection--and finishing the book--I think Cameron was trying to show her readers something much more important and encouraging: artists need not create in a vacuum. Just as, for many, our work feels incomplete without an audience, our creative endeavors feel easier to do when we're surrounded by "Believing Mirrors," a network of people who believe in us, our work, and our ability to complete the projects we start.

Surrounding myself with people whose work and lives I believe in and want to know about, and for whom that feeling is mutual, is the greatest lesson I'll be taking from The Creative Life. While it helps to read about "Believing Mirrors" in Cameron's other books, I hadn't expected to see them in action, page after page, with no sign of flagging interest or annoyance; but rather with a generosity of spirit, excitement, and pleasure at being part of Cameron's process, and inviting her to be part of their own.

If you take nothing else from The Creative LIfe, take this: Actively surround yourself with people who believe in you, and whom you believe in; invite them into your process; and watch as your creative endeavors grow lighter on your shoulders, and flourish.

[M.J. Donnery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I found the book title and description misleading, I still enjoyed reading The Creative Life: True Tales of Inspiration.
Julia Cameron, author of the The Artist's Way,opens the door to her daily life and work, as well as introducing the reader to her inner circle of friends and colleagues.
Yes, much salad and many iced cappuccinos are devoured along the way. And perhaps it does read more like a notebook of morning pages rather than a collection of inspiring tales - But if you are a superfan of Ms Cameron's as I am, there's still lots to delve into, still many nuggets of wisdom to be found.

[Meghan Maxfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Julia Cameron, and have been inspired by her work, but good grief, this was awful. The writing is poor, often sounding like a beginning writer. Writing is hard, and she seemed to know she was struggling with this book. She should have trusted her instincts.

[PJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s not a “guide” of any kind. It’s a diary memoir. I lasted 10 pages before I got bored. Disappointing compared to the synopsis.

[Satangan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out from my local joint-use library.

I was curious about what the book was about, along with an eye-catching and intriguing title.

I assumed it was a book about how to be creative and how it applied in one's life. I actually, discovered this book just by looking around the library, scanning interesting titles in approximately to art or creativity based. This is my first time reading a book from this author and series.

While reading it, it smelled like wood or I guess a freshly printed book. It had a scent of wood.

It may not be as I expected, but it was a good book to read as well. It contained the life experience of Julia Cameron and her memoirs. In a way, I was able to use her experiences and learn that being creative comes in many ways and learning. For example, the quote on the back of the book is agreeable too and I love it.

The Quote:
"The artist's life can be tumultuous, and yet I chose it- and choose it again on a daily basis. So much of our mythology around creativity portrays the artist as a loner. The truth is far more colorful. Instead of being a solo act, the artist's life involves many."

Furthermore, on page #19, the quote "It's a process," was a really nice mantra that while I was reading through the book all the way to the end. I was able to remember this mantra and I think that I would use it in the future as remembering that everything we do that is creative takes time and is a process.

I wouldn't mind reading more books from this series and author; especially to make sure to check out "The Artist's Way." It is an interesting book and gives me a new viewpoint on my life as being a creative person and that I am not alone.

I particularly liked how most was about positive feedback and not focusing so much on the negative, as good support to have around. Wherein the mere mention of "Believing Mirrors" by Julia Cameron was an idea that I had never thought of and fully agree with.

"Believing Mirrors” are people who mirror us back to ourselves as powerful, strong, and in our most positive light. Our Believing Mirrors are valuable people in our creative lives." (https://juliacameronlive.com/tag/beli... ---> quote from here).

I rely mostly on positive feedback and get strongly discouraged by negative feedback. This makes me feel like how she mentions about "Nigel" ( a creature who is never happy, never satisfied with her work, and visualizes him as a gay British designer). I frankly love the visual of Nigel and I get this feeling/thoughts in my head all the time. It causes me to leave a variety of unfinished works and ideas that I know I should constantly have written down. Luckily, I do find time to go back and decide to rework through some of them that I have forgotten all about.

Although, the total number of pages read is actually 233 pages when I read the book. I would recommend this book to be read by everyone or anyone who likes this author and her series. There was constant mention of salads and ice cappuccino; that only slightly seemed repetitive, but it was healthy and mentions of vegan in there. Nothing against it, I was just thinking that she eats really healthy and might consider that for myself as well. I was also thinking that she loves her coffee as much as I do. Which is why near the end on page #221 as she mentions the fact that she does love cappuccinos and thought her present would be an espresso-making machine proves it even more.

This book is a great use for anyone to use as a reference for their own life experiences on being creative and connecting in that way. It could even be used for an assignment. In addition to being a reference, I can kind of tell it works as I guess someone couldn't help themselves by making slight marks of underline parts in the book and had left a card in it that listed more books that they possibly checked out from this author and series. The book wasn't damaged and is still readable.

For me, this book was truly an eye- and mind-opening. This gives me a bigger perspective on being creative and more on those around me who are the same. I feel like this book is a nice life-changing experience to my ways of thinking; even though this may just be me preaching my own opinions out to the world.

[Jenny Kangasvuo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Olen pitänyt aiemmista Cameronin luovuutta ja kirjoittamista käsittelevistä kirjoista, mutta tämä ei ollut hyvä. Kirja on oikeastaan päiväkirja, jossa luetellaan ihmisiä, joita Cameron tapasi syksyllä 2009, ravintoloita, joissa söi ja mitä söi, mitä elokuvia ja esityksiä katsoi ja millä paikkakunnilla vieraili. Kirjasta kuitenkin puuttui pohdinta ja syvällisyys, sen miettiminen, miten eri ihmiset, asiat ja ajatukset liittyvät toisiinsa "luovassa elämässä", kirjan nimen mukaan. Ehkä ne eivät liitykään.

Ärsyttävää kirjassa oli tietty snobbailu ja nimien tiputtelu - jäi sellainen mielikuva, että osa Cameronin tapaamista ihmisistä ovat julkkiksia tai muuten isoja nimiä New Yorkin teatteri- ja musikaaliskenessä, ja että lukijan pitäisi tunnistaa nimet. Kirjassa syödään kalliissa ravintoloissa, pukeudutaan hienosti, rahan menoa ei tarvitse miettiä. Cameronin tosifaneille kirja tietysti antaa katsauksen siihen, millaista elämää idoli viettää.

Kirjoitustyylissä oli myös jotain kuivakkaa ja kliseistä. Aiemmissa lukemissani Cameronin kirjoissa on ollut tietynlainen innostunut sävy, mutta tämä teos oli jotenkin ponneton. Ikään kuin Cameronin olisi ollut pakko kirjoittaa "jotain" jonkun kustannussopparin takia, joten hän on sitten kirjoittanut "jotain". Odotin, että lopussa olisi jonkin yhteenveto tai synteesi siitä, mitä lukijan pitäisi tästä jaarittelusta saada irti, mutta ei.

En tosiaan suosittele tätä, mutta opus on sentään nopealukuinen.

[Shikha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I failed to understand the point of this book. Honestly, I skipped a lot of pages in between because the plot didn’t hold me well. And as of conveying philosophical messages, there was nothing new!

[Bri Rinehart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel as though the title to this book is misleading. I thought that I would be reading inspirational stories for those that are creative. Instead, it was more like mini stories from Cameron's life that I didn't care to know about. All in all, I figured out she eats out, a lot - and at the same places where it is to the point that the waiters know what she eats, she has a lot of writers block, knows a lot of famous people, and heavily relies on her assistant, Emma. Maybe this would be a good book for those that want to be writers, because I could not connect on being inspired from this book at all. Cameron is a writer and mentions some of what she teaches throughout the book, so maybe if you are a writer, you should check this out! Personally, for me, as an artist, I did not enjoy it as much as I had wanted to.

[Vonetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like I said in my update, this book is very simple for a reason. For several weeks after a big move (aka huge life change), I couldn't write a thing, and since that's what I'm trying to do for a living now, that was not cool at all. I wanted to read something gentle, that would lubricate my brain, so to speak, and this was just what I needed. Cameron's talking about her own writer's block made me feel like I wasn't alone, and her simple stories were easy for my mind's eye to see, restoring my imaginative sight along the way. A number of things helped cure my bout of writer's block, and this book was one of them. (Oh, for those who think she eats out a lot, it's called living in New York, where no one cooks.)

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only one hint of tension, "How could he not be in love with her?" Cameron wonders at one point, about a character only introduced in passing as "Domenica's boyfriend." We don't even know if he likes tofu or ginger. Also one instance of a dropped gingerbread cake--- not exciting. "'Everything happens for a purpose,' our friend Jennifer Bassey exclaims when I tell her about the dropped cake later in the day." (Cameron 202) Unfortunately, this is not true; nothing in this book happens for a purpose. Rich, artsy people living carefree lives, traveling to London at leisure, eating Chinese food, encountering no strife, no difficulties. Is this where success leads, to stagnation?

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected. Cameron is the author of The Artist's Way, that seminal title about creativity and the creative process, and I guess I expected something similar here. Instead, The Creative Life is a series of vignettes about Cameron's life as an artist and a teacher. Once I got past my expectations and settled into the narrative, I enjoyed it.

[Paula Kirman · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I could give half stars, I would have given this two and a half stars. The premise is misleading - this is more like a memoir about Ms. Cameron's comings and goings with other creatives. It has its moments though.

[Eileen Lennon · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want to know what she orders for dinner, read this book.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cameron got me hooked from the first few chapters, but it slows down to a halt in the second half of the book. The gems are all in the first half but they are brilliant gems.

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Creative Life by Julia Cameron is nothing more than an extensive exercise of conceit.

Categorised as self-help, I expected to encounter instances of the self-doubt, pessimism and frustration that encroach when we lose sight of our craft. However, Julia Cameron would be on hand to affirm that such strong emotions are part of the creative process before offering a few handy tips for when such occasions arise. I was ever so wrong.

The Creative Life is about Julia Cameron. It is about how wonderful she is. It is about how wonderful her – allegedly famous – friends are. It is about how she never has any true issues with stifled creativity. Yes, she may have a little self-doubt now and again but it is always readily rectified. After all, her rough drafts usually do end up being so perfect that they become her final draft. Chiefly, this silly book is about what the author has eaten over the last forty years; I wish I were joking but she feels the need to always state what she’s consuming. Furthermore, we must hear how she is far healthier than her friends who have the audacity to slather butter on their bread or even eat mac’n’cheese, unlike our self-righteous, judgemental writer.

My key criticism of this ridiculous book is that it attempts to teach the insecure to attain their worth from others. I disregard this premise vehemently. You define your self-worth. Being a true artist means understanding that you will never please everybody but having the conviction that you can still create. Additionally, it suggests to ignore criticism. One who is confident in their art can absorb criticism and turn it into something constructive.

I do not recommend this book at all. If you are a creator struggling with self-doubt and the dreaded white page, find true help elsewhere.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

[I should've seen the goodreads rating of this one before reading it, it would've saved me a lot of time and disappointment]

The first 40% of the book was good, I was learning stuff both from her creative insights and her duties as an artist, but the rest of the book... was just a life of meetings and eating, and rich people sounding... fake? The only reason I finished the book was because I thought she would offer more insights into her process, her writing practice, or details about the things she has to do for her career as an artist. All there was, however, is an endless list of taxi journeys, meals at restaurants, and glamorous and superficial meetings and conversations. I'm quite disappointed, to be honest. I expected much more from her. I also didn't expect the book to read like a diary of appointments. I get it, it's a diary, but for the love of God, people (especially writers, who are required to be introspective) write their deepest thoughts and reflections there. I didn't get any of the things that you usually see in a memoir either, for there was no big revelation of anything (or even small). The good thing is, the book is easy and fast to read. I wouldn't recommend it, though. She has much better books than this one. It is quite clear, sadly, that making this book was only a matter of sales. I thought she'd experiment with the genre or something, but her editor just wanted a book, and she provided it. However, it didn't provide much for me.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me at just the right time in my life. It is a beautifully written account of Julia Cameron’s “day-to-day” living the creative life. While I’m sure it’s romanticized quite a bit, I was enthralled with the story and was hanging on to every word. I see a lot of people complaining that the book didn’t give direction or TALK about how to live a creative life. They’re right. It SHOWED how to live a creative life. Julia’s beautiful words tell the tales of her conversing and communing with fellow artists and creatives as they gain inspiration and energy from one another. For me, this book was like how a romance novel is for others. It was sexy. It was creatives coming together, building relationships, and making beautiful things. I am an introvert and it’s hard for me to go out and meet new people and even stay in touch with friends. This book reminds me of the importance of having fellow artists and creatives in your life. It’s so important to be able to work together and support one another on projects. This book is over ten years old but I think it’s relevant today, especially in a post covid world. A lot of us introverts are relying on ourselves a lot. We have to remember that human connection is important, and we need to share this big beautiful thing we call creativity!

[Nadja · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misleading title. It offers only surface-level vignettes of a year in the author's life (with most days being the same: Meeting friends for lunch or dinner, talking about work, working). I'd assumed it would be a collection of stories about many different artists, though I suppose it is, in a way: minute slices of her friends' lives, all of whom are brilliant, successful, and without any trouble (or so it would seem, reading the book).

Though it was a quick read, and semi-interesting to peek onto the author's days and thoughts (especially her ongoing struggles with writer's block even though she's been a celebrated writer for eons), it lacked substance.

Where she could have gone onto more detail (ie a reference to her breakdown in Taos), she merely glanced over it. The book didn't feel real - more of a case of capturing Polaroid stills and presenting that as an undeterminable link to "finding true north".

[Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delicious little book. I felt sad parting with it.

Just a quick tip: do not rush through this book; take the sweetest/longest time soaking in its words as if sucking on a teaspoon of honey. Those who rush through will get absolutely NOTHING out of it (as the low-rating reviews here confirm it) because they miss the main point/lesson of the book. Too bad for them.

Please also note: this is not so much a self-help book, this a slow-burning memoir of a wise and spiritual author. If you are looking for a self-help title—pick up The Artist’s Way or The Right to Write by the same author.

[Sheryl Garratt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Cameron's work and I thought I could read her take on the phone book. Now I have, and it turns out it wasn't enjoyable at all. I think the point was a journal showing a creative life, surrounded by supportive creative friends. But the result was endless name-dropping of people I'd never heard of, with reports of trite conversations and exactly what was ordered by whom in whatNY restaurant. When it comes to diary extracts and thoughts on creative process, Eleanor Coppola's Notes was much more interesting.

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really loved The Sound of Paper so this was a bitter disappointment. A boring, repetitive, and not particularly insightful diary of a rich lady in New York recording her meals (a salad and a cappuccino, almost invariably) and her talks with friends in which everyone tells everyone else how great they are and offers little in the way of help or constructive criticism. Comes off as a vanity project, writing for the sake of having something published, not to create something meaningful, which completely goes against the ethos of her earlier works. Not a very compelling or inspiring read.

[John’aLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t understand all the negative reviews of this book. I’ve always enjoyed Julia Cameron’s work, and this is just a different peek inside her world, an ever revolving door of artists, writers, actors and creators. It is up close and personal, and one feels as if you are right there along with her, whether it’s eating at the cafes and bistros of New York, in Chicago working on a project, or up in Maine celebrating Christmas with friends.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went about reading this book without expectations. I would describe it as a memoir about Cameron’s lifestyle and the relationships that encourage her creativity. I find it fascinating to read about her life and mindset. I enjoy Cameron’s writing style and finished the book in a day. I found the book to be helpful as I begin to understand Cameron’s Artist’s Way practices and implement them in my own life.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book by Julia Cameron that I have read and it absolutely sucks! Hopefully her other books don't read like someones uninspired diary. I only made it to page 34 before giving up. I had read "it's a process" enough to last a lifetime already. She goes to dinner with friends, she teaches classes, it rains, a lot! Yadda yadda yadda.

[Countrymm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire the author as an artist and writer. This book takes a psychological look at her view of life as she draws strength from allowing herself time to write and paint. She has not had an easy life.

[Debbi Weiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw the flow of creativity in the beginning, but the message was include other people when you need them and give them credit when credit is due. That’s basic knowledge. I loved The Artist’s Way, but I felt like this had no meat to it. It was too high level.

[Megan Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia journals through part of her year, giving us a glimpse into her artistic life. I appreciated all of the helpers she had placed in her life and the way she encouraged others in their creative pursuits. A good reminder to surround ourselves with other artists of various kinds.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not get a lot out of this book. The short sentences and focus on writers and artists the author knows and how they often ate at restaurants in NYC and what they ate gets repetitive. Sadly, I did not learn much new about writing or creativity.