Writers: An Artist's way-beyond blocks to your unique voice

I’ve long been a fan of Julia Cameron, whose seminal book The Artist’s Way, first published over 30 years ago, was a gamechanger for me. When I first followed the course with an all-female group back in 2010, I discovered my creative writing voice through the practice of morning pages. Characters found their way into my three pages of longhand every morning, then snippets of a storyline. That was the genesis of a first novel, followed by a second, Broken Madonna, recently published.

Over the years, I’d return to Julia’s prompts towards creativity whenever I got stuck. I found the practice of morning pages and artist’s dates – giving yourself time and space to do something pleasurable, on your own - was the balm that my cynical, tired soul needed each time. An avid learner, always keen to connect with other writers, I’ve done my share of courses, events, meet-ups and online learning. But nothing touched the sides of the Artist’s Way approach. Synchronicity and the spiritual leaning may not be for everyone, but I’d experienced time and again, for myself, and with others, the difference an open mind can make and the magic that happens when you pick up on the toolkit. I felt whole, alive. It isn’t just about creativity, it’s about who you are and finding your joy in life.

Seeing my novel, Broken Madonna, in the world has been a long wished for dream, and it hasn’t disappointed. There has been so much positive, and the best of all is hearing from readers who have been touched by the story and characters. However, the process of publication is far removed and distinctly separate from what got me writing in the first place. That was a desire to create, develop ideas, see if I could make them work, bring characters in my head to life. The mental gymnastics involved, the many challenges of plotting, emotional depth, pace, start and end points, that’s what I’m interested in. And connecting with others through my words.

When the book Write for Life, Julia Cameron’s 6-week, shortened version of The Artist’s Way, specifically for writers, came across my radar, I just knew it was one of those serendipitous moments (I’m not bad at recognising them now and paying attention!). My day job over the years has involved facilitating groups in the workplace, and I’ve trained as a counsellor, using my skills to coach and support many people around communication issues. It was a natural, welcome and exciting step to think about how to use Write for Life as a basis to help writers.

There is a lot of focus on educating writers to develop their craft and technique but little to support writers who want to ignite or reignite their creative spark in a way that takes into account all our human foibles – how we procrastinate, sabotage our first thoughts, pay too much attention to our inner critic, the perfectionism that eats away at original ideas. The blocks that are fear, doubt and anxiety. Taking on board shaming feedback.

For the group who I have recently facilitated through Writers: An Artist’s Way, using the book Write for Life as a basis, and the many exercises I have developed through mentoring writers, this has been a totally different, uplifting experience. It is an approach that allows each individual to work on a project, wherever they are. Whether starting out with writing, through to the most seasoned writer. And it works for all sorts of writing – between the group, people were working on memoir, novels, plays, poetry, travel writing and early exploration, not yet knowing the form. The focus is on the process, how to get past the common blocks which can hobble writers and to have a toolkit which allows you to continue developing your writing beyond the course, refreshed and energised.

The bonus is that the benefits permeate beyond writing. When your hear your voice through morning pages, you may find, like my recent group, that musical instruments get played again, your artistry finds myriad other outlets from sewing to collage to painting, plants are nurtured, fun trips happen. Artist dates, small and grand, from forest bathing to sea swimming, listening to a favourite album and dancing in the kitchen, reinvigorate the well of ideas. And spur you on to more of what you love and enjoy, which for whatever reason, may have fallen by the wayside.

I should know. Through running the course, I commit to doing it again myself, to recharge my creative batteries. So I do the morning pages and artists dates alongside my participants, write my daily quota of words, go for walks and find new stimulating places to write. These are the 5 key tools of the approach.

For me, this time I am editing a novel and I have found a way through some conundrums which have stymied me for some time. I’m working on a new, streamlined outline. Much less cluttered and confusing, more character driven. I’m delighted with this outcome. And by the way, I’m now into identifying birdsong and cooking up a new, healthy storm.

Enough of me – here’s what others have said about Writers: An Artist’s Way.

‘A wonderful experience. Brilliant course leader, warm and friendly and inventive. This has really added to my writing experience, and I have looked forward to coming each week.’ Dawn

‘I enjoyed Writers: An Artist’s Way course. Anna was a lovely facilitator, she was encouraging and created an inclusive atmosphere for us. The course itself is greatly motivational. It helps you to achieve regular writing practice in a gentle way, gives you so many tools and tricks to help you to keep writing and is also an expansive perspective for your life in general. It's wonderful and I would highly recommend it.’ Nicola

‘Thanks for everything you put into this course. And for everyone for making it the beautiful experience it was. It feels like a significant period in my life.’ Chanell

‘Thank you from my heart for your alchemy. Lovely energy.’ Annie

‘Strong sense of community built between the group. Useful, challenging exercises!’ Rachel

Next Writers: An Artist's Way course

4 November - 9 December 2025

6 Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm

Evolution Arts, Brighton

If you are interested in a different approach to writing, which comes from the soul, get in touch. I mentor writers, run courses and retreats. www.annalucia.co.uk.