The Sound of Paper: Starting from Scratch by Julia Cameron

Julia Cameron's The Sound of Paper: Starting from Scratch, published earlier this year, captures the beauty and ease of going on a retreat—but without the heavy transportation and hotel costs. If you remove the paper cover, you’ll find the words, “Think of this book as a summer’s hike . . . “ and so it is. Written during a summer spent in New Mexico, Cameron easily recreates both her inner and outer landscape operating at the time. In short essays, she speaks of creativity, of her daily struggles and hourly triumphs, of her love for the craft and the pursuit of writing. Her writing is an invitation to join her in the process of reflection and discovery. Built on the three pillars of Cameron’s earlier successful book, The Artist’s Way, Cameron proves once again that she knows of what she writes and she does so with the ease and familiarity that will no doubt make any other writer jealous.

While the book can be read in one sitting, you won’t any time to reflect upon the essays or try your hand at the exercises suggested at the end of each reading. This book is meant to be savored over time. The essays unfold easily and the rhythm and spacing of the reflections allow for a gradual and deepening unfolding of the meaning of the creative process. As a reader I enjoyed the familiar tone and the intimate sharing crafted by Cameron. As a writer I appreciated the craft exhibited by the essays and the gentle nudge provided by the exercises. As a person who is naturally reflective, I identified with Cameron’s wrestle to understand the creative process and chart her personal course.

If you are new to Cameron’s writings, this is a gentle opening of the door. If you are acquainted with The Artist’s Way or Cameron’s other works, The Sound of Paper: Starting from Scratch will be like a shared summer with an old friend.

Article Author: Vikk Simmons

Vikk has a traveler’s soul and an explorer’s spirit and the two feed her main habits: reading and writing. Fully socialized, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Her work includes 3 travel books, 2 teen novels, and online writing for MSN City …

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