It’s the second Wednesday of December. Another time for another motivating surprise on the Being-a-Writer Month for those of you (including me), writers and aspiring writers, whatever kind of writing you’re doing. Today we’re talking about being a writer, the Artist’s Way. And by the Artist’s Way, I’m referring to Julia Cameron and her brilliant ideas.

This post is a sort of a follow-up post on the previous post of the first Monday. At times—if not most of the times or even at any time—you will know when you feel whether or not you’re really good at something (writing, public speaking, painting, etc.). Still, there are more times when you feel in the not-know state. You have this feeling that you’re creative enough, “But really?”, you ask. Not all people are ‘destined’ to undergo creative kinds of jobs (as in writing, painting, singing, etc.); nonetheless, every job is creative in their own way.

Now on to the real motivation part. Let’s exercise our creative brain, the Artist’s Way. Cameron suggests two basic tools in creative recovery: the morning pages and the artist date. For complete explanation, please read here from her own words (you can also download the details in PDF form for free).

Now that you know, for those that believe aforementioned tools are brilliant, bear with me. We’re going to adapt them. For those who want to use the tools as are, please do. And for those who think we can use those tools in a slightly different way, again, bear with me. I have yet practicing the usage of said tools, but am going to, though.

The morning pages – the writing business journal

Instead of doing the morning pages as is, why not treating it as your writing business journal? I have learned my lesson that I need to think business on my freelance writing career (you’ve got the passion, now you want to get some incentives from your passion, so thinking about it as a real business can be one of your ways to show you’re serious) and having a journal to document anything concerning the business may help you both in tracking and learning about any progress. I even believe it can help you know more about your one skill or discover other new skills you never thought you had.

It doesn’t have to be so journal-y. Let the creative part inside you leads the way in journaling (and you know that you don’t have to call it a journal, anyway). In a book (or a spiral note or anything you wish), jot down your ideas for your next writing, your new writing goals, your unique selling points (USPs), your newly-published writing works, your random ideas, …, simply anything you consider important. Seeing progress(es) in a form of a written document will surely motivate you more anytime you’re in motivation SOS.

The artist date – the writer date

Cameron suggests to do this once a week. Yet again, let the creative part of your brains shows the how. Everyday? Please do. By reading certain book(s) and not let any of your family members interrupt during the reading activity? Yes, please. By writing ‘crap’? As you wish. It’s a date. Don’t think too hard on the ‘purpose’ (”I have to at least get an inspiration to write a new essay after this date”), let it flow, let it be your me-time, even. The inspiration will follow, sooner or later.

What do (or will) you do in your creative recovery?

If you’re already using other tools than the two mentioned above, please share in the comment below. If you plan to make use of the abovementioned tools (maybe starting 2010?), how’s your creative insight toward your unique creative recovery?

(Photo source)

Previously, on Being-a-Writer Month:

. 1st Wednesday: Byline vs. Money

. 1st Monday: The Only Thing I Was Fit for