Floor Sample: A Creative Memoir

this book was not what I was expecting- but nonetheless I loved reading the book- Julia doesn't leave out a detail- from mentioning her next door neighbor's name to name dropping about some famous producer- no stone is left unturned- every one gets some spotlight.Even the most mundane events get "front page" emphasis - it is exhausting trying to keep up .Melodramatic and self absorbed , her story truly does read like fiction- there are so many twists and turns -and cliffhangers- at the end of each chapter I was unable to say to myself- let's leave something for tomorrow. The psychosis is huge;and yes, there seems to be a quest for attention- and she gets it.I have done some of the Artists way, have read many other Julia Cameron books- she is prolific, prolific, prolific , a true storyteller.If you enjoy batty confessionals, this one will surely please.

To engage in the reading of Julia Cameron's newest book, Floor Sample: A Creative Memoir, is to follow the development and manifestation of troubled, immensely creative genius. Tracking this development through her unique valley of sorrows is painful. Her candor is sometimes fatiguing, begging the question of "how much more must she endure?" Her determination to write, established very young, pushes her to find her way through alcoholism and drug use, relationship chaos, single motherhood, financial insecurity, physical and mental illness and inordinate successes. That she found her path in sobriety and in The Artist's Way is more than remarkable; that she continues to develop in new and unexpected talents is inspiring. Julia Cameron is yet a "work in progress." Even as she faced the multiple hardships and gifts of her life, she constantly produced her Morning Pages and book after book of tutelage, poetry, fiction, inspiration, plays and musicals are the result. She is a most uncommon woman of extreme intelligence and creativity from whom we have much still to learn.

I had the privilege to attend a workshop with Julia recently and was impressed by her humor, her strength, her passion, and her talent. And yes, her vulnerability. This is a fabulous book, reflecting all these facets of this complicated, gifted woman. It's a brave memoir, in that she details serious problems, including alcohol and drug abuse as well as two failed marriages, and a great stuggle with emotional stability. But throughout it all, Julia remains true to her dual calling, that of an artist and a teacher. No matter what transpires, she not only continues to create her own art of many kinds, but works hard and with great generosity to help other artists find their muse and working rhythms. The big message of this book is that an artist is about her work. The work continues no matter what. She preaches this, yes, but lives it too. That's what she means by "Floor Sample" - of her own method, The Artist's Way. Unlike another reviewer who found this to be self absorbed (but what is a memoir if not an examination of self?) I found it to be inspiring and fascinating. I particularly enjoyed her discussion of balancing her teaching and mentoring with her own art work. So few women have the courage to pursue their art despite all, but Julia has done it, and against great odds. I applaud her and admire her. If more of us could stand up to our own demons as well as Julia has, the world would be a more beautiful, and art-filled place. Inspirational reading for those who want to keep their art in focus at all times.

I've been an Artist's Way worker for over a decade and have a healthy Cameron collection of her non-fiction. When I began this memoir, it began slowly and I wasn't feeling the surge I usually feel... but I continued. I powered through over 300 pages yesterday and completed it this morning. It is like Julia took a deep inhale and never took another breath. She has given me yet another gift to be able to see how very hard she was worked for and with her art and her life. I feel so privileged to be given access to her human life peaks and plummets, her dedicated to trusting and to keep writing and to keep taking the next step. For those who have worked The Artist's Way and continue to work it, I believe this book will hold great value and self-compassion (and compassion and more gratitude to/for her). Rarely, do we really get to know what life is truly like for those who appear to have it all/have success or are supporting their lives through their art. I deeply appreciate her courage and has me more deeply grateful for all that is right in my own life. Her tenacity, faith, courage and spirit continue to inspire me and I thank you, Julia Cameron, for sharing it all with me.