Happy Tuesday!
On Saturday evening I finished reading Floor Sample, a creative memoir by Julia Cameron (www.theartistsway.com), author of The Artist’s Way. The Artist’s Way is one of my favorite books. My sistalovefriend Toni Blackman (www.toniblackman.com) introduced me to the book in 1995. Together, we embarked on an accountability journey of morning pages, artist dates, and long walks. I know the work that I did during this period solidified my calling, commitment, and creative expression as an artist. It also laid the foundation for my current role as a creativity coach who midwifes the creative efforts of other creative folks.
Cameron’s Floor Sample was a powerful read. When I learned that she grew up Catholic and attended Georgetown University like me, I felt more connected to her story. Floor Sample helped me understand Cameron’s journey as a creative person, divorced mother, and sober, recovering alcoholic. I learned a great deal about her creative process and the importance of taking great care of yourself, claiming your creative life, and nurturing your creative gifts. I was inspired by the way Cameron has been able to work on multiple creative projects and produce a timeless body of work that serves others. Her creativity energized mine! I needed that boost of energy for the final round of my new book’s publication process. My favorite quotes from Floor Sample were:
“Stop trying to be a great writer … That’s your ego. Get your ego out of your writing. You should be writing from a spirit of service. You are just the vehicle, the channel. Let God write through you.”
“My story was one more story amid many. And that story wasn’t over. I wasn’t at an end. Instead, I was at a beginning. I could add my voice to a choir of voices. I could try. That’s all you need to do.”
Aren’t they? I’m going to write them on a piece of pink construction paper and keep them near my writing desk for inspiration.
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace and Creativity,
Ananda
PS: My copy of Colson Whitehead’s Sag Harbor hasn’t arrived yet. So I started reading a social media book, The New Influencers: A Marketer’s Guide to the New Social Media by Paul Gillin (http://paulgillin.com/newinfluencers). The BAP Living Radio (http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/18598) series on Black women in social media that I have been hosting this month inspired me to pick up the book. I am so glad I did. It is so yummy because I am gaining a big picture perspective of 21st century communications and how to use them in branding myself as an author/artist/creativity coach/blogger/innerpreneur/radio host/yoga teacher/Reiki Master practitioner/social media strategist. It also help me revise my social media marketing strategies for my author web site (www.anandaleeke.com – launch date at the end of June) and new book, That Which Awakens Me: A Creative Woman’s Poetic Memoir of Self-Discovery. After I finish The New Influencers, I am moving on to Gillin’s second book on social media, Secrets of Social Media Marketing: How to Use Online Conversations and Customer Communities to Turbo-Charge Your Business. I plan to finish both books before I head to Chicago for the Blogging While Brown Conference next week (www.bloggingwhilebrown.com).
I am trying to decide which books to take with me to Chicago. I really need to finish Toni Morrison’s A Mercy before I take on another book. However, Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street, a coming-of-age novella that tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina growing up in Chicago.
So what are you reading this summer?
Ananda Leeke 
I also love Julia Cameron. After I read floor sample, it made me understand her in a deeper way and appreciate the fact she lives what she preaches.
I’ve been spending the spring and now summer reading all of Jane Austen. I’m in the midst of Emma which is my least favorite so far. My favorite of the books is Persuasion. I do have Mansfield Park left after Emma. So I’ll see.
After Austen, i have Leo Babauta’s book Less is More waiting for me.
Thanks Shell for stopping by. I love Jane Austen too. I need to check out Leo Babauta’s book.
Thanks for your nice words about New Influencers. I hope you get some practical information out of the second book. You’re quite a prolific reader! I wish I had the discipline to spend more time with books.
Thanks Paul for stopping by. Your books are amazing. I actually started both of them on the same day and realized I needed to read the first one. It was hard to choose. That’s how great they are.
I know it’s a bit tacky responding to old articles but I am inspired by what you’ve written. I’ve bought the book some months but found it difficult to respond to but I am now determined to get back to it especially after you’ve quoted – doing a spiritual service and removing ones ego from the process and assuming that I’m going to become a great writer!!! Thanks for that.
I’m glad you liked reading my post. So happy it helped you. TY for stopping by.