"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music — the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls, and interesting people. Forget yourself." That is a succinct encapsulation of the writing philosophy of Henry Miller, one of the many writers saluted in this book. Julia Cameron, author of the bestsellers The Artist's Way and The Vein of Gold, has been putting her ideas, thoughts, feelings, experiences, and musings on paper for over 33 years. For her, writing is "a spiritual dowry that gives us the keys to the kingdom."

Cameron believes in a daily writing practice, and she has many suggestions for us. Since "the blood remembers what the mind forgets," there are exercises on tapping into the resource of your body as a storyteller. The secret of good writing is keeping good notes — so pay attention to details and become a sensitive listener. Be an open channel — banish the self-conscious author within you. The Sufi mystic Rumi pointed to this when he wrote: "Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment." Cameron vividly conveys her enthusiasm for writing in this helpful manual.