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Much of literature, in its purest form, tells a story. Standing at Water’s Edge Moving Past Fear, Blocks, and Pitfalls to Discover the Power of Creative Immersion (New World Library 2008) by Anne Paris, PhD tells the story of an author writing a book. It is also the story of numerous literary, visual and performing artists, some famous, some not and what they go through spiritually, psychologically and physically to bring a work to completion. Standing at Water’s Edge chronicles a five year journey that Dr. Paris shared with her heroes (real and imagined), mirrors and twins to publish a work that is startlingly intimate, yet at the same time universal. The tale of this odyssey is structured into three parts that comprise ten chapters.

Part one defines and illustrates the concept of immersion with an artwork. As an artist, I found the water reference to be particularly apt. Often when engaged or immersed in the process of creating, I feel like I’m floating and my sense of time and place tends to slip away. Dr. Paris draws on both her decades of experience as a clinical psychologist working with all types of artists and her own deeply personal reflections to breathe life into this concept and sweep the reader along in its flow. She covers the hopes and fears, darkness and light of the process providing guides at the end of each chapter. These guides serve as simple, “how to” suggestions to assist artists (and others who are involved in a creative process) in moving forward in their respective mediums.

Part two, chapters three through seven, focuses on relationships and an artist’s need for support throughout the creative process. This section was quite a revelation for me, having never consciously considered the aspect of the audience or the effect of the response of others on my creations. Chapter three gives a brief overview of depth or insight-oriented psychology and explores the role of fantasy as inspiration.

Chapters four through six explain instances of supportive connections to mirrors, heroes and twins as well as how one individual can fulfill all three of these roles in aiding an artist along the path to a completed work of art. Dr. Paris shares that she has enjoyed the music of Peter Gabriel for many years along with her wish that he would enjoy reading her book. My hope for Peter Gabriel is that he will read Standing at Water’s Edge if he has not already done so! In addition to the pragmatic guides at the end of these chapters, Dr. Paris has included numerous examples of common blocks and fears. These issues are explained and addressed with helpful solutions.

Part three deals with the stages of the creative process from the initial approach to immersion through the final disengagement with a completed piece. Again, the reader is provided with easy, practical guides to moving forward through each stage. Chapter ten addresses the issue of how an artist knows when her work is complete. Although this is a fairly obvious question, it is one I had not considered prior to reading Standing at Water’s Edge. In keeping with the water theme, it struck me as being as simple and as complicated as asking a swimmer how she knows exactly when to hold her breath when diving into a pool. Yet the explanation was thorough, well-reasoned and made complete sense.

The final chapter is followed by an appendix of writing prompts designed to help the reader identify his patterns of immersion. Chapter notes, a complete bibliography and an index containing both subject matter and references are also included. While Standing at Water’s Edge Moving Past Fear, Blocks, and Pitfalls to Discover the Power of Creative Immersion by Anne Paris, PhD is an enjoyable look at artistic expression, it is also a wonderful reference to turn to again and again as a source of renewal for anyone involved in a creative process. I recommend it whole-heartedly!

"We have never even met, and yet you wrote this book about me. Incredible! I identify with every line, thought and expressed feeling in it. And have never heard or read this expressed before, at least never towards the creative process.

I am a Mental Health Counselor and an Art Therapist but retired from both. I am also a painter and usually a stuck one. Usually, there are years between my creative sparks and at present I am strongly considering a studio in our place in Florida, because I desperately need immersion. The book will go wherever I go.

But thank you soooo much for your insightfulness, articulate skills and creativity. Obviously you practice what you preach."

That is the way to immersing yourself into a worthy adventure.

As I read the first five pages of this book, I had to pause. "Was this the book I wanted? I asked myself. It's so different from any non-fiction that I've ever read. I wanted something to guide me to write my first non-fiction book."

Once I allowed myself to fully process these thoughts, and as I reminded myself that I had just read Barbara Abercrombie's, "Courage & Craft," which inspired some great articles, I was free to be with Dr. Anne Paris, and her immersion into what it takes for artists (writers, muscians, dancers, actors, and others) to be one with their project.

For any prospective artists, or seasoned artists, you will learn from reading this book that there is a process to immersion (moving past fears, blocks, and pitfalls):

1. Fantasy ("It would be great to ...")
2. Contemplation ("What would it be like to be/do ...?")
3. Preparation (Research, rituals, planning, deadliness, and more)
4. Diving in (You are simultaneously a spectator, observer, and a creator)
5. Crafting (re-writes, rehearsals, envisioning applause)
6. Disengagement (Having other aspects to your self-concept, and living those aspects)
7. Re-engagement (You are clear, focused and one with what you must do now)

Along the way, as an artist, you might find yourself going back to contemplation, after crafting your outcome. And that's more than okay. This is not a linear project.

It is you, with you perceived audience, and you with those who have supported you in your arrival.

And, because you are seeking, striving, and in it, with all of your heart, you need: a mirror who validates your strengths, talents and uniqueness; a hero how helps you to feel safe; and, a twin who helsp you to feel understood.

I also appreciate Anne Paris' willingness to include examples of her own dreams, challenges and rituals, mixed with a bit of humor.

An unexpected aspect that I gained from reading this book is that I narrowed my proposed book, and the list of benefits, as a result of reading "Standing at Water's Edge."

Beyond being a book about creativity, this book is about: parenting; relationships; and, turning your weaknesses into your seeds of greatness.

I'm sure that I will re-read this, through my process of working on my book, to find myself diving into greater possibilities.

By the time I bought Anne Paris' book, Standing at the Water's Edge I'd been on a how-to binge for almost eighteen months; gorging on anything that promised to teach people like me how to write better, and avoid the pitfalls every 'real' writer experiences. One frightening, common thread/threat throughout was writer's block.

The more I read the more I doubted myself. Writer's block? But I'd never... Did it mean I wasn't a 'real' writer? I had stories stumbling and tumbling to get out of my head and onto paper. My well would never run dry! Right?

I hadn't drawn or painted in years. I hadn't touched a camera in over three months. Writing was a"" Quotes aren't cures though, and, I had way too many stories waiting.

I ran my hands over the cool, smooth cover like a sighted person trying to read Braille; almost hypnotized by the lone figure standing straight and sure, next to a bench. Was that me? A watercolor sky soothed and drew me down to the blue water waiting between Earth and sky. There's always a Negro spiritual to fit most occasions in my life: "Between the Earth and sky, thought I heard my Savior cry..." suited this one.

A promise of freedom to soar beyond the sky, but only if I left the comfort and stability of solid ground behind, gave me the courage to dive into that expanse of healing water within the pages of Anne's book. Not knowing how to swim, I took the first step into a creativity-saving dive.

The first sentence that held hope with a hook got me: "How do we take the plunge into creativity?" The second pulled me along: "If you are an artist, a writer, or a person who works in any other creative capacity, this book is for you."

I snapped to by page four, started highlighting on page five: "... this book will show how the nature of the artist's childhood experiences and the nature of her relationships with others shape her creative process." I think I whimpered.

Anne Paris laid out her cards; offered proof that she could help my sickness. Then she began. She said the therapeutic process of healing and growth involved a creative element. I'd already learned that in therapy! She went on, "The creative state is one that is similar to a meditative trance, in that the artist becomes unaware of his or her surroundings and is free of external judgment and self-evaluation." By then I was in up to my calves. So, I went for it! Sink or swim.

I had experienced "being In The Zone" before. I'd been there without knowing how I'd arrived. I had done some of my best work there. I knew this truth.

At the bottom of page seven, I noted in pencil: "7-24-08 I believe we tap into a collective consciousness that we can take away from, but only as much as we are capable of handling..." In the margin along the outer edge of the page I wrote: The more we dip into the "well," the deeper the depths are plumbed... Our cistern fills and runs over. We become masters of the well's contents."

Standing at Water's Edge confirmed that I've sabotaged my own success as an artist and photographer. I've known it for years, but knowing didn't stop it from happening. I only suspected that I was sabotaging my desire to become a writer.

I have learned that there are healers for what ails us. Sometimes we have to search hard and long, all the while, hoping... believing in our quest. But, I hoped, and help came in the form of Standing at Water's Edge. It helped me. It lifted me up; it helped me undo damage from early childhood; it helped change my damaging inner critic... Finally! I had proof that someone DID understand. "It takes one to know one," and Paris' "knowing" is part of what helps creators understand and break barriers between creator and creativity.

I wish I could offer up the paragraphs or chapters that undid me, or jump-started the creative flow again. I can't. But, I am grateful for all the parts that worked together for me. I haven't read from Standing at Water's Edge recently. I've been too busy writing, and drawing, and painting, and loving photography again. Yes, I am creating. And, I've learned that there's nothing wrong with being good at more than one thing. My new mantra is, "Never fear a gift." Anne Paris wrote the key that unlocked the blocks that had held me prisoner. She taught me not to fear immersion, and to enjoy down time.

Get Standing at Water's Edge. Then dive right in, and learn how to move "past fear, blocks, and pitfalls to discover the power of creative immersion."

I decided to buy this truly inspirational book after reading an excellent review on a local arts networking website. Boy, am I glad I did! The author gives great insight as to why some of us are afraid to totally commit (or "immerse") ourselves to our art, whether it is due to lack of support, poor self-image, lack of "twins" (someone who shares our experiences and trials) or even a lack of affirmation of our talents from loved ones. Speaking of which, the chapter titled "Finding Strength In Mirrors" proved to be a very painful, yet necessary read for me personally. Check it out!

While there are a fair amount of self-help books out there, few concentrate specifically on dissolving the roadblocks to creative expression in the practical manner as this book. What I really appreciate from this author is that she does more than just anaylze--she fully relates her own first-hand experiences with the subject at hand, which proves to be very comforting to the reader.

I would highly recommend this book to any artist, regardless of what stage they happen to be at in their career. Likewise, this would also be an encouraging read to basically anyone who is struggling with such issues as creative release, fear of audiences (judgement) and even relationships. It makes us aware of the difference in the role that we play in our private lives vs. the one that we choose to put on "display" to our public (our audience). In my humble opinion, this book has served as a great learning tool and it makes me want to delve deeper into finding out more about myself as a performer and WHY I am the way that I am. Perhaps it will for you too. Buy! Read! Learn! Immerse!

I really enjoyed this book.I found it interesting,informative,friendly and very readable. I am not a writer but I like to dabble and play with words.

I purchased the book because I wanted to better understand fear and blocks in thought patterns as I have a disability and they are something I can ill afford.

Dr Paris explains the process very well. The book is an immersive experience just as the author suggest. I found all the procrastination and other stuff made a lot more sense. (Great to know it was not wasted time after all.)

The introduction and guide summaries were a great idea and very helpful for later use. I hope to use them in other activities when learning new skills. I liked the organisation of the book, I also liked being encouraged and inspired as I read. This is a great first book. I hope there will be many more. It is pleasing to see professionals sharing their knowledge in this way. It helps to improve the lives of others. I note also you have a web site.

Artists, writers, and other creative individuals know that our passion tends to bring with it great ups and downs. One day, we are on top of the world. The story, the painting, or the healing flows like we are simply channeling the work. There is no effort, no thinking, and no worrying about the end result.

Then, seemingly for no reason, we get stuck. Just getting to the computer to type is more than we can handle. We find ourselves fixating on a single aspect for hours (or days or even months). At some point, we begin to judge ourselves as lazy and question our talent. Forcing the issue only seems to make the problem worse.

Standing at the Water's Edge is a must have for any creative individual. In her counseling work the author has come to understand that there is a real psychological reason that we choose such creative endeavors. Essentially, we are trying to immerse, engage, or otherwise make connections with other human beings. This is something that we both unconsciously yearn for but are also terribly afraid of achieving. So we start writing completely open and willing to make that connection. Then, we start to analyze: will the reader like this, what will my publisher say, will this book sell as well as my last book, etc. Basically, the fear takes over and disrupts the flow. In knowing this cycle, we can learn ways to keep the creativity flowing, particularly by seeking out relationships that serve our immersion needs in various healthy ways.

This is a very readable and understandable book about the problems associated with being creative, and how to overcome these blocks and fears. The insights in this book can also be applied to parenting and other relationships. A new approach to psychology and the creative experience. Wonderful!

Though intended as a tool for professional artists immersing in the creative process, Dr. Paris' book has universal appeal as a profoundly revealing guide to understanding the human condition and teaching all of us how to immerse in healthy relationships with our children, our parents, our partners and others. As a single mother, I only wish that I had been able to read this book 18 years ago when my sons were first born. Dr. Paris puts herself out there, sharing not only her professional therapy experiences with gifted artists but also by exposing her own creative hopes and fears and highly personal dreams.

It has profoundly opened me to a new understanding of my own early childhood relationships (dysfunctional and otherwise) and given me guidance and hope for healthier relationships with my own children. I have always believed that creativity is our soul calling, and that nurturing a child may be our greatest masterpiece though I have made mistakes in the pursuit of both. Dr. Paris' book has given me hope that it is never too late to heal ourselves and our relationships whether that be in pursuit of an artistic endeavor or in the raising up of our children to know boundless joy.

In ten chapters, Anne Paris explores the creative impulse, what may block it, and how to avoid the pitfalls. I admit to skepticism at first, as so many books on this subject fall into the pop psychology category, but the author has navigated these shoals skillfully, offering coping skills, insight, and impetus to readers who strive to create.

Writers, artists, and businesspeople should benefit from this book. As a writer, I found it particularly intriguing, especially the chapter on family dynamics, in which the author explains that roles are often thrust upon us without our knowledge. Paris addresses what can occur when one is viewed as "the baby" (even when we are older). With intriguing insight, she points out that when such a person achieves success, she upsets the applecart because her siblings "could not tolerate her change in position in the unspoken family hierarchy; her siblings could no longer feel better than their sister (an experience they needed to boost their self-esteem)..." When experiencing this situation, some writers even give up their craft, perhaps feeling the price of success is too high to pay. Paris urges, "Take back your dreams of childhood and then reach for them!"

The author acknowledges that the creative process does not have to be a lonely, solitary endeavor, as we have heard so often. Feedback, interaction and encouragement from friends, co-workers, and colleagues are useful and beneficial. Being positively seen by others when we are young is important. But if that is not part of our history, Paris suggests we can turn to "positive fantasies of a perceived audience," thus affirming that imaginary supporters, even ancestors, can bless and enrich our creative endeavors.

As I read, thoughts of my personal experiences surfaced, and I realized that each time before I make a public appearance, I summon a memory of my first poetry reading decades ago at a Women's Voices Writing Workshop in Santa Cruz, California. My audience applauded, whistled, stomped, and sent me home with an empowered feeling that I resurrect each time I get up to read my work. I don't know where any of these women are now, or if they are still writing, but I hold them in my memory as a gathering of compassionate souls whom I summon to bless my efforts when I need them. It was and is one of the principles Paris explores in Standing at the Water's Edge.

Having read Csikszentmilhalyi's Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, I was delighted to see parallels in Paris' content. Flow explores the mental and emotional state in which an artist, if she is fortunate, finds herself in order to bring the creative process to its highest level, a condition the ancient Greeks referred to as Kairos.

At the end of each chapter, readers are offered "Guides" with helpful suggestions. So much of this book spoke directly to me. Multiple quotes sprinkled throughout the book enriched it. In short, Paris' entire theme seems to echo a quote from one of my heroes in the art world, Vincent van Gogh... "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."

For people who create or who would like to create, for those who have struggled with fears and blocks, this book is more than helpful. Paris will move you toward understanding yourself as an artist.

By Joan Shaddox Isom, for Story Circle Book Reviews, reviewing books by, for, and about women

Standing at the Water's Edge by psychologist Anne Paris is an exceptional read for everyone. The author brilliantly examines our fears that prevent our access to our ultimate creative potential. She highlights that our deep connection with self and others is a powerful tool that can encourage inspiration and creativity. Whether you are an artist, musician, author or simply someone who is interested in facilitating your creativity in every day situations, this book is a valuable guide.

Throughout this book, the author offer practical 'Guides' that are questions and exercises that shift us beyond what we perceive to be our fears and blocks so that so that realize our potential.

Standing at the Water's Edge is well documented with footnotes, a Bibliography, and most helpful Index, so that you may conveniently refer to subjects presented in the book.

Good read and highly recommended.

These reviews have been reproduced from Amazon.com