Week one of Julia Cameron’s “Artist’s Way” program (for rehabilitating the artist) is about recovering a sense of safety. One of the assignment for this first week is to write a letter to the editor in your defense. When I first saw this assignment, I didn’t know where or how to begin. What does a “letter to the editor” even look like? After some thought, I have come up with a template that will help you to get the most out of this assignment.

Letter to the Editor – Template

First, decide: Who is my editor? I decided to ‘the universe’ or to a ‘wise entity’ that wants only the best for each and every one of us. 

I wrote my letter in 3rd person, because I felt that separating myself from the letter made it easier to write. Beware, this letter could bring up a lot of buried insecurities, and could lead to a significant emotional release. Don’t be afraid.

Letter Template

To whom it may concern,

I want to apologize for  your name’s  ….  In their defence…. They thought (or felt) that…

As your name has grown and learned more about the world,  she/he/they have learned…  She/he/they previously thought… but now understands that….

In closing, please excuse your name for…  She/he/they will never again… and promises…

Moving forward, she/he/they agrees to…

Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Your name’s Higher Self

An example of this template in action
(my actual letter to the editor)

Letter to the editor (in my defense),

To whom it may concern,

I wanted to apologize for Christine Bissonnette’s self-defeating behaviour, which she shamefully indulged in during her teen and early adult years. In her defense, she did not believe that she was worth it, and she wrongfully believed that her voice was not important. She thought that others were smarter and of better ability, and she did not feel that she could compete with the confidence projected by those who surrounded her. She felt that it was safer to quiet her voice, than risk being wrong and ridiculed. She feared the negative and patronizing opinions of others, and thought it was better to hide. She thought that through avoidance, she could lead a happy and non-stressful life. She thought that by always agreeing she would win friends and be well liked – she thought that being liked by others was important. In her teens, she thought that it was the most important thing. Because of these fears, I would like to apologize for the anger and resentment that grew from all this suppression. The anger that occasionally exploded, and became directed at those closest to her.

As Christine has grown and learned more about the world, she has learned that all these limiting beliefs are false. She previously thought it selfish to put her happiness and comfort above that of others, and would become consumed with guilt should she accomplish or earn an achievement that was pursued by another. Now, she understands that it is okay to seek her own happiness. She understands that there is more than enough to go around, and that the happier and more fulfilled she is, the more able she will be to give back to the world. She understands and believes that she does have something to say, and is now excited to say it with a full and resonant voice.

In closing, please excuse Christine for hiding her essence from the world for so long. She will never again feel ashamed for who she is, and promises to move forward in her life with a smile and an eye for adventure. Moving forward, she agrees to take risks, and to always be open and looking for new opportunities to grow and learn. She had a little bit of a rocky start, but she is ashamed of nothing she has ever said or done as all of it has made her into the person she is today.

Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Christine`s Higher Self

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Write one yourself. There is no right or wrong here. All that you must do, is be honest with yourself.

If you would like to share your letter or experience, I would love to read or hear about it. Comment below, or send me an e-mail: christine@9creativelives.com

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**Please note: This letter and template was written in December 2012.
I’ve written a new blog about the impact ‘The Artist’s Way’ had on my life, here (published in May 2024). 

I also now teach a 10-week course called Develop a Writing Ritual that is based on the ‘The Artist’s Way.
Four start times a year. Learn more here.