Not heard of that book "The Artists Way" - I will look it up.
With regards to creatively drying up I have always seen it as though I am a car. In order for a car to go I have to put in some gas. Putting in gas can mean many things. A walk in the forest, watching a film with friends or even doing a job I have never done before just for the experience.
Once I worked as a taxi driver for a fortnight as a friend who owned the taxi was ill. I had never done it before and I hated it lol but the experience lead to some creative work. Once I was dried up for creative output and I got a job in an office just to pass the time. I was there for a month and the boss there was a real Hitler and ruled his workers with an iron fist. I did not need the job or the money and so I thought it was hysterical. The guy would get so frustrated at me and threaten to sack me lol. All the others in the office could not believe I had no fear of losing the job. Once I had felt I had "taken in" enough of the experience I jut quit. Afterwards I was full of creative energy and produced some of the best work I had done in years.
I learned a long time ago - in order to give out - something must be put in.

Great post - your blogs always put something in - @demarkguy