February 15, 2022

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear / Books for Writers

 

Please Note: This post is pre-scheduled. I’m caring for a loved one receiving treatments, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding!


First, I want to thank the wonderful people who commented on my last blog post. Your comments gave me warmth deep inside and even made me misty-eyed. Thank you for caring! ❤️


I read Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert twice. Once when I was burned out and the second time when the IWSG book club read it in 2018.

You can read Big Magic for the reading challenge for writers I’m hosting called Read With Fey. You can join it on The StoryGraph here. But you don’t have to be on The StoryGraph to participate! Check out all the details here: Read With Fey: Challenge For Writers


Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear





I simply LOVE this book. Just love it. Obviously, I’ve read it twice and will undoubtedly read it again. I don’t own a copy, yet. Both times, I checked it out from the library, but this is one that I get so much inspiration from that I will one day buy a print copy to have on my desk.

I really don’t know what to say about this book but to repeat how much I love it, so I’ll share the blurb and quote images I created when I last read it and shared on Instagram. That way you can see the brilliance yourself.

BLURB: Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Gilbert offers insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy. 







QUESTION: From that last image...Do you have the courage to bring forth this work (whatever you're working on or have recently completed)? Have you read Big Magic?




16 comments:

  1. To answer your question, at the moment, no. But that could change.

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    1. I know at different times and during different circumstances our confidence level changes, but I hope you find that courage and confidence at the right time for you, Liz.

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  2. Wow, resounding review:) Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You’re welcome! I haveI really enjoyed this book. I’m thinking this could be a good time to give it a third reading. And perhaps finally get my own copy. :)

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  3. I love this book, too!
    I apologize for not joining your challenge. When it started, I wasn't sure I was up for "joining" anything, but I hope it's going well!

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    1. No apologies needed at all. I know you’re going through some challenges and hope things get better for you. If you do decide to join at any time in the year, even reading one book for writers counts and is a reason to celebrate and feel proud. ❤️

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  4. This definitely sounds like a great book to read!

    I am sorry you are caring for a loved one. I am sure that's taking a lot of time and energy. Hope he/she gets better.

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    1. Thank you, Sherry! The loved one s my mom. She had her last chemo treatment on Monday. :)

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  5. Well, I have to answer 'no' to the second question, but I'm pretty sure I have to say the same to the first question, too.

    This book is on my TBR list. One of these days, I may actually get around to it... :)

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    1. I had to go back to look at the questions I asked. LOL

      Maybe you'll have the courage to bring forth your current WIP down the road. It's always harder to have the courage during extensive edits, revisions, and rewrites. The courage can come later. :)

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  6. Love the final line in that last quote! It took me a long (long!!) time to find the courage, but I've found it - and I'm loving creating the work!

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  7. I haven't read Big Magic. Is this the same author that wrote, "Eat, Pray, and Love?" I often feel nervous about "putting it out there," but have gotten use to it.

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    1. Yes, this is the same author as the one who wrote Eat, Pray, Love. Very different vibes, though.

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  8. Hi Chrys - so pleased to read about your Mom - I'm thinking of you both. I haven't read Big Magic, nor her other books - for whatever reason they don't appeal to me ... but I can see why others appreciate the read and I'm sure I'd today take in more of her ideas and thoughts - she sounds interesting. If I come across one somewhere I'll pick it up and read it ... thanks for your update - I'll catch my tail sometime - take care and thinking of you - Hilary

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    1. Thank you, Hilary, for paying attention to my mom's updates. I appreciate that.

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