Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is one big encouraging pep-talk.
You need to read Big Magic:
- If you are stuck in a rut.
- If you are out of ideas.
- If you are afraid of failure.
- If you are unsure what to do with your “art” (and, I use the word “art” very loosely).
- If you are contemplating trying something new.
- If you want to live more fully.
- If you are struggling with blogging.
- If you have an Etsy shop.
I could go on with my list. Pretty much, anyone who likes to do stuff and make stuff should read the book.
You’ll be encouraged and inspired and pumped up. You’ll close the book and go create something.
When I said this book is like a great big pep-talk, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. It’s not that this book lacks substance, but it is altogether inspirational and encouraging. The author uses personal experience and stories from friends to help set you free from things like fear, guilt, and failure.
It’s one of those books you’ll read again when you think you have used up every last ounce of creativity in your body.
It’s written from a writer’s point of view, but easily applies to all areas of art and creativity.
Keep in mind that for most of history people just made things, and they didn’t make such a big freaking deal out of it.
We make things because we like making things.
We pursue the interesting and the novel because we like the interesting and the novel.
And, inspiration works with us, it seems, because inspiration likes working us…
I read this book with a highlighter in my hand. I felt like I was in school all over again. I had to go ask my daughter if she had an extra highlighter in her backpack, because there are too many good quotes not to make them stand out. I knew I’d come back to this book when I was in a slump, and I wanted the good stuff to jump off the page at me.
Now, read this book with an open mind and a little imagination, because the author almost gives a spirit and soul to creativity. She practically thinks of it as a person you invite in to work with you.
If you haven’t already figured it out, creatives are quirky. If one person doesn’t buy into your variety of quirk, it’s okay. You can generally appreciate their imaginative minds, and make peace with their words in your own head. So, keep an open mind. Don’t throw the baby out with the proverbial bath water, because it would be a shame for you not to read this book.
That’s my Amazon affiliate link. If you click on the above image and buy the book, I’ll get rich. Not really, but I will get a few pennies out of it. In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m letting you know. I wouldn’t want to twist your arm to buy the book, but it’s a good one. Read it, whether you borrow it from your library or buy it in a local store.
Here’s a text link, just in case the image above doesn’t appear. I’ve been having some technical difficulties lately.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Now, I wrote about Living A Creative Lifestyle over on Bloxom Blooms. I’d love for you to go on over and read it!
Bloxom Blooms is my new blog and shop, and I hope to slowly, but surely grow it over this next year. Go visit and check out my paper flowers.