Book Review: "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic; Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert is chock full of ideas for artistic expression.

Here are a few ideas I've taken away from her book.

• Five essentials for creative expression: courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, and trust.

• For older creatives, age doesn't finish us, it merely makes us ready.

• Affirmation that “Artistic expression is refreshingly non-essential.”

• The question to ask yourself is not, “What are you passionate about?” The question is “What are you passionate enough about?” (enough to do the work)

• Write for yourself. Don't write to help anyone, or become famous or rich. Write because you have to write, and because you love it. (or skate, or play music or whatever) I would add the analogy that a rose blooms not to impress anyone or to become beautiful, but because that's what it was created to do.

These concepts are not new. So it would be easy to disregard this book. I know. I've done this myself.

“There's nothing new here.” I think. “Heard it all before.” And I dismiss the book.

“Really?” My conscience answers, “And how's that working for you?”

I raise an eyebrow and sigh because I'm still stuck.

“Why not pay attention to some of these ideas, and apply them?”

Ouch.

Gilbert's writing style, her encouragement, and the way she reframes and refreshes ideas, makes this one of the best books I've read on artistic expression. So go read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Then share your thoughts and I'll post them.

Loretta DeRosa recommended this book. Thanks Loretta.

Make it a great week.

Judy