Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Title:Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Author: Elizabeth Gilbert. If that name is ringing a bell in back of your head, it may be because she is the author of Eat Pray Love and most recently, City of Girls. She has written many other books and short stories as well. 

What is it? A book. Gilbert has written several best-selling novels and has had much success monetizing her creative works. Big Magic was written for people who seek to create, regardless of whether they want to monetize their work or not, and offers encouragement to all types of creative souls.

Who should read it? Anyone who has ever had a creative idea, or seeks to create art of any form, could benefit from the encouragement and reminders in this book. It offers a different way of viewing the world that we believe could do most people a bit of good.

Two minute skinny: If you are creative, and an idea finds you, but you just aren’t sure how to proceed, this book can guide you. Gilbert, through the telling of her own story as a writer and creator, offers advice, insight, permission and encouragement to anyone who has ever had the desire to create anything from writing to painting to pottery. She offers her story to show how she came from humble beginnings, but trusted her instincts and was able to overcome her own fears as she followed the one dream she had from childhood – to become a writer.

Gilbert lays out the many paradoxes of life as a creative. Creativity is the most important thing in the world, and yet, it cannot be taken too seriously or it runs the risk of perishing. Ultimately, everything we do in this life, we do alone, yet who and what we surround ourselves with is of the utmost importance. There are no guarantees, but you must trust that what is yours will come to you in time. Through many heartfelt stories and vignettes, Gilbert illustrates the love and joy that comes from creating, the benefits of pushing through challenges, and the magic that can unfold when you choose to let go of fear and live into your purpose.

Rating? Worth the Investment? This book is a quick read and will inspire wonder at the marvels of the universe and the human experience. We give it a 9/10 and would say give it a go - you will be glad you did.

Listen, I don’t have time for a whole book… What's second best? If you would rather listen to Gilbert talk about themes from Big Magic in short bites, you can check out her podcast Magic Lessons, and choose an episode or two featuring many big name guests. Or you can watch her TED Talk on Elusive Genius that is less than 20 minutes.

And in case you wanted to go deeper: Gilbert has many other books you can read, both fiction and non-fiction. You can also sign up here for her newsletter, which provides regular email updates.  

Blogpost by Hallie Moberg Brauer