Today, we will talk about “Big Magic- Creative Living Beyond Fear,” the book by bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert that explores creativity, work, and the craft of writing.

I won’t make excuses for this blog’s inconsistency. The truth is that life happens. In the last sentence of the book Everything I Learned in New York, I wrote, “Living with wholeness is the only possible job.” And I am living a lot!

Those who follow me know that 2023 was a year of realizing many dreams. In 2024, I continue to reap the rewards of what I planted in the past and work towards achieving new goals.

Even though I haven’t been around here, I have some updates. The coolest one was the book club I led within my writing mentorship. It was the first time I led a book club. I chose to reread and discuss “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. The result was fantastic.

Big Magic – Creative Living Beyond Fear

To provide some context, the book discusses creativity in various forms, focusing on writing. According to the author, “big magic” occurs in the conception of new ideas everywhere.

Is there a more fitting title for a writing mentorship? I don’t think so! It will be hard to top it, but don’t worry- I’ve already chosen the next title.

The book details the phases of idea conception, mentions the processes of some writers and other artists, and provides many tips on what to do or not with what you create. In addition to the lessons from the pages read, I learned something precious in the discussion meeting: if you want to write an autobiography, you must read autobiographies!

Before continuing, an essential note: you need to read, period, not only autobiographies. Read as many books as you can. Be in contact with other people’s creativity. Be an observer of writing. That is the writer’s biggest job.

You will need references to write a book. You chose autobiographies to develop your writing, and I find it interesting that you flirt with this genre at the very least.

Lessons from a creative life

Returning to the central learning: discussing with my students, I remembered the fears that afflict new authors and connected with the same feelings. Despite having already published a book (which is excellent, by the way), I still feel like a beginner in writing because I am. I always say this to my students, but I bring a quote from Elizabeth Gilbert herself: Remember that you’re nothing but a beginner – even if you’ve been working on your craft for fifty years. We are all just beginners here, and we shall die beginners.

The difference between my first book and the next one is that I know my creative process. I recognize the roller coaster of emotions. I’ve experienced anxieties and insecurities regarding the text, revision, and publication. I know they will come up again. New discomforts may arise to test how much I want to bring the second book into the world. I’ll have to learn to deal with them when they come.

The joy of the creative process

If you’re a woman, you’ll understand me perfectly here: it’s like PMS. Every month, it annoys me, but I already know its characteristics. It’s easier to go through the symptoms because I know how my body will function and its expiration dates. Writing is the same: the process is bothersome, but I know it will pass.

Many people give up on writing a book because it bothers them, but that’s another topic.

The message here is not that there’s a new book coming but that the process needs to be experienced. It’s no use rushing, getting desperate, and thinking you’ll write your book in one night. Also, it doesn’t work (at least for everyone I know) to go through this alone. You need people to bring your project into the world. Writing is a personal process that involves many people.

Read the book (s). Talk to people. Flirt with your process. You never know when the muse is coming. Learn the craft and leave the door open.