If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you probably know that I recently read Big Magic
What I love about this book is how Gilbert puts creative living in perspective. I’m sure the vast majority of creatives want their work to be successful or to change the world or something, but everything you make doesn’t have to. In fact, Eat, Pray, Love was Gilbert’s fourth book. Her fourth! And even if nothing Gilbert makes in the future comes near to the success of that book – or how many lives were changed because of it – it doesn’t matter. That book and the subsequent movie touched so many lives. But, most importantly, it touched hers. Most creatives may want to be successful, but more importantly, they have to create. If I don’t write, even just on this blog, I feel like I will die. In this book, Gilbert reminded me of that, and to stop putting so much pressure on myself. Everything I write doesn’t have to win awards or be a commercial success. I just need to write, and for myself.
This book changed my view on writing and on my creative life. Most importantly, it changed my view on my relationship with writing. (And it should go without saying that this changes are all positive.) If you are a creative person, buy it. I can’t tell you if it’s better to listen to it or to read a hard copy. I listened to it which was awesome because she reads it so it was like having a conversation with her. I also would have loved to read a hard copy because then I would have highlighted and written notes. So pick whichever works for you, but definitely buy it so you can read it over and over and over.
Who else has read Big Magic? What did you think? And what are some other great books for creatives to read?
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Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
This, paired with seeing how much you’ve written lately, is definitely enough to make me go buy this book today!
Do it! Given Jack’s imminent arrival (good luck! I’m thinking of you guys!), I would get it on Audible if you can. That way you can listen regardless of how uncomfortable you are.
I got it for Christmas, so excited to sit down read it! xx
It’s AMAZING! It changed my life. No exaggeration.
I so want to read this! I’ve heard nothing but great things about it!
It’s so good! I definitely suggest it.
have you listened to her podcast “magic lessons”? i just ADORE them because she helps individual creatives with problems that so many others are surely attempting to work through. i found myself so thankful for her words around fear in publicly haring our work, telling our stories, and i tackling a confused ambition. 🙂
Ah! No I haven’t! I’ll have to check it out because this is exactly what I need.
I’ve heard really great things about this book. I’m going to have to read it soon. It sounds really inspiring!