Feb 21 2009
Rethinking creativity
I’m one of the few who did not care for Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Call it sour grapes, but I have a feeling I, too, could find myself and come to peace with the world if I was paid a hefty six-figure advance to do so. I did not understand the kudos for leaving life behind when she admittedly had nothing holding her heels to U.S. soil. I did enjoy her writing and storytelling, though, which led me to be open to spending 20 minutes watching and listening to this.
Well worth it. I’ll write tomorrow or Monday about what I think of it all — let me know what you think.
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- Mar 8, 2009: Recommended reading for writers - February 2009 | Write for Your Life
This was incredibly interesting. Wow. I need a bit to formulate my thoughts and opinions on it, too. She’s a terrific speaker.
Didn’t read it either. Rarely read what’s in vogue at the moment with the quick-fixes-to-life’s-problems-all-in-one-nifty-answer books.
She is, like you know, like sort of, like exceedingly exceeding her like allowable quota of like redundant words, and you know, like she could like be permitted this lazy articulation if like you know if she was like a stand up comedian like you know sort of NOT a writer you know. Is a verbally adept writer both in print and in person too much to ask for? You wouldn’t let a truck mechanic give you a dental check up, so why read an illiterate? In my youth everyone wanted to be a rock star, whether or not they had musical talent. Now, everyone wants to be a writer but most have nothing to say and if they do, they lack the tools with which to say it. The world of publishing can now be likened to a carnival. You plunk down your money and go home with a piece of crap. Publishers are now nothing more than barkers stimulating the eye with the cover art on novels and numbing the brain with formula writing and
Here is a wonderful book: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. Booker winner 2008.
OK – I’m here to stand up for Elizabeth Gilbert. First of all, Eat, Pray, Love is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I had no idea it was “in vogue at the moment,” it was simply recommended to me by my sister while I was at the airport in desperate need of a book before I got on a plane. And, it is definitely not a “quick-fix-to-life’s-problems…” (Sorry, Angie, I love you but you’re way off on this one!) And, secondly, this talk about creativity nails to the wall what it’s like to be a creative person in the throes of creativity. I, for one, think she’s amazing. (So there!)
I’m not ignoring you guys — I’m going to chime in on all this tomorrow (Monday) because I was really curious for a collection of opinions as I surely have one of my own!
Val — your comment posted twice so I kept the one that was longer (more thoughts!) — since they were otherwise identical.
More tomorrow!!!
Amy, although I didn’t read her book, I very much enjoyed her talk. Thanks for sharing. I’ll comment more at the designated blog tomorrow.
I too read the book and it was one of my top “enjoyable” reads that year. I read to learn something new I didn’t know or see how someone else navigates their life. I take what I need and don’t worry about the rest. And I am very curious about the next book she writes to see if I find it as interesting.
I do identify totally with ideas and writing coming from someone/thing beyond myself. It is how I’ve experienced ideas and inspiration for writing quite often; I refer to it as my Muse, or inner voice just to give it recognition. I also agree that showing up and doing your part is necessary. You give your time to creativity and it gives back if allow youself to be open and trust it.
I write for the joy of writing. I am very ambivalent about needing to be published. I write to explore those things that are waiting to be said from that place within and beyond me. The journey itself is sufficient reward – enough for me.