<p>Who is the author of Big Magic?</p>

<p>Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of Big Magic.</p>

Motivation & Inspiration

Big Magic Book Summary - Big Magic Book explained in key points

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Big Magic summary

Name: Big Magic
Rating: 4.2 (301 reviews)
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert

Creative Living Beyond Fear

4.2 (301 ratings)

12 mins

Brief summary

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a self-help book that encourages readers to embrace their creativity without fear or judgment. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the author provides a refreshing perspective on the pursuit of creative fulfillment and the importance of taking risks.

Topics

Inspiration Creative Flow

Table of Contents

Big Magic
Summary of 6 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 6

What’s in it for me? Connect to the inspiring magic of creativity.

Whether by playing in a band at school, writing an essay or trying out pottery class, we’ve all dabbled in creativity. But creativity is more than just doing an “artistic” activity. So what is this elusive phenomenon?

Creativity means finding the inspiration that exists in the world; it’s about living without letting our inspiration be locked in by fear, and by staying curious. So let’s find out how one of the most talked-about writers of recent years thinks about the big magic of creativity, ideas and inspiration.

In these blinks, you will discover

how J. K. Rowling had an affair with her own writing to stay creative;
why keeping your day job lets your creativity stay free; and
how ideas are waiting for you to open your door to them.

You’ve only got one shot at life, so don’t let fear stop you living creatively!

Millions of creative people all around the world grew up with the constant reminder that getting a “good education” and finding a “serious job” was the only path that led to happiness. Many experienced failure and hardship in their early attempts in making art. The result? Countless creative spirits who aren’t living out their full potential.

In our skeptical world, deciding to pursue your creativity is one of the scariest choices you can make. But it doesn’t have to be. Living a creative life isn’t about striving for fame or dedicating your mind, body and soul to your craft. It simply means living a life led by curiosity instead of fear.

What’s more, there’s no set of criteria that deems something to be creative or not. A creative pursuit is simply something that others might see as crazy, but that makes you feel bold, brave or gives you butterflies. Whether it’s painting, writing poetry, rock climbing or cooking, it should be that special thing that excites your curiosity.

Do you know what your creative pursuit could be, but still feel hesitant? Well, you’ve got your fears to thank for that. If you’re worried that you don’t have the skills, that it’s too late for you to start, that no one will care about what you have to say, or that you don’t have the time or money to invest, then your brain is doing a great job of stopping you from doing what you really want to do.

How can you counter this? We’re often told to let go of our fears, but honestly, this isn’t always possible. Instead, the best thing you can do is simply get comfortable with your fears. After all, they’re only natural!

In a creative life, your passions coexist with your fears. Your fears are more than welcome to come along for the ride and give their input, but they shouldn’t send you on detours or grab the wheel. Fears are nothing more than passengers in the backseat who keep you company and remind you of the things you care about.

Learn to notice when an idea is knocking at your door.

The planet we live on isn’t inhabited by just humans, plants and animals. Ideas are living, breathing and growing around us too! They exist purely for someone out there to realize them.

Know that feeling when a thought takes hold of you and won’t let go? If it seems to show up everywhere and keeps pestering you in quiet moments, then it’s likely you’ve got a great idea on your hands. Don’t let the grocery shopping, TV or other obligations distract you from it. It’s up to you to accept it and work with it.

Give yourself permission to create, no matter how afraid you are of failure.

Sources of inspiration are all around you, and you’ve got plenty of talent. Yet, you constantly end up stuck halfway, or even struggling to get started. What’s the problem?

The truth is that most creatives are their own biggest obstacle. Pursuing art is a daring move, and we often tell ourselves that we’re not up to the challenge. Our inner voices jeer at us for thinking we could create something unique or turn our ideas into reality.

Academic titles won’t help you create, but life experience will.

Creative people often struggle with the need to be “taken seriously.” Whether it’s from friends, partners or relatives, artists feel pressure to make their commitment to their passion seem legitimate. Many creatives even spend years getting academic qualifications for this reason. But is this really necessary?

The truth is that you don’t need a degree to do what you love. Only real life experience will give you the knowledge to pursue your craft. The author’s bestseller Eat, Pray, Love is the result of her personal journey to find the joy in living after a rocky divorce.

Don’t force your art to pay your rent.

We all know that cliché of artists enjoying whimsical, carefree lives full of bohemian parties and no “proper job” to speak of. Yet, when most artists live out this cliché, they strangle their own creativity by using their art to pay the bills. However, there is another way.

Rather than becoming a sell-out, you can support your creative career by keeping your day job. This might seem like a cop-out, or as though you’re not committing passionately enough to your art. But balancing your day job with your artistic pursuits can in fact inspire more passion: just imagine you’re having an affair with your art!

Pursue your art with the mind of a trickster, not a martyr.

Oscar Wilde once described the life of an artist as “one long, lovely suicide.” He seemed to believe that the authentic creative life was one of self-inflicted suffering. Countless artists today still martyr themselves for their craft.

Yet, there’s another way to fuel your creative spirit without driving yourself mad. Rather than playing the martyr, why not start playing the trickster? While martyrs adhere rigidly to their principles no matter the cost, the trickster takes things lightly.

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What is Big Magic about?

Big Magic (2015) explores what both frightens and thrills us: turning our creative ideas into reality. These blinks provide helpful strategies that’ll enable you to manage the fears, frustrations and blocks of creating, allowing you to channel the playfulness you need to express yourself freely.

Big Magic Review

Big Magic (2015) by Elizabeth Gilbert delves into the realm of creativity and encourages readers to embrace their creative passions wholeheartedly. Here's why this book is worth reading:

With its inspiring anecdotes and personal stories, it reminds us that creativity is within everyone's reach.
By debunking myths surrounding the creative process, Gilbert provides a fresh perspective on embracing creativity without fear or self-doubt.
The book's emphasis on the importance of creative curiosity and playfulness makes it an engaging and motivating read.

Best quote from Big Magic

Creativity is a path for the brave, yes, but it is not the path for the fearless, and its important to recognize the distinction.

—Elizabeth Gilbert

Who should read Big Magic?

Anyone who wants to explore their creative side
Writers struggling with half-finished projects and creative block
Students seeking advice on how to chase their creative dreams

About the Author

Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of the memoir and international bestseller Eat Pray Love, which was translated into over 30 languages and adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts. She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Her latest novel, The Signature of All Things, was also a New York Times bestseller.

Categories with Big Magic

Motivation & Inspiration Mindfulness & Happiness Creativity

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