Unleash the Genius Within

Author Elizabeth Gilbert’s genius is debatable.

After all, it’s not like she has won a Pulitzer.  Or discovered the cure for cancer. It’s not like she even graduated from an Ivy League college.

But the woman sure can tell a story.

If you are like me, then Eat, Pray, Love may have been one of those rare books that come along every now and then that shakes up your world.  The book that makes you see the world in a fresh new light, that makes you realize it’s okay to freak out and start over, that makes you want to scavenge the seven seas for a chance to try the most delicious slice of pizza, that makes you appreciate living.

Gilbert’s beautifully-written memoir became a-in the author’s own words-”a freakish success.” Though she’s written plenty of other entertaining articles and short stories before (one that even spun into a movie), Eat, Pray, Love is-as of this moment- her defining piece of work.  It is her masterpiece. Readers worldwide, as well as publishers, agents, critics and definitely Gilbert herself, are waiting to see if her follow-up will match up to the high standards of Eat, Pray, Love.

Talk about pressure. 

Tipped off by my friend, Danniel, I watched this talk Gilbert gave at a TED conference, on how she deals with that pressure.  She also elaborates on the creative process and her theory on where creative genius comes from. Give it a view.

For those of you who like to just listen to these on-line talks as you browse Facebook pictures, I’d recommend actually watching this. Why? Because if there’s one thing Elizabeth Gilbert may be actually be better at than writing, it would be speaking. Heartwarming, though-provoking, and amusing, my favorite part is when Gilbert describes a poet’s process of  “capturing” a poem from the air and thrusting it onto paper. Her other quirky little eloquencies were also much appreciated.

Let me know what are your thoughts on this talk!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this woman sure can tell a story.

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posted by Janice | Comment: 4 | Books, Inspirations, Writing

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