Joe Hartman

Joe Hartman asked Elizabeth Gilbert:

I so admire your guts and your willingness to be open as a writer/communicator, and I wondered, when, or how you know that an idea is worthy of cultivation?

Elizabeth Gilbert You never really know, Joe. You can't wait to find out, either, because until and unless you dive into the work, you will never know whether an idea was worthy. If you sit around waiting for the perfect idea, it will never come. Sometimes, all you get is a tiny little hint, and then you have follow up on that hint, and see what it's all about. It's a little bit like blind dating; You just have to have a drink with the thing, and see if you like each other. But I will tell you this: I think every idea is worth considering, and a bad idea is better than none at all. In other words, there's a level at which all ideas are worthy.

More Answered Questions

Naomi

Naomi asked Elizabeth Gilbert:

What do you do if you have several ideas on creative projects to get into - but you don't know which one to commit to first?

Hunter Burgtorf

Hunter Burgtorf asked Elizabeth Gilbert:

Hi Liz! I've loved all your work, and recently just saw the interview you did with Marie Forleo. It was AMAZING! You made me laugh, cry, and feel so much in the time you shared about inspiration. Everyone talks about following passions and the dream happening, but not so many talk about the work it requires to get there. Thank you for your honesty and congrats on Big Magic! What was your favorite part of writing it?

Stephanie Christiano

Stephanie Christiano asked Elizabeth Gilbert:

This question contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

All answers from Elizabeth Gilbert…

Elizabeth Gilbert

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