Alison Stegert's Reviews > Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Big Magic is one of those books that every creative should read. Full of insight, ideas, encouragement--it's worth keeping a copy on the writer's desk next to the dictionary, style guide, and Strunk & White.

Gilbert's take on a few topics was so fresh and true that I teared up. She somehow managed to put words around an elusive struggle of the creative process, and I found it comforting to have it articulated so beautifully. But don't get me wrong: it's not mamby-pamby, self-help slop she doles out. She has mined the travails of her own creative life and brought out some gems to share. Some are wrapped in kindness, others are tough love with a swift butt-kick thrown in for good measure. I didn't resonate with everything, but the bits that got me, got me good.

I especially appreciated her thoughts about burdening one's creativity with the job of earning a living. She's big on not quitting your job. All in all, Big Magic is a keeper, and it's probably a book I will give as a gift to aspiring creatives.

P.S., I listened to the audio version narrated by the author, but I would recommend instead a physical copy to allow for thumbing through in moments of creative confusion or artistic desperation.