Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

This is a motivational self-help book, but the first one I read for anyone creative. As with any self-help books, some advice is given directly, some are written between the lines. As with any other book, the way I've got it doesn't have to be the same with yours. And that is perfectly fine. It is called Big Magic and it really can be if you are in the mood in seeing things as simple as they can be. Presented in a very realistic way, I believe this describes perfectly what creative life means and how we should or not be afraid, quit or continue, have passion or just curiosity, but what I think it’s the most important of all: Do what we love without any expectations. This will keep us safe and we will be able to continue creating. Every artist is unique. Every form of art is magnificent. If you found yours and you enjoy it do it with perseverance, fearless and discipline. Sometimes luck plays a big role. The moment you let your work out of your hands don’t hold it to your heart too much if some people won’t like it, don't bother if financially it will not bring what you would expect. A real artist should know how to go above all that. I know it is hard, but it can be possible. Enjoy your creativity and have no expectations.

Reader type: Anyone that deals or plan to actively practice any form of creativity. Especially if you are a writer or plan to become one, this book will definitely be helpful. Being an author myself, a big part of this book felt as it was written for me :-)

My favorite quotes from this book:
“You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.”

“But to yell at your creativity, saying, “You must earn money for me!” is sort of like yelling at a cat; it has no idea what you’re talking about, and all you’re doing is scaring it away, because you’re making really loud noises and your face looks weird when you do that.”

“Nobody needs debt less than an artist. So try not to fall into that trap. And if you have already fallen into that trap, try to claw your way out of it by any means necessary, as soon as you can. Free yourself so that you can live and create more freely, as you were designed by nature to do.”

My rating: 4/5.
Find it on Goodreads.