For those of you that haven't or couldn't attend book club lately, we'll be publishing the previous months' discussion questions here. I hope eventually to post discussion questions for all of the books we've covered since I took over a couple of years ago and beyond, all the way to the beginning over a decade and a half ago. It will take a while. Until then, we will be posting discussion questions on a weekly basis. Here are the questions from a 2018 title, Big Magic. We hope these questions spark discussions of your own.
Big Magic
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Summary:
From the worldwide bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and City of Girls: the path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of.
Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.
Discussion Questions
Did you find the book easy to read? I know we don’t usually do essay format books, but what are your thoughts on the format?
Which part of the book or concept called out the most to you? That you disagreed with the most?
Do you think that Gilbert was successful in her argument of her position on living a creative life?
Did you make any connections between this book and others? Why? Was it a favorable comparison?
Were there any specific passages that struck you as significant? What stuck with you?
What do you think of Gilbert’s idea that fear and creativity are twins?
What do you think of her idea of writing a letter to fear? How would yours look?
Tell us about a creative endeavor you once pursued or currently pursue. Did you stop? Why? Are you thinking about pursuing it again?
Being “creative” is more than doing something in the arts. It’s about giving in to ideas and inspiration. What has left you the most inspired and/or fearful?
Why do you think creating something feels so scary? What creative tasks have you tackled in the face of your fears?
Have you ever made money from your art?
The author mentions the Ancient Greek idea of the genius and her understanding of its importance in lightening the load. What is your opinion on the matter?
How do you avoid losing ideas?
If you had a business idea, how would you react if someone came up with the same idea before you?
Do you struggle with perfectionism? When is this a good trait, and when does it get in the way?
What new ventures are you afraid to try because you don’t want to fail? Does it help to know that we’re all beginners when it comes to creativity?
Have you found it to be true that you care less about what other people think of you as you get older? Do we have to wait until we’re in our sixties and seventies to be free from the fear of what other people think?
How do you personally face fear? What about dealing with negativity from your own self and peers?
Do you believe in the “tormented artist” stereotype? Have you seen it played out by a person you know? Did it help or hinder his/her art?
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