I must be the only one who has not read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It was on the N.Y. Times Best Seller list for weeks, is currently number one on amazon dot com, and now the motion picture starring Julia Roberts will be released this Friday, August 13th. Last year, sometime, I did pick up the book, but it didn’t grab me right away and the moment passed. I was delighted to see that there would be a movie, although I tend to get very distracted by Julia Robert’s huge smile.
I’ve been to Italy, and Bali has been on my bucket list for years. Perhaps I should add India too. I’m now eager to read the book, especially since what appears to be the impetus for Gilbert writing the book was her divorce…and I’m familiar with that! There’s nothing like a divorce to send you on the journey of self-exploration and discovery of who you are and where you really want to be. The summer after I divorced, I spent a glorious two weeks in Spain and Italy–yes, Tuscany! Although it wasn’t an entire year (I do have children and somehow that just wouldn’t have worked), the two weeks abroad gave me an opportunity to reconnect with my oldest and dearest friend in Spain and solidify a bond with my dear friends C & A in Italy. There is something magical about driving through the narrow windy roads of a foreign country where fields of sunflowers go on and on and on…and, of course, the food was tremendous!
In listening to Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk (see video below), I was reminded of the challenges and the process of writing a book. Albeit my book isn’t a memoir or literary genious, by any means, but it is an extremely useful resource for new moms who are in the dark about so many things when it comes to motherhood. It was my intention with the book, to share what I wished I had known. Some small helpful hints and some enormous light-bulb moments.
I never did not want to write my book. In fact, I had to write the book and it actually flowed quite easily, which at times surprised me. Often times I did feel like I had a my own little angel feeding the words to me…it was the editing process that was a bit more challenging. My editor was fabulous–a new mom herself, so she was excited and eager to inhale as much information as she could personally, and make it clear and concise on a professional level. She gave me a period of eight weeks to rewrite a few chapters, add more content to others, and decide what would appear in the final part of the book. Honestly, I did procrastinate some, but that’s part of my process. I seem to do my best work when I’m down to a deadline, then the ideas comes quickly and easily.
I learned and accepted my process when I was a freshman in college after my English 101 professor gave us the assignment of making a collage. We all exclaimed, “What! This is college not kindergarten.” The following week, it became clear why he had us make a collage. It wasn’t about the collage, it was about our process. On the due date, in class, he randomly asked the students, “When did you complete your project?” One student said, “The night you assigned it.” Another said, “I worked on it throughout the week.” And another–me–said, “Last night.” There was no right or wrong answer. In fact, he encouraged us to to embrace our work style (if it worked for us) and go with it, accept it, and we moved forward with some “real” class work. 
I’ll never forget that teacher and how he helped me to be okay with my writing process!
This all leads me to comment on Gilbert’s video talk: Anyone who has ever taken on the enormous project of writing a book and following through to the stage of publishing, knows that it’s a huge endeavor. One that if you knew at the beginning what it actually took, you may pass. But fortunately, for most eager writers, we begin with enthusiasm–which got me quite far–and through the process, we slowly begin to realize that it’s a life changing experience; one that’s difficult to put into words, which is why, after watching Elizabeth Gilbert talk about her creative process–and the process of others–I was compelled to write a post and provide a link to her 20-minute talk.
If you are a writer, please post a comment with your experience of the process and how it has changed your life.
P.S. While in Starbucks last week, I bought the soundtrack to Eat, Pray, Love. I’m listening to it as I write this blog post. How could you not enjoy Eddie Vedder singing “Better Days.” Hopefully the movie will be just as good!
P.S.S. Two bloggers I follow, also recently wrote posts related to writing and the book, Eat Pray Love. They are Kelly Love Johnson who has a blog called microfamous and Andra Watkins whose blog is called I Cilantro Cilantro! Check them out!
Note: This blog post is not intended to be a promo for the book, movie or soundtrack. I bought the soundtrack, will buy the book, and pay to see the movie just like everyone else.
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Stacey, I’ve been enjoying your blog. And to answer the question you asked in a related post… I love to hear your personal stories. They complement your tips very well. I think there are many “inner” reasons we feel compelled to simplify our lives.
I loved this post on your process as a writer. The collage story made total sense to me. My latest blog post was inspired by Eat Pray Love, too. While I haven’t yet bought the soundtrack, it inspired me to create my own! Gilbert’s video on creativity has helped me a lot… it’s posted on the sidebar of my blog!
I’m about to add you, too! Thanks for the inspiration. Angie
Angie, I’m glad the collage story made sense to you. It was truly a life changing moment for me that helped me become confident in “my” process. It’s nice to know that you are also inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s been a while since I’ve stumbled upon an inspiring individual who I took steps to “follow.” I’m popping over to your blog right now to read your Eat Pray Love-inspired post. Thank you so much for your comments and for adding me to your blog roll! Stacey
Your book sounds right up my alley! I got as far as writing a book proposal… but since it didn’t lead to a deal, no book… yet. I’m the kind of writer who hates having deadlines hanging over my head, so I tend to get started right away as soon as I get an assignment.
I think I’m the only person alive who didn’t love EPL. I liked parts, but the India section dragged so I skipped ahead to Bali! I am looking forward to seeing the movie, though, and now you’ve compelled me to check out the soundtrack.
Abby, What type of book were you interested in writing. Much of the publishing process, I believe, is timing. There’s always the option to give it another try. In many ways, I do wish I was the type of writer who got started right away!
You’re not the only person I’ve heard who didn’t care for the book. Let me know what you think of the movie. I’ll do the same!
Stacey, you’ve always been an inspiration to me. Probably one of THE reasons I sit and write my blog every day is because of you and your encouragement to me over lunch at Lana about how I could be a writer. It isn’t a book – yet – but I’m more confident than ever, and that’s partly because of you.
Thank you.
Thanks so much, Andra! I clearly remember the lunch we had and was hoping that we would get to do it again before I moved. You are a writer!! I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog! Thanks for the comments. It’s great that we get to stay in touch through blogging and social media.:-)
I’ve read the book twice and watch the video, often. I haven’t seen the movie. I have the next book, “Committed” sitting next to me. Elizabet Gilbert talks to me.. I adore her Ted talk.
I, also, would have completely the project the night before.. with flying colors. Its how I do well with deadlines. I’m trying to schedule my classes, now, so they aren’t like that, but I’m not sure, yet if that will work or if I’m go back to my last minute cram to the grade. (which I love and hate.)
Great post on my favorite topic.
~Heidi
Thanks, Heidi. It makes me feel better knowing that there are other last-minute project doers out there! Let me know how you like “Committed.” Glad you stopped by and commented!
I’ve read the book but haven’t seen the movie. Gilbert is such an inspiration to me. To turn a life experience into a best-selling book and movie is absolutely a dream. Now, Italy, Bali, and India are on my bucket list. Have been to almost every other European country but Italy. My husband has traveled to India on business many times and refuses to return. And Bali, well, it speaks for itself! Thanks for posting the video. She’s an incredible woman.
Sheila, I’m now in the process of reading the book and I’m motivated to finish it before the movie comes out on DVD. I’m feeling inspired already. There have been mixed reviews about the book, but I’m enjoying it. I’ve got Bali and India on my bucket list too! I’ve been to Italy and hope to return again soon. It was wonderful, especially Florence! Maybe next time your husband goes to India, he’ll take you with him! I agree, Elizabeth Gilbert is something else!!