• Writing Fiction

AS it is

~ Putting pen to paper, fingers to keyboard

AS it is

Tag Archives: memoir

I Didn’t Like Eat, Pray, Love – But I loved the Elusive Creative Genius.

15 Thursday May 2014

Posted by Ann S. in Musings, Writings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

50 Shades of Grey, artist, book clubs, Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert, elusive, genius, Indonesia, memoir, musings, New York Times Best Selling Author, Ted talks, Ted.com, wine, writing prompts, writings

There, I admit it. I’m probably in the minority when I say I didn’t want to read the book Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. While everyone was dissecting her 12-month adventure over glasses of wine in book clubs, I avoided reading it. While women swooned over the movie and planned pilgrimages to foreign lands expecting dalliances and affairs with attractive foreigners, I sought out other books. Usually when “everyone is reading” something and it’s the “in” book, I avoid it like the plague. I’ll admit it’s a strange prejudice, but I know I’ll only end up disappointed even though the public raves and movies get made (don’t even get me started on 50 Shades of Grey).

However, in one of my classes on non-fiction writing, I had to prepare my students to write a short memoir. Part of the student preparation revolves around the fact most of these 18-24 year olds have never read a memoir. We read excerpts, study style and content, and closely define exactly of what a memoir consists. What was the big reveal? Would the reader have an “a-ha” moment? Did the writer have one as well?

I did a search on Ted Talks. There I discovered a speech by Elizabeth Gilbert, taped in 2009. http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius elizabeth-gilbert-at-tedHer speech, “Chasing the Elusive Genius” went beyond the book that made her famous and delved into what she believed was responsible for good writing. She mused on how that “genius” can affect writers and artists, and how and where we may or may not find it. The talk was funny, moving and thought-provoking. There are so many tortured artists who believe he/she IS the genius. However, isn’t it better to know we are not the “genius” but rather there is a genius that works through us or with us? It was a hit with the students and an encouragement as they began their final writing assignment.

After showing the video to the class, I decided to read the book so I could talk about Gilbert’s memoir and motivation with my students in the next semester. During the holiday break, I read the book and promptly decided I had been right to avoid it. It just didn’t resonate with me. I found Gilbert had eliminated or skimmed over some significant details in the first third of her book that affected what happened in her marriage. I labeled her an unreliable narrator. Of course, it’s her memory of what happened, and in her memoir she can write it any way she wants, including skimming over important details.

I’m okay with not liking the book. Maybe Elizabeth Gilbert’s genius and mine are on different wavelengths. geniusShe is after all, a New York Times Best Selling Author and has had other books published. She’s got a good handle on publishing.

What I am happy about, though, is I found her speech on that elusive genius. I’ve looked to Ted.com for many sources of inspiration, information and education. Gilbert’s speech and topic is one I can stand behind and believe in all day long. And I don’t have to drown myself in goblets of wine or go to Indonesia to experience it.

What are some of your favorite Ted talks?

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Recent Posts

  • Gas shortages and unmasking
  • Make a Difference
  • The Briefcase vs. Backpack Debate
  • Are You Managing Complex Change?
  • International Women’s Day

Photography

  • Recharging
  • Today China Doll
  • In the Conservatory
  • Morning walk along Hanalei Bay
  • Mammoth Springs
  • Roots
  • Sometimes You Have to Look Up
  • Weekly Photo Challenge: Near and Far
  • Writing Fiction

Categories

  • Musings
  • Photography
  • The Technical Side
  • Uncategorized
  • Writings

Archives

  • May 2021
  • March 2018
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • January 2017
  • September 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Sites I like

  • Just Another Bad
  • Writing Fiction

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • AS it is
    • Join 600 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • AS it is
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    %d bloggers like this: