Magic Lessons Ep. 207: “Living the Dream and Facing the Nightmare” featuring Neil Gaiman
Sep 9, 2016
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Prolific writer and novelist Neil Gaiman joins Elizabeth Gilbert to help Britta, a struggling writer, with her second book. They discuss the challenges of writer's block, the pressure of writing a second novel, staying focused, and finding true passion. They also touch on the importance of joy, embracing rejection, and overcoming societal expectations. A sponsored segment and the introduction of Neil Gaiman's latest book are highlighted.
Taking breaks and assessing one's passion for writing can reignite the joy and motivation in the creative process.
Embracing the idea that not every new work needs to surpass the previous one can alleviate pressure and promote enjoyment of the creative process.
Allowing oneself the freedom to explore different genres and themes, and writing from genuine curiosity and passion, can help find one's unique voice and style as a creative.
Deep dives
Take a break and assess your passion for writing
Britta was advised to take a month off from writing to assess her passion for it. Although she could only stay away for two and a half weeks, it became clear that she truly loves writing.
Using an hourglass and a kitchen timer to manage writing time
Britta tried using an hourglass to time her writing sessions but found it hypnotizing and distracting. She then switched to using a kitchen timer and worked for an hour a day as advised. Towards the end of the week, she sneaked in extra minutes and eventually went back to her normal schedule of working three to four hours in the morning.
Progress in writing and renewed love for the process
Despite some initial struggles, Britta's writing is going well and she feels excited about it. The restrictions and breaks have helped her rediscover her passion for writing and reignite her love for the process.
Overcoming the Pressure to Always Improve
The podcast episode discusses the pressure to constantly improve and create better work, especially in a society that values constant productivity and success. The guest, Brita, shares her fear and anxiety about writing a second book that is better than her first, due to expectations from herself and others. However, the podcast encourages embracing the idea that not every work needs to surpass the previous one. It emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and being satisfied with the creation itself, rather than focusing solely on achieving continuous improvement in every project.
Escaping the Pressure of Comparison and Finding Your Own Voice
The podcast episode explores the issue of comparison and the struggle to find one's unique voice and style as a creative. Brita expresses her desire to fit into a specific category or brand of writer, driven by external expectations and the fear of not being recognized or valued. However, the conversation highlights the importance of allowing oneself the freedom to explore different genres and themes, and to write from genuine curiosity and passion. It encourages writers to embrace their individuality and be true to their own creative instincts, rather than conforming to external pressures and expectations.
This week on Magic Lessons, Elizabeth Gilbert advises Britta, a former lawyer-turned- writer in Amsterdam struggling to make progress on her second book. After success with her first novel, Britta made several failed attempts to start her second. She can’t find the flow and fears she has lost the the joy in writing. Liz calls up her friend, the prolific writer and novelist Neil Gaiman, for more guidance on Britta’s case.
Special Guest: Neil Gaiman writes fiction, comic books, graphic novels, journalism, audio theater, and films. His works include The Sandman, American Gods, and the children’s novel and animated film Coraline. His new book, a collection of essays about artists, myths, and memories, is called A View from the Cheap Seats. Find out more about him at Neil Gaiman.com
This week's sponsors: Audible, The Great Courses Plus, and Stamps.com
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