Hunter Burgtorf asked Elizabeth Gilbert:

Hi Liz! I've loved all your work, and recently just saw the interview you did with Marie Forleo. It was AMAZING! You made me laugh, cry, and feel so much in the time you shared about inspiration. Everyone talks about following passions and the dream happening, but not so many talk about the work it requires to get there. Thank you for your honesty and congrats on Big Magic! What was your favorite part of writing it?

Elizabeth Gilbert Thanks, Hunter! I love Marie — she's terrific. And she's a workhorse, like me. We both definitely share that ethic that says, "If you want this thing, stop waiting for it to come to you — go chase it down, and then work ten times harder than everyone else." (I've never seen life work out very well for people without that ethic!) My favorite part of writing BIG MAGIC was the thrill of basically writing a manifesto —of having the courage and self-confidence to say, "This is what I know and believe to be true about creativity, and I'm not afraid to put it out there — even it makes me sound like a loon." It's nice to be old enough to feel strong in your own way of doing things, and to not be afraid to to share what you've learned.

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