Creative Genius

After yesterday's post, sweet Larissa from Papa is a Preacher, shared a link with me. It's a talk by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love.  The talk is about the creative genius and it is pure genius. I've watched it once, and will go back to listen again.

One thing she said that really hit me was this, "When it comes to writing...is it rational, is it logical, that anybody should be expected to be afraid of the work that they feel they were put on this earth to do?"

We all face fears in our creating. I, personally, fear finishing. Dumb, huh? But, when I finish, then I have to face the possibility of failing. As long as I'm 'working on it',  there is no failure, no rejection. I can bask in the glory of my family and friends' praise. I can still say, "someday, maybe..."

But, this is what I was put here to do. (One of the things.)  I have put away my shame at the years that I didn't write. I was still creating, it was just I was making children. And, I was good at it.  I loved being pregnant, loved going through labor (epidural-yes, thank you), and was absolutely enamored with newborn babies.  I worked hard at my creating during those years.

Now, my children are growing and becoming independent. (Two weeks from today and they'll be in school-yay!)  I have time. Now, I create with my words.  I have honestly felt that transcendent emotion that Elizabeth talks about.  I believe that my gift is just that-- divinely given.  My creating is a partnership with Him who bestowed this talent on me. When I worry and fear, I pray.  I know I don't go it alone.

So, I am creating. Sculpting sentences and molding characters.  Each word is a manipulation of the clay of my words.  I work and sweat and stand back to get perspective.  I often tear down pieces only to start again, laboring to get it just right. I have a vision of the end product and I keep that image in mind.  I have prayed to know when it is ready, when the art is complete and ready for fire.

And, I will try to put aside my fear. As Elizabeth said-
"...don't be afraid. Don't be daunted.  Just do your job.  If the divine, cockeyed genius assigned to your case decides to let some wonderment be glimpsed, just for one moment through your efforts, then "Ole"... "Ole" to you, nonetheless, just for having the sheer human love and stubbornness to keep showing up."

See Elizabeth's talk here.  Read great writing inspiration from her website here.