Summary

Gilbert did not come from a family of artists but was raised by two hardworking parents who found creativity in their own ways. Her father followed his curiosities and pursued his passions alongside his career as an engineer. Her parents never asked for permission from anyone to follow their creativity, and this gave Gilbert confidence that she could be a writer. Gilbert reiterates that the desire to create is an inherent human quality and encourages readers to pursue that instinct even if it was not valued in their upbringing. She uses the example of her friend Eileen who decorates her life by tattooing her body.

Gilbert acknowledges that the freedom to create requires a certain level of healthy entitlement. Readers must believe they are allowed to have a voice and a vision in order to take creative risks. She explains that this...