Summary

Elizabeth Gilbert writes that when she was 16 she made a vow to be a writer. She did not promise to be successful, but she "vowed to the universe that [she] would write forever, regardless of the result" (140). She kept that vow, writing every day throughout her twenties even when she felt no inspiration. This practice is how she improved her craft.

Gilbert wants readers to know that you can begin your creative pursuits at any age and uses her friend Winifred as an example. Winifred did not discover her passion for Mesopotamian history until her eighties but, when she did, she followed that passion wholeheartedly, and eventually became a respected expert in the field.

Gilbert recommends staying committed to the creative process throughout its ups and downs, regardless of whether or not one receives external validation. She believes that managing one's frustration...