Elizabeth Gilbert @ Agnes Scott

Best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert read from her new book Committed on Jan. 11 in Gaines Auditorium. The event was excellent and I meant to write a post-reading reflection, but time slipped away (as we know, this is blogging challenge #1). I’ve decided to come back to it though because I’m still remembering the writing advice she gave in the Q & A. She learned this from her sister, also a writer.

Never, ever write anything until you’ve decided the one person you’re writing to.

That’s the secret! That’s why her writing feels so personal but is so universal. It is personal and we’re invited to be that person she’s talking to.

This advice seems to apply to all kinds of writing, including blog writing.

For a more thorough and timely response to the event, see this excellent article by Jennifer Sefa-Boakye (’10) in Decatur News Online.