As I sat down to interview Elizabeth Gilbert, best-selling author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. Her work has resonated with millions of readers around the world, inspiring them to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. I was eager to delve deeper into the mind of this incredibly talented writer and learn more about the inspiration behind her books and the wisdom she has gained along the way. Join me as we explore the inner workings of Elizabeth Gilbert’s creative process and glean insight into her thoughts on life, love, and everything in between.
Elizabeth Gilbert is an acclaimed American author known for her diverse body of work that spans across genres including memoir, fiction, and self-help. She gained international acclaim with her bestselling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love,” which chronicled her journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Gilbert’s insightful writing and candid storytelling have resonated with readers around the world, making her a beloved voice in the literary world. With a unique blend of humor, wisdom, and vulnerability, Gilbert continues to inspire and empower readers to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with Elizabeth Gilbert
1. Can you provide ten City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert quotes to our readers?
City of Girls quotes as follows:
a”Life is both fleeting and dangerous, and there is no point in denying yourself pleasure, or being anything other than what you are.”
b”The first person you should think of forgiving, when you err, is yourself.”
c”I took what was handed to me and got where I was going on my own.”
d”I suppose that’s the difficulty of friends – they change you whether you want them to or not.”
e”Maybe that’s the risk you run when you fall in love – that the man will assume that he can possess your body as well as your heart.”
f”The cold air stung my cheeks, the rough pavement scraped my bare feet, and I felt like fireworks exploded in my chest.”
g”If you’re not brave, you’ll just end up being a regular old lady.”
h”Let me live in the knowledge that you are okay, and that is my peace.”
i”Desperate people attract evil as surely as honey attracts flies. A desperate woman is the deadliest creature of all.”
j”I found myself changed in the act of changing.”
2.”City of Girls” is set in the vibrant world of 1940s New York City, capturing the excitement and glamour of the theater scene. What inspired you to write a novel that immerses readers in this specific time and place, and how did you approach researching and recreating the atmosphere of that era?
I was inspired to write “City of Girls” by my love for the vibrant energy and creativity of 1940s New York City, particularly the theater world. I was fascinated by the glamour and excitement of that era, and wanted to immerse readers in the same spellbinding atmosphere. To recreate the time and place, I conducted extensive research into the fashion, language, music, and social dynamics of 1940s New York City. I read memoirs, watched films, listened to music, and spoke with historians and experts to ensure that every detail was authentic and true to the spirit of the time. My goal was to transport readers back to that glittering world and allow them to experience the magic of New York City in the 1940s through the eyes of my characters.
3.The novel follows the journey of Vivian Morris, a young woman who finds herself embroiled in the world of theater and nightlife. What aspects of Vivian’s character did you find most compelling to explore, and how did you approach developing her as a multifaceted and complex protagonist?
I found Vivian’s sense of adventure and curiosity to be the most compelling aspects of her character to explore. I was fascinated by her willingness to embrace new experiences and her desire to break free from societal expectations. In developing Vivian as a multifaceted and complex protagonist, I focused on creating layers to her personality – showcasing her vulnerabilities, passions, and inner conflicts. I allowed her to evolve and grow throughout the novel, facing challenges and making mistakes along the way. By delving into Vivian’s internal struggles and external triumphs, I aimed to create a protagonist who felt authentic and relatable to readers, ultimately making her journey of self-discovery and transformation all the more compelling.
4.The theme of female empowerment and self-discovery is central to “City of Girls.” How do you believe Vivian’s experiences in the theater world and her relationships with other women contribute to her growth and understanding of her own identity?
In “City of Girls,” Vivian’s experiences in the theater world and her relationships with other women play a crucial role in her journey towards empowerment and self-discovery. Through her interactions with strong and independent female characters in the theater industry, such as Celia and Edna, Vivian learns about resilience, confidence, and embracing her own uniqueness. These relationships challenge her preconceived notions about female roles and allow her to break free from societal expectations. As Vivian navigates the complexities of love, loss, and ambition, she begins to understand the power of female camaraderie and the importance of staying true to oneself. By embracing her individuality and learning from the women around her, Vivian is able to find her own voice and fulfill her potential, ultimately leading to a greater understanding of her own identity.
5.The novel delves into themes of love, friendship, ambition, and societal expectations. How did you balance these different elements to create a rich tapestry of relationships and emotions within the narrative?
As the author of this novel, I approached the themes of love, friendship, ambition, and societal expectations by focusing on the interconnectedness of these elements within the characters’ lives. I believe that in order to create a rich tapestry of relationships and emotions, it was necessary to explore how these themes intersect and influence one another. By delving deeply into the complex dynamics between characters and how their ambitions and societal pressures shape their relationships, I was able to weave together a narrative that is both nuanced and emotionally resonant. Each character’s journey reflects the tension between their personal desires and the expectations placed upon them by society, ultimately creating a story that captures the complexities of human connection and the universal struggles we all face in our quest for fulfillment and understanding.
6.The supporting characters in “City of Girls” are diverse and colorful, each bringing their own unique perspectives and stories to the novel. How did you approach crafting these secondary characters to enrich the world of the story and provide depth to Vivian’s experiences?
I approached crafting the secondary characters by focusing on their individual strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Each character was given a distinct personality and backstory to enrich the world of the story and provide depth to Vivian’s experiences. I wanted to create a diverse and colorful cast that would bring different perspectives and challenges for Vivian to navigate. By creating well-rounded characters with their own unique stories, I was able to create a more dynamic and immersive narrative for readers to engage with. Ultimately, the supporting characters in “City of Girls” serve as mirrors and foils to Vivian, helping her to grow and evolve throughout the novel.
7.The narrative structure of the novel is framed as a letter from Vivian to a younger woman, Angela. What motivated you to use this format, and how do you believe it enhances the storytelling and the reader’s connection to Vivian’s voice?
I chose to use the format of a letter from Vivian to Angela in order to create a sense of intimacy and personal connection between the characters and the reader. By framing the narrative in this way, I wanted to give the impression that Vivian is speaking directly to the reader, sharing her story in a more personal and reflective manner. This format allows for a deeper exploration of Vivian’s thoughts and emotions, drawing the reader into her world and enhancing their understanding of her character. I believe that by using this letter format, the reader is able to develop a stronger bond with Vivian, feeling as though they are a trusted confidante and experiencing her journey on a more emotional level.
8.”City of Girls” explores themes of sexuality and freedom in a time when societal norms were more restrictive. How did you approach portraying these themes with sensitivity and authenticity, capturing the complexities of relationships and desires in the 1940s?
I approached portraying the themes of sexuality and freedom in “City of Girls” with sensitivity and authenticity by conducting extensive research into the time period of the 1940s. I delved into the societal norms, cultural attitudes, and historical context to accurately depict the complexities of relationships and desires during that era. I also made sure to create well-rounded and multidimensional characters who grapple with their own desires and the expectations placed upon them by society. By exploring the themes of sexuality and freedom through the lens of these characters, I aimed to highlight the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating their identities and relationships in a time of more restrictive societal norms. Ultimately, my goal was to capture the nuances and complexities of human emotions and experiences in a way that felt authentic and true to the time period.
9.As a writer known for your memoirs and fiction, “City of Girls” showcases a different side of your storytelling. How did your approach to writing this novel differ from your previous works, and what challenges and rewards did you encounter in crafting a historical fiction narrative?
Writing “City of Girls” was a departure from my usual memoirs and fiction, as I ventured into the genre of historical fiction. In crafting this novel, I had to thoroughly research the time period and setting to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The challenge lied in finding the balance between historical accuracy and storytelling, as I wanted to create a captivating narrative while staying true to the historical context. However, the rewards were immense as I delved into a different era and brought to life vibrant characters and settings. It was a creatively fulfilling experience to immerse myself in a world different from my own, and I enjoyed the process of weaving together a story that was both entertaining and historically rich.
10. Can you recommend more books like City of Girls?
A. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – A captivating novel that explores fame, love, and secrets in old Hollywood.
B. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – A magical and enchanting story about a mysterious circus and the powerful love that grows within it.
C. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah – A gripping and emotional tale of a family’s struggle to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.
D. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – A fascinating and immersive look into the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band.
E. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes – An inspiring and heartwarming novel about a group of women who travel through Kentucky delivering books to remote communities.