If, like me, you approach your creativity as a spiritual thing, as a calling, a vocation, then you will like this book. If, like me, you believe in or know of the existence of spirits, you will like this book. If, like me, you are a polytheist, you will probably like this book.

Hell, even if you aren't a polytheist, or don't believe in the existence of spirits, but are simply open to the idea of the magic of inspiration and creative living being something that can bring you joy in your life, you'll probably like this book.

If you aren't open to the idea of magic, spirits, or divinity, or if you don't think paradox is possible, then this book isn't for you.

For me, reading this book was like reading confirmation for a lot of stuff the tiny voice in my head says that I rarely listen to. It gave me permission to find joy in my creativity, to dump the idea that I have to be a tortured artist. I have suffered a lot in my life, between the trauma I've endured and the mental illnesses that make them continue for me, and those things do inform my writing. But it doesn't mean I need to welcome more suffering in my life to make my writing better. Been there, done that. Have a million t-shirts.

I was in the right place, right time to read this book. I was already at a point in my life where I was ready to welcome a life of joy and creativity, rather than one of suffering. This book gave me permission to go forth and do that. It laid out a bunch of ideas that had vaguely been bouncing in my head with clarity and coherence. It was just what I needed to read.

I'm no longer married to the glamour of being a tortured, suffering artist who drinks too much and is basically a hot mess. I'm open to welcoming joy and inspiration into my life, and that change is my own Big Magic.

Read for the FABClub 2016 reading challenge, #2. A work of non-fiction.