News & Blog

Heart.

via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall

Dear Ones —

So…I've been doing a lot of interviews in the last few weeks about my new book, "The Signature of All Things". And I've been interested to see this question coming up again and again:

1) "By writing this novel, are you trying to get away from the legacy of Eat Pray Love?"

I find this to be such a curious assumption — that I would ever regard the legacy of Eat Pray Love as a prison, or a punishment, or a ghetto. The journalists I speak with seem to think that Eat Pray Love is something I must be trying to escape, or to put behind me, or to conquer. Or that I must be desirous new and different readers, or some new and different literary identity.

Well, the simple answer is: No.

Why would I want to run away from the legacy of Eat Pray Love, when that journey completely changed my life? And why would I want to separate myself from the passionate, heart-driven readers who sprang up around Eat Pray Love, and who are now part of my life every single day?

I don't know if they get it, but I keep trying to explain to the reporters (one after another) that I KNOW I will always be associated with Eat Pray Love, but that I don't mind that in the least — in fact, I consider it a badge of honor.

That said, my destiny is to keep writing. So I will keep writing — novels, memoirs, whatever comes next. Some of the books may be similar to EPL, but others may not be. People will either read my future books, or they won't. I can't control any of that. The only thing I can control is my commitment to pursuing my creative curiosity wherever it leads me, for as long as I am capable of working. And this time, my curiosity happened to lead me into a historical novel about botanical exploration. Next time…who knows? But I'll follow that thread of curiosity wherever it wants me to go! Because I've never found a better secret to living happily.

But the main thing I keep trying to explain in all these interviews is that I don't intend to leave anybody behind with this novel, or with anything I may ever write in the future. EVERYONE IS INVITED. After all, I wrote "The Signature of All Things" for you guys — for you, my dear readers. Not for the critics, not because I'm seeking some new identity — but for you.

I just wanted you to know that. I wanted you to know that you are ALL most warmly invited to join me on this journey, too — as you have joined me on my other journeys in the past…but only if you really want to, and only if it will bring you pleasure. (Trust me, there is no obligation: YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE ENOUGH FOR ME IN MY LIFE, AND I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL!) Just know that you are always, always, always very warmly invited.

As for me, I'm just gonna keep making books.

So that's what I'm thinking about this morning, as I sit by the phone, waiting for the next interviewer to call. And I just wanted you all to know it.

Thank you for being lovely and amazing,

Liz

https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/the-signature-of-all-things/

via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall

So sweet…

A friend of this page sent this picture yesterday. Enjoy!

(For me right now, the SLEEP bit is especially essential!)

xo
Liz

via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall

THE EVENING COUNTDOWN CONTINUES…

Only 14 more days until "The Signature of All Things" is published!

Four years of work, and only two more weeks to go. It's so exciting, it makes a body not want to sleep.

(Somebody, PLEASE, tell me to go to back to bed, Liz!)

Lovely reviews coming in today from Elle Magazine, from Mother Jones Magazine, from People, from Harper's Bazaar, from Good Housekeeping…holy cow.

Best of all, I have a plan for the final October 1 cake. But it's SUPER TOP SECRET.

Love you all so very much — thanks for all the sweetness, and if you want to pre-order the novel and beat the rush 14 days from now, you can do it right here:

https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/the-signature-of-all-things/

EAT UP,
Liz

via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall

LITERALLY "The Signature of All Things"…

Guys, this morning I went over to the Viking offices and signed more than 2000 copies of my new book — with the help of four amazing young women (Michelle, Mackenzie, Cat and Meredith) who tirelessly pushed books through me like I was a sausage hopper. Here's a photo of me kneeling in a prayer for strength, right before we began!

These signed beauties will be spread out among bookstores across the country…crazy times, man.

Do you wanna know the secret to signing 2000 books in one morning?

It's really easy.

You just f***ing sign them. One by one. Until you collapse on your face.

I am exhausted and giddy and happy.

Almost there, dear ones!

🙂
Liz

via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall