Without
Elizabeth Gilbert, I would never have published my first book, Love’s Destiny, so I would definitely
invite her to be my dinner guest. My first introduction to Liz, as she calls
herself, was her bestselling novel, Eat,
Pray, Love, in which she documents her divorce and subsequent search for
herself and meaning in her life. This book has empowered many people to take
risks in order to lead a life of fulfillment, or what Julia Cameron says is to
“leap and the net will appear.” Liz gave me the courage to do just that.
I had
written Love’s Destiny years before
it was published, but as an English teacher, I never had time to polish it
enough to submit for publication. And…okay, I admit it…I was embarrassed to
tell people I’d written a romance novel. I’d been teaching THE CLASSICS for goodness sake!
My dear
friend, Lisa, made me sit down and watch Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED talk on
Creativity. I cried as I listened to her affirm me as a writer…affirm anyone as
a creator. Her description of a Divine Attendant Spirit blew me away, and
introduced me to my own muse, Boris. You know that surge of adrenaline you feel
when someone speaks your truth? Speaks to your heart? That’s what I felt as I
sat there and cried. Elizabeth Gilbert gave me the courage to “own” my
book—even to be proud I had written it. I retired from teaching early to pursue
writing full-time because of the courage she inspired in me.
As I
worked on my latest book, Buried Secrets,
Liz again inspired me as I read her book, Big
Magic. I picked her book up when I was most frustrated with the progress of
Buried Secrets. I’d actually
abandoned it, putting it up on my closet shelf. Liz talked about once feeling
the same way about a book she was writing—she understood exactly what I was
experiencing. Big Magic talks about
all of us as creators, that is our divine DNA.
Her books
are conversational, as if she were sitting across from you over a cup of coffee
or a glass of wine. While we were dining, I would ask Liz how she can present
the depth of wisdom with such casual, unintimidating ease. And she might have
trouble answering that question because she seems so self-effacing, and because
her style is so much a part of who she is. I don’t think she could write any
other way.
So, Liz
helped me worked through my angst about Buried
Secrets, and I am happy to say that it is now available for pre-order on
Amazon – click to order.
Buried
Secrets blurb:
When Jesse
Graham almost runs over a “body” in the road one night, she is plunged into a
labyrinth of secrets, lies and murder. All Jesse wants is a simple life
teaching at St. Bart’s… and a chance at love with Joe Riley. She realizes that
plan has been thwarted when puzzling occurrences at St. Bartholomew Academy for
Girls get increasingly dangerous. The danger doesn’t just spring from the ghost
who haunts the grounds of St. Bart’s, but from a sinister presence that is not
ghostly at all. As she digs into the mystery, threats on her life and the life
of her student escalate.
Which
danger threatens her life the most? The ghost haunting her student or the
secrets buried in the school?
About the Author:
Believer in dreams-come-true and self-confessed
chocoholic, Elizabeth Meyette is the author of four novels. Love’s Destiny and Love’s Spirit, are historical romances set in colonial Virginia. The Cavanaugh House and its sequel, Buried Secrets, are mysteries set in
1968 in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
Before pursuing her writing career full time,
Elizabeth taught English, Journalism, Library Science and Technology in
Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English, a Master of
Science degree in Education, and a Master of Arts degree in Library Science,
Media and Technology from Central Michigan University. After retiring from
teaching, Elizabeth embarked on her writing career full-time and, in addition
to her three novels, has published poetry, magazine articles and her blog site,
Meyette’s Musings. She says, “I
haven’t retired, I’ve refired!” She is currently working on her fifth and sixth
novels and three picture books.
Elizabeth and her husband Richard live in
Michigan where they enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes. They have an agreement
that she cannot cook on writing days after he endured burnt broccoli and
overcooked chicken. Fortunately, Richard
is an excellent cook.
Visit Elizabeth at:
Website: www.elizabethmeyette.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/efmeyette
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bettymeyette/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/preview?locale=en_US&trk=prof-0-sb-preview-primary-button
Thank you for inviting me to your blog today, Diane. I love talking about Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic, and, of course, Buried Secrets ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy to have you here, Betty. I can see why you like Big Magic. Because of your recommendation, I started reading it last night. Very compelling book. Best wishes for Buried Secrets.
DeleteWhat an inspiring story! Elizabeth Gilbert definitely sounds like someone I'd love to meet. A dinner conversation with her would be a bonus. I've ordered Buried Secrets and am looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patricia. Yes Elizabeth Gilbert is very inspiring! I hope you enjoy Buried Secrets.
DeleteI really enjoyed this post, Diane. Thank you so much!! It is inpsiring and I can't wait to hear one of Elizabeth Gilbert's talks. I think that's what I'm in need of at this very moment in time. Elizabeth's (Meyette) story is so lovely and I'm so pleased her fears were conquered. Good for you, Elizabeth! (If you're reading) Many congratulations on your new release and thanks for sharing your story. Wishing everyone a super weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it, Nicola. I want to join the 2 Elizabeths (Meyette & Gilbert). What an interesting conversation that would be.
DeleteThank you for your kind words, Nicola. I highly recommend Elizabeth Gilbert's Ted talk on Creativity. You can find it on You Tube.
DeleteGreat post! LOVED Eat, Pray Love..... Good luck and God's blessings to you.
ReplyDeletePamT
Thank you, Pam.
DeleteBig Magic and Buried Secrets sound like great books! Enjoyed your post. Best of luck with your new release.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marissa!
DeleteInspiring post about your own source of inspiration! Best wishes for success and continued inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan!
DeleteWow, what a wonderful testament to an apparently amazing lady! I enjoyed hearing about your journey and inspiration. Your books sound great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alicia. Yes, Elizabeth Gilbert is pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteBURIED SECRETS sounds like a fantastic book, Elizabeth! Going to check it out. I have to admit, I always thought of Eat, Pray, Love as kind of whiney, but to be fair, I only saw the movie. You've convinced me to try to find her TED talk and maybe the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Leah. Her TED talk changed my life. You might like Big Magic, too.
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