What Elizabeth Gilbert has said about Writing craft
2 quotes · 1 episode · Aug 5, 2026
Elizabeth Gilbert, American author of the memoir Eat, Pray, Love, has been quoted on Writing craft 2 times in 1 episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, most recently on August 5, 2026. Each quote below is verbatim and links to the moment it was said.
In their words
Gilbert argues that people should only abandon a project for a newer idea if they have a proven record of finishing things.
“I give you permission to quit working on that first project, but only if you have a proven track record of ever being able to finish a thing”
The Tim Ferriss Show: #878: How to Start When You're Stuck, Finish What You Begin, and Stop Waiting for Inspiration — Creative Advice from Elizabeth Gilbert, Seth Godin, Joyce Carol Oates, Anne Lamott and More (Aug 5, 2026) · Listen from 4:20
Gilbert says chasing each new exciting idea means never completing anything, so writers should stick with their current project.
“a new hot girl is going to come on, and I'm never going to complete anything. So stick with the one you came to the dance with”
The Tim Ferriss Show: #878: How to Start When You're Stuck, Finish What You Begin, and Stop Waiting for Inspiration — Creative Advice from Elizabeth Gilbert, Seth Godin, Joyce Carol Oates, Anne Lamott and More (Aug 5, 2026) · Listen from 5:21
Episodes
#878: How to Start When You're Stuck, Finish What You Begin, and Stop Waiting for Inspiration — Creative Advice from Elizabeth Gilbert, Seth Godin, Joyce Carol Oates, Anne Lamott and MoreThe Tim Ferriss Show · Aug 5, 2026 · 59 min
Tim Ferriss compiles writing advice from Elizabeth Gilbert, Anne Lamott, Joyce Carol Oates, Jerry Seinfeld, Mary Karr, Brandon Sanderson and Seth Godin on starting, persisting and finishing.
Others on Writing craft
- Seth Godin · 1 quote
- Jerry Seinfeld · 1 quote
- Anne Lamott · 1 quote
Elizabeth Gilbert on other topics
- Saying no and personal boundaries · 4 quotes
- The Work of Byron Katie · 1 quote