LOS ANGELES−Two bestselling women authors, who tackle timeless, universal questions with contemporary and very personal Voices full of wit and insight, joined together at UCLA Live, on Mar. 27, for an exchange about their work, creative process, and spiritual path. The evening started with the very charming Gilbert introducing, with anecdotes and obvious admiration, Lamott, who embarrassed by the embellishment or attention, then read her essay, "Ski Patrol," to the eager crowd, filling Royce Hall to capacity. The two women then sat center stage, facing each other in red cushioned chairs, asking each other questions in conversational style, before responding to remarks from the predominantly all woman audience.
Anne Lamott, who has written numerous books, both nonfiction and novels on life's painful and most rewarding experiences, speaks with brazen truth about motherhood, addiction, and living, in what feels like the absurdity and possibility of the human spirit. Her most recent book, Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith is currently on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
With her memoir, Eat, Pray, Love has now selling 4.4 million copies and translated into 30 languages, Elizabeth Gilbert has become a bit of a literary super star. The book chronicles Gilbert though her bitter divorce and failed rebound relationship that catapults her on a true journey through Italy and India, establishing a deeper connection to herself, to God and to her world.
Lamott, with great acerbic and self-effacing humor, spoke about the diligence required in conquering and walking the spiritual path. "Upon waking up in the morning I am mentally ill," she confessed, "all of my neurosis and character defects have all gotten up before me… they are bored and want to talk." She spoke of her solitary life, and her commitment to her faith and to social action. "Take right action," she observes, "and insight follows."
Of Lamott's question to Gibert, "What is the most important thing you know?" Gilbert answered, "Gentleness is usually a successful solution," explaining that matters handled with gentleness and compassion will almost always yield positive results.
One of the authors sited being asked why people suffer, answering that the great philosophers and theologians throughout time struggled to answer this question; what I do know, however, is "it's what we all share."
In this way, both women seem to have a similar humility regarding their roles as writers, as they deflect any projection of spiritual expertise or authority.
They also seem in agreement with Lamott's assessment, "Humor is a carbonated form of holiness."
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