We often refer to ourselves as "TED" here, but there is another well-known TED in the world. Every year, the nonprofit group Technology, Entertainment, Design brings together some of the world's brightest, most creative people, and gives them 18 minutes to share their insights. There are currently over 450 lectures available for free online, and more are added all the time. There are some real gems for writers on the site, and I wanted to share one of my favorites here.

In the last Between the Lines, I did a review of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, Eat, Pray, Love, a runaway bestseller in which she shares the story of how a year of travel changed her life. In addition to her success as an author, Gilbert is a wonderful public speaker, and this past February, she was invited to add her thoughts to the TED lecture series. She discusses the perceived insanity of authors, the creative process, and her take on creativity and inspiration. It's a wonderful affirmation of the writing life and all its inherent craziness. Clear your schedule because these lectures are addictive and enthralling!

Find Elizabeth Gilbert's TED lecture and hundreds more at the Technology, Entertainment, Design site.