In 1972, Philip Goldberg spent a few months in the Berkshires testing his dream of becoming a writer. He got some memorable advice from William Gibson of Miracle Worker fame, and now, half a century and numerous books and essays later, he’s moved to Great Barrington. In this talk, Phil will expand on Gibson’s advice and other lessons he learned about the writing life, creativity, professionalism, and the tension between self-expression and commerce. He will also reflect on other dichotomies central to his life and work: Indian spirituality and Western materialism, fact and fiction, inner and outer, withdrawal and engagement, idealism and realism.

Philip Goldberg is the author of numerous books, including This is Next Year (a novel); The Intuitive Edge; American Veda; The Life of Yogananda; and, most recently, Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. He has also published dozens of essays and articles and has coauthored or ghosted several books, including the bestselling Get Out of Your Own Way and The Best That I Can Be, the autobiography of Rafer Johnson. A public speaker, leader of tours to India, and cohost of the Spirit Matters podcast, he and his wife, acupuncturist Lori Deutsch, recently moved to Great Barrington.