Writing Down the Bones :Writing Down the Bones :
Freeing the Writer Within
by Natalie Goldberg
Paperback, 171 pages
Published by Shambhala Pubns
Publication date: October 1986
ISBN: 0877733759
Synopsis:
The secret of creativity, Natalie Goldberg makes clear, is to subtract rules
for writing, not add them. Proof that she knows what she is talking about
is abundant in the speed, grace, accuracy, and simplicity of her own sentences.
Writing Down the Bones is "simply the best aid and comfort around today."--Judith
Guest, author of Ordinary People.
Reviews:
A reader from Charleston, SC ,
03/02/98, If you don't own this book, here's why you should!
This book is such an increidible resource for writers that I own two copies-
one that I always keep in my bookbag and one that stays at home. It is simply
the best inspiration out there. Whenever I'm stuck, I pick a chapter at
random, read it and let it guide me back to my notebook.
Diane from Ohio , 02/22/98, Practical
advice worth trying
Natalie Goldburg gives us useful exercises to "free" the inner
author: all encouraging the writer to avoid the censorship of the ego, the
pre-learned "rules" of writing. She goes a long way toward actually
SHOWING how this is to be done. I would also recommend Anne Lamott's "Bird
by Bird," which offers an even kinder, gentler approach for the would-be
author.
WJG from Massachusetts , 01/28/98, guaranteed
to spread misconceptions
"Writing Down the Bones" is filled with a bunch of vague, generalized
"writing exercises" which are of no help to serious craftsmen.
The book is guaranteed to spread misconceptions as to the nature of Zen
Buddhism. Worse, it is guaranteed to spread misconceptions as to the nature
of writing and will lead the reader to believe that discipline and order
have no place in writing. As Richard Wilbur said, "The strength of
the genie comes from its being imprisoned in the bottle."
A Reader from Redmond, WA , 10/28/97,
rating=10: Obvious "ten" for creative writing or even personal
musings.
Question for Ms Goldberg: Iíve gone through hundreds of ink cartridges
to write pounds of scribbled text. Most of it is plain old junky practice
writing which was the initial objective. But reading back through these
rambling, Shaeffer-inked creations, Iíve found nuggets of inspiration.
I mine my own gold to form short stories, essays and even the family Christmas
letter. Your advice has allowed me to become a dedicated writer, but there
is just one thing: When I spoke with Tobias Wolff at a recent book signing
- his, not mine - he said that writing longhand definitely puts me into
the minority. I know that using my computer would save a lot of time in
transcribing, but it just doesnít seem to let the juices flow. The
machinery interrupts my writing process, which ends up being a thinking
and editing session. Natalie, why is this so? I guess Iíll have to
read it again to find out why, but that will be with pleasure. I remember
gold on every page. Itís simply the best book out there, teaching
how writing can be as timeless and basic as meditation and prayer.
David, 07/21/97, A book for everyone
This book is excellent in the way that if you follow the instructions in
the book, you can not only improve your writing, but also your life. Natalie
Goldberg taught you how to establish a habit of trusting your inner self,
your intuition, which let you have more confidence in your own thinking,
and more acceptance to your own self. This in turn promote your self esteem.
Through practising writing the way Natalie told, you may transform the habit
of intergrating your real thought and actions to your daily life. It is
wonderful that a writing guidance book can have such psychotherapy effect!
A reader, 07/11/97, wiz-DOM'
Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down The Bones is
the best book I have read concerning creative
writing and freeing the preconceptions of
grammar, punctuation, and various other writing
constraints. Her voice rings through powerfully,
and she has a message that she delivers craftfully
through this book. This book is truly my one and
only reference for creative writing. If you don't
have this book already and you're a writer, or you
like to write, GET THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY!!
Victoria, 06/18/97, A "Must Have"
Book for Writers!
Like Ueland's "If You Want to Write," Goldberg's "Writing
Down the Bones" is a perpetual favorite with new and experienced writers
alike. Writing in witty and conversational tones, Goldberg offers tips,
techniques, and exercises on letting yourself become one with the page and
letting your thoughts, words, and stories flow. Less rules are better, according
to Goldberg, and she takes you on a journey into yourself where you tap
into your inner voice and wisdom to tell the truth as you see it. Goldberg's
let-go-and-do-it attitude will motivate you each and every time you pick
up this book.
A Reader, 06/17/97, Into the Void and
Out With Ideas
Follow the advice that Ms Goldberg gives and let yourself become one with
the page. There is no paper, no hand, no pen, no block. There is the void,
the silence, and the act of creation and when you stop, there is your novel,
complete and perfect before you on the page. Well, alright, perhaps not
perfect but this marriage of Zen and common sense, beautifully written and
blazingly clear, is a wonderful manual for any writer.Indeed for anyone
that takes a moment to look at the world around them, anyone who does more
than simply move unthinkingly through their life like a robot, this book
is a rare delight. Once read thoroughly, it can be used randomly as an antidote
to writerís block. Open almost any page and begin reading to feel
the log jam in your cortex start to shift and jostle. Your fingers flex,
your eye sparkles. The words tumble over themselves as ideas outpace your
hand and your writing becomes a hellish scrawl. Buy a computer and take
a speed typing course. My thanks to Ms Goldberg for a truly inspirational
book.
Greg, 04/24/97, The best "get up
off your butt and write" books ever!
Writing Down The Bones is an essential book, not just for writers, but for
any living, breathing person on the planet! Through simple and concise writing
exercises Goldberg guides us to places within ourselves where our own unique
creative voice flows freely. Writing Down The Bones is required reading.
Julie, 03/08/97, Excellent guide for
creative writers
I highly recommend the book for writers both young and old.
S., 12/28/96, An inspirational book for
all writers.
This book helps both experienced and potential writers with topic ideas
and suggestions. Goldberg's clear writing style is a fantastic model. Some
topic ideas she suggests are to write about a time you were really happy,
a place you really love, a time you were really down, the most extraordinary
story you know, a story you love to tell, or a magic moment that you remember
from last week. She inspires writers to let their creative juices flow with
the following suggestions: keep your hand moving; don't cross out; don't
worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar; lose control; don't think; don't
get logical; go for the jugular. She makes it seem easy to write.
A reader, 08/29/96, Fabulous
Reading this book, I found different techniques to help my own students
learn how to tap into themselves as sources for their writing. This book
is an invaluable resource.
A reader, 06/19/96, A must for writers
of every kind
A deceivingly concise and revealing book. With simple advice and exercises.
If you want to devote your life to writing or just want to give it a try
this is the perfect road map. Give this book, and yourself, a chance.
A reader, 01/12/96, Great for motivating
a beginning writer!
I am so thankful to the person who recommended "Writing Down the Bones"
to me. It is my writing bible!
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