Natalie Goldberg

Presents advice on how to write creatively, discussing the importance of discipline and offering a series of writing exercises.

Freeing the Writer Within

Writing Down the Bones

With insight, humor, and practicality, Goldberg inspires writers and would-be writers alike to take the leap into writing creatively in this revised edition of the guide.

Freeing the Writer Within : Expanded with a New Preface and Interview with the Author

Rebecca C Wright

This is one book that I go back to over and over. It is part inspiration, part instruction and 100% fabulous.

Michael Springer

This is a fun book on the craft of writing, full of short chapters that form individual "thoughts" about writing. 

Although, I have to place this book in the category of "inspirational writing books that didn't actually convince me to work harder." But, that could've been laziness on my part.

Caellum

This is definitely a little old but the advice is timeless and solid. It's more about how you get words on paper rather than turning word vomit into really polished writing. But its also incredibly insightful and useful for a range of reasons. Just be aware of what to expect before you go in. Some chapters I skimmed because they pottered around too much where others got straight to the good stuff. Fun time overall. 

Offers advice on writing creatively, discusses the importance of discipline, and suggests writing exercises.

mads

There are some good insights here and I appreciate the tips on loosening your writing muscles, helping you lower your guard and get into the zone. But that’s all I got out of it. I don’t think it’s helpful for writing my fictional historical horror novel. I wanted more about craft and technique. 

For those intrigued by Zen Buddhism (I’m not) who are looking more for inspiration rather than practical techniques you might get more out of this than me!

Fellowes Cynthia

I am currently studying with Natalie Goldberg, while pursuing a writing career. I recommend this lovely book which studies Writing Practice, keeping your pen going for a certain amount of time, without overthinking. It is like drano to your memories and senses. She is a wonderful teacher.

Libby

This was nice read, but quite repetitive. I feel like as it went on i had already understood the point, but I still found it helpful and inspiring for the most part. It's outdated so it would be good to read an edition or similar book that's more recent, as i feel the author would have some thoughts on technology, social media etc that would be interesting to read.

Cola

Super inspirational, helped me get through some writer's block.

Maddy Lennon

window

Perhaps my expectations for this book were too high after reading so many glowing reviews, but I was a little disappointed in this one. It was an easy read but it's more of a devotional for aspiring writers. Each chapter is a short (1-3 page) essay around a certain theme or topic, all designed to encourage and inspire writers. Some chapters had practical suggestions (working through writer's block, finding story ideas, etc.) while others were more mental, spiritual, or metaphysical.

I found Stephen King's On Writing and Anne Lamont's Bird by Bird to be much more helpful and inspiring. While Writing Down the Bones is not a bad read, I would King's or Lamont's book over it hands down.

Alex Trost

noki nolast

Steph Gram

For more than thirty years Natalie Goldberg has been challenging and cheering on writers with her books and workshops. In her groundbreaking first book, she brings together Zen meditation and writing in a new way. Writing practice, as she calls it, is no different from other forms of Zen practice—"it is backed by two thousand years of studying the mind." This thirtieth-anniversary edition includes new forewords by Julia Cameron and Bill Addison. It also includes a new preface in which Goldberg reflects on the enduring quality of the teachings here. She writes, "What have I learned about writing over these thirty years? I’ve written fourteen books, and it’s the practice here in Bones that is the foundation, sustaining and building my writing voice, that keeps me honest, teaches me how to endure the hard times and how to drop below discursive thinking, to taste the real meat of our minds and the life around us."

Writing Down the Bones Freeing the Writer Within

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