Thursday, November 11, 2010

Book Recommendation - Writing Down the Bones

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within
By Natalie Goldberg

 Writing
 down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg: NOOKbook Cover

Blurb from Goodreads: "Wherein we discover that many of the "rules" for good writing and good sex are the same: Keep your hand moving, lose control, and don't think. Goldberg brings a touch of both Zen and well... *eroticism* to her writing practice, the latter in exercises and anecdotes designed to ease you into your body, your whole spirit, while you create, the former in being where you are, working with what you have, and writing from the moment."  

This book was originally published in 1986 (When I was two!), but I read the updated edition from 2006.  Some of the things Goldberg discusses in the book have been nullified by laptops and computers in general, but the message is still there.

Here's what I think -- if you haven't read this book, go buy it for yourself today.  Right this minute.  It'll be the best thing you ever did for yourself as a writer. Goldberg's book isn't so much about the craft of writing as it is about life as a writer.   It's about routines and schedules, goals and deadlines.  It's about keeping faith in yourself.

I loved, LOVED, this book.  It's the best writing book I've ever read, hands down.  It's inspirational and uplifting, plus there are some tips and ideas in there to get the words flowing I'd never thought of before.In fact, it's probably something I'll lend out quite frequently.And happy veterans day to my US readers!  

Hope you get to enjoy a day off from the desk job.  Super Spawn and I are going to the fair! 

2 comments:

Susan said...

Great review! I've never heard of this book, but I'll be sure to check it out now!

And have a nice day off -- I totally forgot it was a holiday! :)

Claire Dawn said...

Added to TBR. Just finished and loved KL Going's WRITING and SELLING THE YA NOVEL.