Writing Down the Bones Freeing the Writer Within

Writing Down the Bones Freeing the Writer Within

For more than twenty 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 new edition, which marks almost twenty years since the original book's publication, includes a new preface in which Goldberg expresses her trademark enthusiasm for writing practice, as well as a depth of appreciation for the process that has come with time and experience. Also included is an interview with the author in which she reflects on the relationship between Zen sitting practice and writing, the importance of place, and the power of memory.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Writing as spiritual practice – acceptance of your self
Thank you Natalie. I have felt writing as a spiritual practice for a long time, even though I had no name for it particularly. I don't know much about Zen but the insights helped me with my own practices. The book also helped me free the part of me that wants to write self-indulgently and for fun instead of always pursuing the next big project. Write for joy and for yourself, as well as for publication or money. The book also has evocative places where Natalie has written, and lots of food – linking writing to daily life. It does not have to be in a special place or a special time – just somewhere with a pen and paper. I also use notebooks so it is good to read that they can be filled with brain-junk or "monkey mind" ramblings… and that they can still contain hidden ideas that later compost down into great writing.

A wonderful book, a meditation on writing.

5 Stars This is a wonderfully helpful book! I've recently read a wonderful example of fascinating memoir writing:
That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist by Susan Rako, M.D. The title comes from a song by Leonard Cohen: "There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Rako's book is remarkably candid, insightful, and wonderfully well-written. It's a great read. The writing just flows.

1 Star Pointless fluff
So what is it that Goldberg is trying to accomplish? Is she trying to convert people to zen? Is she a mouthpiece for Katagiri Roshi (whose name she brings up about every fifteen pages or so)? If she's trying to teach people how to write, she fails miserably. She takes a lot of time to say absolutely nothing and instead delivers common sense wrapped with pseudo-sagely drivel. The only redeeming feature? It proves that ANYONE can be published.

5 Stars Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within
Natalie Goldberg published this book in 1985 to critical acclaim. Her teaching revolutionized how writing is taught in the US. "Writing without stopping," one of the basic tenants of her book, is breakthrough, opening, connecting to what is deepest in you. It allows you access to your own deepest knowing and frees not only the writer within; it frees the heart and soul and spirit of the writer. A great gift for yourself and others. Jamila Vicki Davies

4 Stars Funny story of returning to school
I highly recommend Natalie Goldberg's book for "required reading" for her class, "Writing Down the Bones, Freeing the Writer Within." I took her class September 08 in the high school auditorium in Sedona, Arizona. Unlike some of the rest of the class, her instructions for "slow walking" and "keep your pen moving" did not surprise me. Her teaching method is similar to the book synopsis.

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