Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
This is one of the true cornerstones for my life, writing and work. In it, Natalie popularised the concept of free-writing. This practice allows people to get their words out more easily. I have written every single thing using this method.
I’ve also taught this method to thousands of writers since 1996. Natalie’s writing is real, refreshing and a great example of how free-writing can release what’s good and true inside each of us.
I can’t find my original copy of Writing Down the Bones; I must have gifted it. This is a copy that also contains her book Wild Mind.
If you haven’t read Writing Down the Bones, and you want to get started writing your stories, this is the book to get you going.
Have I told you this story before? When I was in college, my freshman writing teacher wrote down two titles for me to look at on on a note, and Writing Down the Bones was one. I didn’t understand the suggestion at the time, and it would be decades later until I got a copy of the book, in a miniature version from Shambhala Press.
Natalie Goldberg offers classes at the Santa Fe Photography Workshops, and one day, I’d like to take one. Thanks, Cynthia, for reminding me about this gem.
Indira,
I love this story! It reminds me of the power of books, of recommending books, to guide someone along on their path.
I would love to have one of those mini editions of this book! I can’t believe I don’t have my original edition.
Glad to share the writing path with you!