Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (Shambhala Library)

With insight, humor, and practicality, Natalie Goldberg inspires writers and would-be writers to take the leap into writing skillfully and creatively. She offers suggestions, encouragement, and solid advice on many aspects of the writers craft: on writing from first thoughts (keep your hand moving, dont cross out, just get it on paper), on listening (writing is ninety percent listening; the deeper you listen, the better you write), on using verbs (verbs provide the energy of the sentence), on overcoming doubts (doubt is torture; dont listen to it)even on choosing a restaurant in which to write. Goldberg sees writing as a practice that helps writers comprehend the value of their lives. The advice in her book, provided in short, easy-to-read chapters with titles that reflect the authors witty approach (Writing Is Not a McDonalds Hamburger, Man Eats Car, Be an Animal), will inspire anyone who writesor who longs to.