Natalie Goldberg’s guide for writers seeks to free authors to engage their own minds in writing. Using Zen Buddhism as a template, she describes the practice of writing as similar to meditation in that an author engages her/his own mind. She seeks to free writers from a persistent “inner critic” who chatters doubts, hangups, and insecurities. She labels this the “monkey mind” in contrast to a “creative mind.” As she does in writing seminars, she even proscribes a set duration of writing each day, much like one would engage in prayer or meditation.
Goldberg herself comes from a non-practicing Jewish background. She had no strong educational awards to fall back on but became inspired in the feminist movement to do something noteworthy. She eventually gained a Buddhist mentor whose influence is all over this book and her life. She even re-engaged with Judaic spiritual rhythms.
She speaks in very earthy tones with strong metaphors, which increases reader engagement with the book. This audiobook contains the original text of her book along with interviews about each chapter done over a decade later. Goldberg is sometimes surprised at her confidence and at other times, critiques her younger self. This added dynamic makes the audiobook even more interesting.
Obviously, this book is intended primarily for authors and writing professionals. However, anyone who wants a more transparent relationship with the writing process, whether in business emails or even with computer code (my trade), can benefit from Goldberg’s advice. She simply cautions writers to tone down their self-criticism and actually get down to the process of honest writing. Most readers will engage better with what the author finds most meaningful and relatable. Self-actualization is a key part of the process. This perspective can engage with better writing and better living in 2023 as well as it originally did in the 1980s.
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within
By Natalie Goldberg
Narrated by Natalie Goldberg
Copyright (c) 1999
Sounds True
ASIN B0000547N7
Length: 8:29
Genre: Writing
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