Writing Down the Bones
Book description
Experience a modern classic on writing as you've never heard it before. With nearly one million copies of Writing Down the Bones in print, Natalie Goldberg has helped change the way writing is practiced in homes, schools, and workshops across America. Through her heartfelt personal reflections and her ingenious Zen-based…
Why read it?
4 authors picked Writing Down the Bones as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book had me laughing from the first paragraph.
I had no plan to write novels then. I just wanted to write in a beautiful leather journal a good friend gave me to record my thoughts on my trip to Greece. It was a trip I’d planned with others, one in particular. But when he decided to leave, I went anyway. Alone.
A friend of mine knew the trip would be emotionally and technically difficult. Travelling alone in a non-English-speaking country can be dicey. She hoped that this book would provide relief from the debris of my personal life. And…
From Lin's list on preparing for writing/walking/thinking/acting against the crowd.
When I read this book, I felt as though I’d come home somehow. Goldberg has such a natural, conversational voice while sharing life-changing truths. She shared in a way that embodied her message and I realized I wanted to do that with my calling. While writing about writing, she is also offering instruction that is valuable for anyone who wants to work on any art, craft, or business. Using her years of Zen meditation as a backdrop, she instructs the reader on going beyond self-judgment, training yourself to be excellent, and staying present. It’s a powerful book for anyone who…
From Tama's list on to help you stay true to yourself and your calling.
Of the many books I read in the early days of my creative and spiritual awakening, Writing Down the Bones is the one that probably had the most profound impact on me—as both a writer and, ultimately, a teacher of writing. Goldberg’s Buddhist-inspired approach to creativity helped me break me through a decades-long writer’s block to access a creative potential I had long denied. Every one of my books, including my books for writers, owes Natalie Goldberg a huge debt of gratitude.
From Mark's list on unlikely books to help you through creative blocks.
Goldberg has a mystic touch, a bit of Zen, and a lot of freedom in her creative approach. This book is not about grammar, or plot, or “rules of writing,” but instead about the mind of an artist, what it takes to shut down the negative and constricting voices and give free rein to your wildest and most surprising ideas.
From Dinty's list on for inspiring beginning writers.
Want books like Writing Down the Bones?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Writing Down the Bones.
Browse books like Writing Down the Bones
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in writer's block, zen, and meditation?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about writer's block, zen, and meditation.