Writing Down The Bones

Synopsis

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 writer’s craft: on writing from “first thoughts” (keep your hand moving don’t 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; don’t 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 author’s witty approach (“Writing Is Not a McDonald’s Hamburger” “Man Eats Car” “Be an Animal”) will inspire anyone who writes—or who longs to.