-Natalie
Goldberg Writing Down the Bones
I recently picked up a copy of Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones. I’m only about
45 pages into to it, and I’ve never read anything else she has written. I am
enjoying her voice immensely.
While books on the craft can be helpful, I enjoy the
ones that are part biography and offer a glimpse of the author’s personal
space, process, and lessons. Anne Lamott’s Bird
by Bird and Stephen King’s On Writing
are two others I enjoyed.
Have
you read any of these? Did you enjoy them? What are you reading now? Do you
have any recommendations?
13 comments:
My creative writing teacher, back in high school, loaned me her copy of Writing Down the Bones, which also included Wild Mind. I think both are great for any writer to read, especially beginners.
Back then, I think my teacher understood I was having trouble giving myself permission to write what I wanted. It's hard to be creative when growing up in an environment (aka public school) that's really doesn't reward creativity, but following directions, being a "goody-two-shoes" as Goldberg puts it.
I hope you continue enjoying it!
On Writing , of course, is a good one. I've haven't heard of Bird by Bird.
I recommend the The War of Art and Going Pro by Steven Pressfield, especially if you're prone to procrastination... like me. ;)
The only one of those I have read is On Writing. I loved the memoir parts. The writing advice was mostly good, although his opinions on muses and television annoyed me, along with a few other notions of his.
I've read Stephen King's On Writing, Joseph Bell's Revision and Self Editing, and Don Maass' Fire in Fiction. Liked all three. I need how-to more than motivation.
I've gleaned the most from these three.
Read Stephen King's book and really like it. Great insights into his writing process. Must try this ime as well.
Stelios - I have not read anything by Pressfield. I'll have to look into those - guilty procrastinator here as well! ;-)
Unfortunately I haven't read any of the books, will look out fot one to read.
Yvonne.
I am working my way through this book too. I think if I hadn't read Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" I would be enjoying it more, but a lot of he messages are the same. Still, it's inspiring and that's a great quote!
Thanks for the though, Sylvia. I should check out some of those writers. The idea of biography and sharing skills in enticing.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Haven't read up much on craft, really read more about the writing market.
I've read all of those, and they're wonderful. Right now, I'm reading Goldberg's Wild Mind. It's great so far, too.
Have a nice Tuesday.
I also love King's book, and you make a good point about combining the lessons with experience
I haven't read any of those yet. I've been wanting to read "On Writing" for awhile now. I will have to add the other two to my list! One of my favorite books on writing is "Writing Magic" by Gail Carson Levine. It is written for children but it is still an exceptional book.
I enjoyed reading On Writing. It was a fascinating look into what makes Stephen King tick. Another author memoir I enjoyed was Boy, by Roald Dahl. Not much on the writing process, but lots of insight into the mind of a great writer.
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