Writing down the Bones is a book by Natalie Goldberg which every writer must read.Make that every artist. Writing is like giving the world a piece of your mind.When you sit down to write ,you search your brain for those hidden memories forgotten experiences, sudden pleasures .You weave them into a tapestry and then you wonder.
If you are a writer, wanting to write or an artist of some medium -Read the book.
Insights from Writing Down the Bones
Is it good enough?Should I even show it to the world?What if people know that you are faking it?Any art which is created is good enough .Because you believed in it.Showing up with it is tough,but is indeed half the job.It gives you validation.
AND everybody is faking it .So while writing keep your hand moving is crucial.
Right brain writes, left brain edits so don’t correct while writing that stops the glow.Don’t think about what if it doesn’t make sense?Few first drafts for anyways.
So should you still write ?Yes to be a writer you must write.To be a painter you must paint. To be an artist you must create Art every day.
Creating Art takes work.Work at having fun in losing yourself in the process ,in the practice of it.
It’s about the Practice.Sometimes you would want to do the dishes,fold laundry, clean the kitchen sink twice before even starting to write.Those are the days you must definitely write and also the other days.Wriying is a practice. It’s a practice training your hand muscle to do the job at hand.If procrastination is your enemy ,you still must sit.
In the book that’s the most powerful message the author gives.It’s a Practice .I wanted to write about COVID and ended up writing about writing.It’s where your keyboard takes you.Some words are easier than others .In the book the author gives you a list of writing prompts to help you write with your senses.She talks about composting our experiences to make our writing richer.
Golden words -You learn to write by writing .
Another must read book and I am not going to pretend to critique it.Its a beautiful book which all writers who want to listen to their soul better,must read.
Remember Real Artists Don’t Starve!
I’ve read all of Natalie’s books. I’ve taken her advice many times!
I have this book and I agree with you. She has so many great points and it’s definitely worth the read.
SInce I write about everything (or is that anything?), I have always followed this practice…
I think that’s a wonderful way to be.
Sounds like a really good book! Poetic look at the writing life. And I think that’s good advice, that on the days when you don’t want to write, you should still try to write something, just to stay in practice.
Exactly.Its important to keep practicing.
A good observation that one needs to keep writing consistently and that it is practice that sustains the writer. TFS.
Thank you.Glad you liked this.