Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Book Review: Writing Down the Bones

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg





In one of the first classes I took in grad school, we learned about creative writing and the use of painting (or art) to enhance the writing process.  It was a super cool class and one of the most useful things I received was an introduction to this book.

Writing is many things to many people, but good writing is rare and even harder to maintain.  This book is  the best 'New Year' workout your writing skills can find.  With 65 chapters, none longer than 3 pages I think, you have something to write about for two months straight.  Mix them, pull them out of order or travel front to back.  She shares of herself, but points you in a good direction to discover your writing possibilities.

Why you should give this book a try:  You've probably already decided not to think of this book again for the rest of your life and I don't blame you.  But I think you should reconsider.  Writing has been proven to make you better at everything you do.  Self-reflection - even just a little bit a week - helps you grow.  Who wants to be wasting away (physically or otherwise) never growing, never expanding your breadth of knowledge or experience?  I'm convinced that being better than yesterday is the only way to live.  You don't have to write for anyone else.  Just write a bit for you - just to say you did.  Or don't even commit to writing.  Just browse through the book and read a couple of chapters.   I think it's worth the time.

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