Writing Down the Bones

By: Natalie Goldberg

Narrated by: Natalie Goldberg

With nearly one million copies of the book Writing Down the Bones in print, Natalie Goldberg has helped change the way writing is practiced in homes, schools, and workshops across America.

Here is a new collector's edition of this modern classic as you have never heard it before, read by Natalie Goldberg herself and then infused with her most personal reflections about this "magic manual" for all writers. Try these ingenious, Zen-based exercises to expand your writing skills - or just for fun.

© Natalie Goldberg; (P) Sounds True

What’s wrong with her voice?

I love her voice. I’m a big fan of authors reading their own work, in general — it adds a lot for me. Remember that Goldberg has successfully taught writing for decades and has formed countless writers; this is the voice that she teaches in. It’s her voice. It’s her. It’s a no-nonsense, warm, down-to-earth New York voice. It’s a voice that contains sensible reminders for us all.

INSPIRATIONAL

Natalie Goldberg's invaluable guidance on writing offers such a wonderfully unique combination of both practical and creative advice. She is smart, funny, wise and simply brilliant at teaching writing.

Although there are, at times, some spiritual/philosophical issues she delves into that may not resonate with everyone, this audiobook at its core, is truly a celebration of the passion and joy of writing. It has inspired me to view writing in a different way and with more of an open mind. And an open mind is a beautiful thing!

Inspiring & great voice

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend to fellow writers as it encourages people to listen to their inner voice and write.

Which character – as performed by Natalie Goldberg – was your favorite?

Natalie

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Just write even if garbage

Any additional comments?

This is an inspiring book if you want to write. The focus isn't on the actual "how to write a sentence" type of material, but more on how to fit writing into your life and how to come up with ideas and a process to keep writing. Natalie Goldberg was the narrator and I loved listening to her voice.

excellent

most memorable moment,"noodle your way thru ,if your not a bulldog at writing .love it.I'm a noodle writer how blessed it is for me to be originally a noodle writer and it's ok.

Thank you Nathalie, Zen in writing

in my way, I know zen buddhism, and I know writing, and I had somehow never quite connected the two together. And when I chose to listen to this book, I didn't even know that it was about connecting the two together. I have now connected the two together, and am very grateful of this..So I say: Thank you Nathalie.

Frogs are not just Frogs

Listening to Natalie’s Writing Down the Bones, inspired me to write my love story and relive what all my senses experienced.

Good Grief…This is Good

This is about as wonderful as it gets when it comes to writing advice. Shes not teaching you how to write a blockbuster, shes reaching you how to write honestly and fearlessly in your own voice. Learn how to do that she is saying and then you can go write whatever your heart desires. Beautifully read with a genuine warmth.

Better other think...

I agree Goldberg's voice is difficult to get used to. I am glad that I had read all the reviews before I bought this. I think you have to make friends with Natalie and listen like you would to a wise friend or grandmother. Her information is good and informative. Not everything will apply to everyone. She is kinda outlandish at times. But again, how badly do you want to write your best stuff? If you want to write better, then get over the voice and listen anyway.

My New Best Friend

Listening to this book is like spending the morning in Starbucks with a trusted friend.

A very special guru

This is a really wonderful book for anyone interested in writing... in any form. Natalie Goldberg has an inspired and incredibly empowering outlook on what it means to sit down, choose words and construct sentences.

I've listened-to/read a number of similar books, but this one is special. Goldberg has an irreverence towards the craft, which is somehow steeped in her own Zen Buddhist training, and the product is something which gives the writer a compass for how to view life, how to view writing, and what the relationship is between the two. She never goes so far as to proselytize her beliefs, but rather explains them in a completely comprehensible and arresting way.

This audiobook version is particularly special in that she seems to comment on each chapter after it's been read... I'm not sure if that's in the actual updated print version of the book, but it sounds like an improvised riffing on what she thinks about the book with several years of hindsight.