Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

By: Natalie Goldberg

Narrated by: Natalie Goldberg

What is writing? Can anybody do it? What's the best way to get started? And keep going? Over a decade ago, when

Writing Down the Bones first appeared, Natalie Goldberg started a revolution in the way we practice writing. Instead of looking at writing as something open only to a few, she made it available to everybody. Her simple, ingenious exercises set free a generation of writers waiting to experience the inner and outer pleasures only writing can provide. Now, for the first time, Goldberg reads her classic work, while offering new commentary about the creative, spiritual, and practical dimensions of writing. This collector's edition also includes an exclusive interview with the author.

Please note: This 1999 recording represents the technology of the time when it was produced. This is currently the best available source audio from the publisher.

©1999 Natalie Goldberg

Poor sound quality, snooze-inducing narration.

I'm glad I've also got the print edition because I'm not sure if I can get through this book on audio. First, the recording sounds like the microphone was under a blanket. Muffled.

Second, the author/narrator has no zest or pizzazz in her voice. Because of the subject, it is like listening to your grandmother read a cookbook or from the telephone book. Zzzzzzz. Except for a very VERY few high points.

I've always enjoyed writing. Began journaling as a pre-teen, and have blogged, etc. on and off since then. I've wanted to put my own story to paper for a few years now. I remember listening to this book years ago (on cassette tape).

Third, I'd forgotten how very anit-inspiring it is. Her method in a nutshell: You must spend years just writing, writing, writing. Filling notebooks with words, by hand, be it trash or treasure, before you can hope to be a "good" writer.

I'm sure I'll glean something useful from the print copy I've got, but I'm not likely to listen to the whole recording.

Only misses a 5-star because of audio quality

The book is fabulous, and the author's 15-years-later commentary just adds to the great experience. It feels like you're sitting with an old friend who's giving you life advice and encouraging you personally.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the audio quality. So let me revise slightly: It feels like your'e sitting with an old friend who is whispering words of personal encouragement into a brown paper bag.

Interesting to revisit after 20 +years

I first read _Bones_ my freshman year of college, and listening to the audiobook was like visiting an old friend. I love that this is narrated by the author.

Essential for Seekers of All Kinds

Goldberg liberates us. I bought the paperback years ago as a writer's guide and found it important and inspirational. I downloaded the Audible edition when I heard some journalists on a podcast say that they listened to a little Natalie whenever they got stuck. Thus, I rediscovered Goldberg not only as a writing coach but also as a spiritual guide. Putting pen to paper can be a spiritual practice as much as a literary one. And the short chapters provide assignments to keep you at it.

I was delighted with Natalie's narration. At the end of each chapter, she gives an informal comment, based on the 30 years of distance since she originally wrote the book. She is funny and wise.

Love the Content, Hate the Narration

Great, practical advise if you're a writer, real nuts and bolts. The author narrates though, and her narration is monotonous and irritating. Sound quality is also poor. I'm less than 25% of the way through and heartily wish I had bought it in print. Listen to the sample before purchasing to help determine if the content more than makes up for the bad narration.

Audio Quality...

... is pretty lousy. She says this was recorded in 1998, which doesn't seem like a long enough time for the audio to be this poor. It sounds like she's talking through a sock, which is unfortunate because I enjoyed the content (I have the print version, too), hearing the author talk about what she had written and there's even an interview... but the sound... it's really bad, like they found a cassette of this in the trash and decided to publish it as is. Someone ought to consider remastering it.

My favorite book

Writing Down the Bones is one of the five books I'd take with me to a desert island. The other four would have to be blank notebooks, because this book will keep you writing every time you listen to it. I read the book a few years ago, but I like to listen to the audio when I'm feeling down about my writing. It keeps me going. I appreciated Goldberg's reading. It was nice to hear her "New York Jewish accent ... naging [me] to write" (paraphrased from the introduction). I love the authenticity of Goldberg's writing, but her reading adds a lot. It is not a professional reading, but that's whats so great about it. It is endearing and real. It shows that real people like you and me are writing in cafes all over the America. If you have never read this book be prepared to have your life changed. My only regret was the poor audio quality. I have heard this recording before, but it never sounded so awful. It is still worth it to carry it around in your iPod, but I wish the sound was better. The book and the reading get five stars, but the recording only gets three. Even so, it is worth the download.

A true classic with bad sound

This recorded book, narrated by the author, is especially illuminating and enjoyable because it's a type of summing up for Natalie Goldberg. She wrote the book years ago and now, as she is narrating, she comments on what she'd written then and how she sees it now, at the end of each chapter. She's funny and pithy and honest and she kept me listening all the way through even though the sound was particularly tinny and annoying. Maybe it was my device but I haven't had the same problem with any other books I've downloaded.

Poor audio quality: static and muffled

The author's voice is incredibly muffled and the quality is static. It seemed like corners were cut for whatever reasons.

Loved it!!!

I enjoyed every minute of this book. It motivated me to finally start writing. At age 56! It's never to late to just shut up and write.