• Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

  • By: Natalie Goldberg
  • Narrated by: Natalie Goldberg
  • Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (302 ratings)

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Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within  By  cover art

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

By: Natalie Goldberg
Narrated by: Natalie Goldberg
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Publisher's summary

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

What listeners say about Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

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Terrible recording quality

Sounds phoned in. For the price- it should have better sound quality. Couldn’t listen to the whole thing because hated how muffled it was.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Natalie Goldberg is a treasure!

What made the experience of listening to Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within the most enjoyable?

With some books, it's OK to have an actor read it, but with others, it's better to hear it straight from the author. This is one of those books. Natalie has such a distinct, memorable voice--and it's what I'll hear whispering encouragement to me as I write from now on. Thank you, Natalie!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within?

I have read this book many times, but never thought to look for the audio version. In general, it was great to hear Natalie read my favorite chapters of the book.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Sound quality was very poor. Would have loved to hear Natalie in full, clear voice in a regular studio, like the other Audible books. Still, what a gift to be able to hear the real Natalie behind her own words.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Too many to mention, but overall I enjoyed when Natalie spoke about her relationships with her students.

Any additional comments?

The only drawback--and it's a big one--is the sound quality. I likened it to someone talking on phone with bad service. Still, in a strange way, the sound quality made it more intimate, as if Natalie were giving me a pep talk over the phone.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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Don't waste your money...read it instead of listening

I'm so bummed I wasted money on this audiobook. The audio quality is the worst I have ever listened to, it sounds like she is speaking way too close to the recording device and words run together and are muffled. I stopped listening about 15 minutes in. I was interested in the subject matter just couldn't take the execution in the audio. Kudos to anyone who could make it through and actually retain what she is saying, goodness knows I couldn't.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Audio quality is horrible.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I read the book while I was in college, loved it, it was inspiring and I feel it just made me want to write. Lately, I've been trying to do some creative writing lately so, when I saw this book available on Audible I said why not.

What did you like best about this story?

Now let me say that the content in the audio book is fine. It's the book with some extra commentary from the author. It's the quality. It sounds like it's one of those old archived recordings from the first Roosevelt administration. I thought my headphones were going bad, so I tried a wireless speaker. Same thing, it sounds like it was recorded around 1910.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Just check out the sample audio. You will see what I mean.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Audio is muffled

Content is good. Audio is of poor quality and low volume. Needs to be clearer.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

"Poor sound quality, snooze-inducing narration."

Is there anything you would change about this book?

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 anti-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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

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.

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