Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

By: Natalie Goldberg

Narrated by: Natalie Goldberg

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

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

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.

Struggling with process?

The writing process is far more than sitting at a desk and putting words down on paper. It is that, but it's also living a life open to the world around you and filtering experiences through a writer's lens.

If you're looking for a book that will hold your hand and walk you through the process of writing a bestseller, this is not your book. However, if writing is your passion and you want to get a glimpse of what one particular writer's life can be, this is an excellent guide.

Because the book was written early in Natalie's career as a writer, she has gone back over the chapters with some reflection. As a listener to this unabridged version you'll get a bonus review by the author of each chapter where she explores her thoughts and feelings on the subjects now.

Understand there are many portions of this book that will different writers at different stages. For me personally, this book allowed me to let go of the idea that commercial success equals being a successful writer. Journalling to discover something new, writing short fiction for obscure magazines, hammering out bad poetry, these things all contribute to the process.

So does spending time with friends and family, practicing yoga, running in the park, petting my cat, etc.. All of life contributes and Natalie does a great job of illustrating that in this very open, very accessible book.

Great Book

As as a graduate student I found this book very helpful for getting my mind set to write. Listening to this on my ipod is like going through a guided meditation on writting

Applies to more than writers

writing is not my primary practice, and I quickly found myself substitituting the word "art" when she said writing. The concepts are universal. Natalie's voice is soft and a bit monotone, but I quickly got absorbed in the words and meanings

You dont know it, but you need this book

I simply loved this book. It is not only about writing and tips on how to write better. It is about the meaning of writing, writing as a practice, as a lífe style. I love that in this audible Natalie, the author, rereads the book herself and makes comments about the original text. It is so interesting to see how she has chanched, how her views have matured, developed,and evolved. I want to read more of her work.
I saw some comments regarding the tone of her voice. Honestly, it is particular, but it makes the experiences even More natural, more real. That's her, the author, and Is amazing. Get the book!

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.

Writing Down the Bones

Writing Down the Bones is not just another book on how to write. Goldberg dives deep and inspires the reader to find their authentic self in a writing practice. She moves the reader in an inspirational dance that will leave you with tools and insight that will help develop the writer within and produce results. Goldberg brings the book to life and you feel like you are present in her writing workshops. I refer to it often and find I enjoy her stories as much as her teaching of the practice. It is nothing less than a 5 star book!

Great content, poor sound quality

I enjoyed her story, but it was difficult to ignore the poor sound quality. I saw an improved version and hope mine can be updated. It would only be fair to your customers to give them the opportunity to upgrade a purchase.

Writing Down the Bones stacks up

Great audio book experience.

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.