This is not really a review, because I've only just started the book. I first heard about it here somewhere in a post about trying to write.
So, I took a casual look on Amazon and saw one used for a little over a buck. so, I bought it. Got it in the mail. It's about 3" by 4" and about an inch thick. Not impressive looking, but OK, I bought it, so I'll read some of it. Funny how we say "don't judge a book by it's cover" only to do just that. This was yesterday. Read the forward. Read the introduction. The chapters are only 7-8 pages long. So, I read the first one. And I immediately, right there sitting in a semi truck in someones dock, crank out 5 pages on full sized pad! Then today, I read the next chapter. Again, 5-6 more pages. I come home tonight and read the next chapter. An idea I had for a poem turns into a 4 page non-stop ramble that in the end I decide to leave as is. No poem needed.
I'm not sure what is causing this, but it seems to be about as freeing as a book can be.
Stuff comes gushing out like a bad night of drinking. There's no stopping it until you're empty. All three times, I just wrote steadily. Once I stopped to think what was next, I was done. And fine with being done. No feeling like something was left unfinished.
Whew.

I love Writing Down the Bones! Sounds like I have the same little pocket edition that you have. What's so nice about it is that you can get a lot out of it by just reading chapters at ramdom. And it seems like every time I read it, I get some else out of it. Too bad that lately I can't seem to grab any time to write down the bones or anything else.

Judybug

Who is this woman? I've just looked her up on Amazon and found that she has written all SORTS of "devotional" books about how to be a writer. But I've never heard of anything she's written, except for writing about how to write. Her own website claims she "broke open the world of creativity and started a revolution in the way we practice writing in this country." Riiight ...

Not that the book is necessarily bad. I'm looking forward to browsing through most of it next time I'm at a Barnes and Noble, and if I like it, I'll really thumb that copy to bits, put it back on the shelf, and then order a new one from my local independent bookseller.

I read this and her second "devotional" (to writing) book and her novel... about 20 years ago. At some point... you just write. If you want to write, write. Also, read. Devour books... by good authors. But mostly, write.

There.

I noticed that I felt kindly towards Goldberg. I stopped reading books about writing, though. It started to become counterproductive.

Oh. Before I started working at a library, I'd go to a library and check out books. Then, if I really wanted a copy, I'd buy it. (All part of the "travelling light" lifestyle.)

I agree. If you want to write you simply need to start writing. Read voraciously to improve your writing. But most of all - write. /Craig

What was it Billy Crystal said in "Throw Mama from the train"? I think it was

"Remember, a writer writes!"

Actually, I really like this book. It didn't get me writing though . . . *But* I am starting the Artist's way in a few weeks and I really hope that does the job. I plan on rereading Writing Down the Bones between now and starting the program as the mornining pages are very similar to the methods described in WDTB.

The Artist's Way was an inspiring, life changing book for me. I've read it and read read it several times over the years. Whatever your art form it's all about showing up and doing it.

My Motto: Doing SOMETHING is better than doing NOTHING.

I think she may have indeed made a career out of writing books about writing. I don't much about her. I just like Writing Down the Bones. I have no less than 15 books about writing lined up on my desk. I used to be obsessed with books about writing - which is ridiculous so I gave up the obsession and just started writing. Still, once in while - for a kick start - I like Writing Down the Bones and a box of cards called "The Observation Deck" by Naomi Epel.

Judybug

I have purchased so many books on writing that once, my husband suggested that perhaps instead of writing a novel, I should write a book about writing a novel. Because "there seems to be a real market for them!" He's a card, that one. I, too, have kicked that habit. (that would be the purchasing of books on writing books, not the husband. He is a keeper!")

JBB--thanks for the endorsement of The Artist's Way. I decided to do the course when I couldn't find a drawing course this summer. Using my new fountain pens and inks for the morning papes is an added bonus.

That's perfect!!!!

I remember in college we used to show off by doing the crossword puzzle in fountain pen.

My writing professor recommended this book to me. My term paper discusses handwriting's link to art and creativity and my professor thought this book would be an excellent source. I'm glad to see other people recommending the book and I look forward to reading it!