Customer Reviews

The Essential Writer's Notebook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Writing (Journal, Diary) (Guided Journals)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this writing journal 3 days ago at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, just hours before attending a one-day Natalie Goldberg writing workshop. The instant I saw this journal I knew I had to have it. It is colorful and inspirational, with many of my favorite quotes from "Writing Down the Bones" and "Wild Mind" included throughout the book, as well as some basic prompts at the top of certain pages. Every 5-6 pages there is a full color page of Natalie's brilliant paintings, which have inspired me to be more colorful in my own writing. Inside the front and back covers are lightly inscribed "Keep the pen moving" phrases. The journal, about 5x7", is the perfect size to keep inside a purse, is spiral-bound with light lines throughout, and with its inspirational writing messages scattered throughout, the journal just begs to have a fast-moving pen fill its pages. Any Natalie Goldberg fan is guaranteed to love this new journal. I do.

Those who are familiar with Natalie Goldberg's other books will be disappointed. This is basically like any other blank journal, with colorful pages, some quotes, and the very occasional writing prompt. For the same money, you can get a simple notebook and one of Natalie's other - and considerably more substantial - works.

I found this to be an excellent notebook. Keep in mind that this is essentially a workbook, not a text on writing. If you are looking for a beautiful place to put your thoughts , this is for you. Quotes from the author are scattered thoughout the book to prompt your inner voice. I like this book so much, that I'm going to buy another copy when I fill the first one.

The lush artwork of Ms. Goldberg is itself worth the price of the book:)

This review refers to "The Essential Writer's Notebook - A Step by Step Guide To Better Writing" (Natalie Goldberg).

If you are looking for a lovely journal, a place to record your thoughts, or a nice gift for someone who does journal, this notebook would be a good buy. The book is a sturdy hardcover, with good quality lined pages for writing, that are double spiral bound. Every few pages, you will find a beautiful color illustration that may even prove to be inspiring. At the beginning of every few pages, you will also find, writing exercises or daily inspirations to help you gather your thoughts, or that you may use as a warm up excercise to get your mind working if you are a writer working on other projects.

Goldberg guides the budding writer with ways to really get your thoughts out there. Keep your hand moving on the paper, make contact with other writers, give a specific voice to your writing(e.g, mother, teacher, etc),accept what's in your mind, practice often, etc. All great advice for the budding writer. However, I feel the subtitle of this notebook, "A Step By Step Guide to Better Writing" may lead someone to believe, this is actually a text or refrence book to learning how to write.

One other thing, I think for the price, there could have been more pages to write on. If you journal or write everyday, this notebook may not even last a month. Especially being that the advice given is to KEEP writing.

A nice quality journal, with some very useful information and helpful hints for a budding writer. Maybe nice for a stocking stuffer or gift for someone going away on a vacation or to college. But don't expect..a "step by step guide to better writing."(If that wasn't part of the title I probably would have gone 4 stars for this item.
Keep writing and enjoy...Laurie

recommended:
The Spirit of Writing: Classic and Contemporary Essays Celebrating the Writing Life (New Consciousness Reader)

On Writing

Senior Citizens Writing: A Workshop and Anthology, with an Introduction and Guide for Workshop Leaders

I flipped through this book at the library. I saw Natalie Goldberg's name and instantly thought that I was in for a treat. WRONG!! It's a journal!! And one with an itty-bitty amount of paper to write in to boot!! Soooooo happy I didn't purchase this one. I'll save my money to be used for purchasing another book written by her.

I was angry with myself for succumbing to propaganda when I bought this book, so un-Natalie like.