List Price: $14.95
Save: $2.29 (15%)

FREE Shipping on orders over $25—or get FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime

In Stock.

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Turn on 1-Click ordering for this browser

Ship to:

Select a shipping address:

Buy Used

$9.50

+ $3.99 shipping

Used: Very Good | Details

Sold by nightheronbooks

Turn on 1-Click ordering for this browser

Other Sellers on Amazon

Add to Cart

$12.61
+ Free Shipping

Sold by: Fairview Books

Add to Cart

$13.20
+ Free Shipping

Sold by: WiseChoice Books

Add to Cart

$9.60
+ $3.99 shipping

Sold by: SuperBookDeals---

Have one to sell? Sell on Amazon

Flip to back Flip to front

Listen Playing... Paused You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition.
Learn more

See all 2 images

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within Paperback – February 2, 2016

by Natalie Goldberg (Author), Julia Cameron (Foreword)

601 customer reviews

See all 24 formats and editions Hide other formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

Kindle

"Please retry"

$13.99

—

Hardcover

"Please retry"

$17.35

$11.95

$5.80

Paperback

"Please retry"

$12.66

$9.60

$9.50

Audible, Unabridged

"Please retry"

$0.00

Free with your Audible trial

Audio CD, Audiobook, CD, Unabridged

"Please retry"

$44.95

$40.96

The all-time best-selling writer's handbook turns thirty.

With insight, humor, and practicality, Natalie Goldberg inspires writers and would-be writers to take the leap into writing skillfully and creatively. She offers suggestions, encouragement, and solid advice on many aspects of the writer's craft: on writing from "first thoughts" (keep your hand moving, don't cross out, just get it on paper), on listening (writing is ninety percent listening; the deeper you listen, the better you write), on using verbs (verbs provide the energy of the sentence), on overcoming doubts (doubt is torture; don't listen to it)—even on choosing a restaurant in which to write. Goldberg sees writing as a practice that helps writers comprehend the value of their lives. The advice in her book, provided in short, easy-to-read chapters with titles that reflect the author's witty approach ("Writing Is Not a McDonald's Hamburger," "Man Eats Car," "Be an Animal"), will inspire anyone who writes—or who longs to.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

$12.66
FREE Shipping on orders over $25—or get FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Frequently bought together

Total price: $38.03

Buy the selected items together

This item:Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg Paperback $12.66
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott Paperback $11.72
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King Paperback $13.65
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Customers who bought this item also bought

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.

Anne Lamott

1,257

in Journalism
Paperback
$11.72
Natalie Goldberg

98

Paperback
$9.28
Natalie Goldberg

77

Paperback
$10.71
Katie Wood Ray

27

Paperback
$28.71
Natalie Goldberg

601

Paperback
$10.74
Stephen King

3,037

Paperback
$13.65

Special offers and product promotions

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Wherein we discover that many of the "rules" for good writing and good sex are the same: Keep your hand moving, lose control, and don't think. Goldberg brings a touch of both Zen and well... *eroticism* to her writing practice, the latter in exercises and anecdotes designed to ease you into your body, your whole spirit, while you create, the former in being where you are, working with what you have, and writing from the moment. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA Goldberg will catch readers interested in writing with her opening confession that she was a ``goody-two-shoes all through school'' and should hold them until she pulls the last page from her typewriter, one ``Sunday night at eleven.'' Part writing guide, part Zen philosophy, and part personal diary, this book has the smooth, fast flow of a conversation with a good friend who, while struggling with her own writing, has picked up more than a few tips that she eagerly shares. Definitely not another ``how to write better themes'' or a rehash of the writing process, Goldberg's short, quirky chapters give the finer points of how to write in a restaurant and why bother to write at all. The earnest, slightly Bohemian, occasionally vulnerable voice will endear her to young writers who are looking not so much for a teacher or text as for validation that they can write and for some simple but intriguing tips to get them started. While there are the required chapters on using detail and keeping a journal, the most important thing Goldberg has to say to young people is that ``we have lived. Our moments are important. This is what it is to be a writer: to be the carrier of details that make up history. ''Carolyn Praytor Boyd, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product details

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Shambhala; 30 Anv edition (February 2, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 161180308X
ISBN-13: 978-1611803082
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 601 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #18 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Publishing & Books > Authorship
- #20 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Zen > Spirituality
- #51 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Fiction

Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?

NO_CONTENT_IN_FEATURE

Start reading Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

Customer reviews

Write a customer review

See all 601 customer reviews

Rated by customers interested in

What's this?

Religion & Spirituality Books

4.1 out of 5 stars

Reference Books

4.3 out of 5 stars

Buddhism Books

4.7 out of 5 stars

Is this feature helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

Top customer reviews

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Great Mix of the Practical and Inspirational

ByJognJanon September 2, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This book is made up of short (2-3 page) chapters full of practical advice written in a humorous, self-deprecating way. Even if you are an experienced writer and have read other books about writing, you are sure to want this on your bookcase (or in your Kindle). Given the author's Zen practice, you will also come away with some inspirational nuggets. Example: "Don't identify too strongly with your work. Stay fluid behind those black-and-white words. They are not you. They were a great moment going through you. A moment you were awake enough to write down and capture." The book is not really for someone wanting to get published but for someone interested in the process of writing and making sense of their lives.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

I treat this like a chocolate bar. Plan my days around when I get to listen to it again. Sometimes I sneak it.

ByS. Andersonon October 17, 2017

Format: Audible Audio EditionVerified Purchase

Natalie Goldberg opens with this request: "listen to my slow Jewish voice." Which, upon first hearing, made me think, "Oh brother."

It didn't take long to lose the resistance at all. Writing Down the Bones is a gem of a listen, it's like the oddest little ear candy ever. Her steady metronome style of speaking is filled with rules of engagement, with kindness, and with some arguments to counter your own self when you meet your true resistance. This was written well before the marketing / writing / promoting self-help boom came along, and thank goodness. Natalie Goldberg's book is entirely without jargon and tactics, god how I hate that word now, and yet it is a complete guide to "writing your asses off." I lived in Boulder and went to Naropa and everyone and their dog was all agog over Writing Down the Bones. It reminded me of being in junior high when all of the girls in my grade were going crazy over Flowers In the Attic, which did nothing for me. As a result, ok years later as an adult, I found fault with the title - I hated it actually. And then refused to read it. My own loss.

Thankfully, years and years later I was making another long commute in the car, and had run out of things to listen to. Radio reception in the mountains, late at night, meant being hostage to the 3 stations that had no static: orchestral music and Jesus channels. No thank you. I grabbed Writing Down the Bones cassette pack (remember those?) from the library in haste... OK already, I yelled at myself. And popped in the tape and began my drive. It was a delightful late night drive that left me energized, alert, optimistic. She sprinkles in bits about her Buddhist practice which informed her writing of the book, without relying on too much woo, for those of you who think Buddhism is for the birds. It reminded me of my own really haphazard practice of Maitri, which means loving kindness. If you listen to Writing Down the Bones, you are engaging in an act of loving kindness to yourself. And if you allow yourself to take that extra step of actually writing, you're deepening that experience. Or, that's how I take it. You might actually also have a story to show for it. I've gone through the cassettes numerous times. And this is actually my 2nd purchase of the mp3 file since I couldn't recall the account and password I'd used for the first purchase. It's worth it to me to have Natalie Goldberg handy in my back pocket. You might think so, too.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

Read this if you seriously want to produce. AWESOME!!!

ByJeff Richardsonon July 18, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I think the negative reviews on here are missing the bigger picture. So what if she relates writing through the zen mind thing and speaks a lot about spirituality. The point is to ultimately to get your ass in the chair and write. Quit thinking about it and do it. She also elaborates on writing whatever is in your mind...to just let go and let it come out. Think about your favorite writers. Are they real? Does some crazy stuff come out? Look at best selling writers like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, or even the chick that wrote 50 Shades.....did it takes some courage to write what they do? Don't u think some people think they are crazy? I can remember reading Stephen King's books and thinking this dude lost his mind. I love Stephen King's books. Is their writing the same s*** you read everywhere else? They write some pretty real stuff-stuff that only they could come up with. It's intensely personal, honest and unique to them. They had to dig deep and put down the bones regardless of what others thought. Charles Bukowski comes to mind. Dennis Lehane. James Crumley. Honest, real, raw. Read this book and get down the bones. Stop reading all this how to stuff. Learn writing by doing it. Make it real and personal. People want to read what YOU have to say, not what someone tell you will be a best seller or some dumb s***. Put your heart and soul out there and see what happens. At least you will be sincere and true to yourself and hopefully won't put the same generic crap that everyone else is putting out there.

0Comment 32 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

So, You've Always Wanted to Write

ByBrooks McDanielon April 6, 2012

Verified Purchase

You've always thought you'd like to write--even if just for your grandkids. Natalie Goldberg is the guide for you. First and best she helps you get the "inner critic" off your shoulder and you're back. WRITING DOWN THE BONES is full of prompts to get you started and to keep you going and maybe even get a group together to read to each other. Goldberg has been working with writing groups for thirty years. Her advice, based on experience is wise, insightful and fun to read and her second book on writing memoir, OLD FRIEND FROM FAR AWAY will take you as far as you want to go as well as lead you "home."
Good writing!
(I bought two new copies through Amazon. I used them in teaching my writing class. Delivery was so quick and the books were brand new "used" from a secondary- Amazon seller. What great service!)

0Comment 5 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Goldberg shows us the bones of writing

ByChrison May 3, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I'm not half way through it yet, but I am enjoying the book. Miss Goldberg makes sense, and she writes for the writer in all of us. She's trying to reach that part that is inside each person. She makes no snobby statements about writing. She is opening this world up for each person who wants to write. If you are a newbie or a seasoned author you will enjoy this book.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

Write, Write, Write!

ByAmardeep Singhon August 30, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Wild Mind gives a great deal of food for thought for getting in touch with your subconsicous, which is where your creativity comes from. There are dozens of suggestions for writing practice which Natalie Goldberg bases on the basic principle of, "Write furiously without stopping. Write, write, write."

This is the second time I have owned this book. When I had it the first time, I did the writing practice, and it turned me into a verbal monster!

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

Most recent customer reviews

Gifted and Inspiring

Natalie is gifted and inspiring, and articulates the struggle, joys and zen-like path to becoming the writer you are.

Published 16 days ago by Samuel Clemmons

Five Stars

very helpful book. will order from this company again.

Published 1 month ago by carol howard

A Great Follow-Up to Writing Down the Bones

After reading Natalie Goldberg's classic Writing Down the Bones, I knew that I needed to read more of what she had to say about writing. Wild Mind did not disappoint me.Read more

Published 1 month ago by William

Nice!

My husband writes for The Mad Anthony's. Either he can't put this book down, or he's being kind. But he read it in two days.

Published 1 month ago by Bagheeratwins

Wonderful

Natalie is such a unique writer and teacher. I just bought another copy of this as I gave away my other one. Just bought two of her newest books and can't wait to receive them.

Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer

This is the book I suggest to beginning writers.

This is the book I suggest to beginning writers. It is a lovely mix of craft and common sense and support

Published 1 month ago by B.Olivas

A must read...

Can't miss with Natalie Goldberg.

Published 1 month ago by Journaler

Five Stars

item as described

Published 2 months ago by wm

Four Stars

I am working through the steps and learning a lot

Published 2 months ago by Susan J. Farrell

Calming meditation on writing

Natalie Goldberg delivers again a calming, sweetness that makes me want to sit down and write. Even though we know writing is much harder than just sitting down, she gives forth...Read more

Published 2 months ago by S.Ramsey

Set up an Amazon Giveaway

Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more about Amazon Giveaway

This item: Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

Set up a giveaway

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life Paperback

Anne Lamott

1,257

$11.72
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, 2nd Edition Paperback

Natalie Goldberg

601
167 offers from $1.69
On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft Paperback

Stephen King

3,037

$13.65
Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir Paperback

Natalie Goldberg

77

$10.71

Pages with related products. See and discover other items: fiction writing, composition in art, writing a book, writing essays, writing prompts, writing techniques

Buy New $12.66

Turn on 1-Click ordering for this browser

or

or

Buy Used $9.50

Turn on 1-Click ordering for this browser

Other Sellers on Amazon

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within Paperback – February 2, 2016

Frequently bought together

Customers who bought this item also bought

Special offers and product promotions

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

From School Library Journal

Product details

Customer reviews

Top customer reviews

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Most recent customer reviews

Set up an Amazon Giveaway

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

Buy New

$12.66

Buy Used

$9.50