Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Natalie Goldberg: Wisdom As "Writing Down The Bones" Turns 30

Natalie Goldberg (right), in conversation with the poet Steven Reigns


I was so fortunate to hear Natalie Goldberg present and then speak with Steven Reigns in West Hollywood, California last week. It was a brilliant evening, and here are a few highlights of what Natalie shared:

Great writers pass on "their breath at moments of inspiration."

on writing:

"No good or bad. It's a practice. Like tennis. Like anything."

On coming out as a woman who wanted to be with other women:

"Writing broke open my mind."

On writers confusing success and love:

"Don't write to get love, but you can feel love as your write."

On writing practice:

"Get your pen and keep your hand going."

On her success at age 38, and continuing to write and publish,

"I'm always competing with her."

And (maybe my favorite)
"The writer in me is kick-ass."


Natalie's breakthrough book on craft remains "Writing Down The Bones" (now out in its 30th anniversary edition) and her newest book is "The Great Spring: Writing, Zen, and This Zigzag Life."

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

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