On my last Sunday of this challenge, I share with you some quotes from Natalie Goldberg. When I mentioned that I wanted to write more, a friend recommended Goldberg’s book, Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within. I found it to be one of the most practical, helpful books on writing I have ever read. I refer to it often and have since read other books by Goldberg as well. She captures the writing process well while offering challenging exercises and I encourage anyone to read it, even if you just write a private journal that no one else will ever read. Here are some quotes from the book:

Writing “is inexpensive. All you need is pen, paper (of course, computer, if you are so inclined). And the human mind. What crannies of untouched perception can you explore? What autumn was it that the moon entered your life? When was it that you picked blueberries at their quintessential moment? How long did you wait for your first true bike? Who are your angels? What are you thinking of? Not thinking of? What are you looking at? Not looking at? Writing can give you confidence, can train you to wake up.”

“Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open.” 
“I don’t think everyone wants to create the great American novel, but we all have a dream of telling our stories-of realizing what we think, feel, and see before we die. Writing is a path to meet ourselves and become intimate.” 

 

“It is odd that we never question the feasibility of a football team practicing long hours for one game; yet in writing we rarely give ourselves the space for practice.” 

 

“I write because there are stories that people have forgotten to tell, because I am a woman trying to stand up in my life. I write because to form a word with your lips and tongue or think a thing and then dare to write it down so you can never take it back is the most powerful thing I know. I am trying to come alive, to find the distances in my own recesses and bring them forward and give them color and form.”