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goromajima's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
holly_keimig's review against another edition
5.0
Very good book on writing that we used in a creative writing class. Instead of telling you what not to do, it tells you what to do. Highly recommended!
authoraugust's review against another edition
5.0
Eastern religions hold a special fascination for me, so this book - a combination of zen teachings and essays on the art of writing - was an absolutely wonderful read. I could go back at any point and read just one of Goldberg's tiny little chapters, and it would once again stir me to write. As a whole, the book was like curling up in the arms of a motherly figure who wants nothing more than to encourage your writing: gentle, warm, but firm in what she believes to be true.
chloekg's review
5.0
Subtle-deep, laughing-practical, alive, soft, unexpected, strong. This is a Great book on writing.
witzelsucht's review
2.0
Though this is a more positive and well-written book than Anne Lamott's almost malevolent Bird by Bird (which I'm still annoyed I read), I came away with the same net result: learning very little and feeling like these autobiographical, write-your-feelings, self-help author-gurus are the most annoying people alive. Spare me the poetry exercises about your childhood and write about shit that rocks, like a haunted car that tries to kill you or something.
Writing Down the Bones is OK for bite-sized nuggets of insight. There are some genuinely heartwarming and thought-provoking bits that made me contemplate a third star. But there's a whole lot of motivational platitudes and navel-gazing waffle to get through to reach the material of substance - the actually interesting parts about craft and practical process. It didn't leave me with a bad taste in my mouth, but it didn't leave me with much of anything, really.
Writing Down the Bones is OK for bite-sized nuggets of insight. There are some genuinely heartwarming and thought-provoking bits that made me contemplate a third star. But there's a whole lot of motivational platitudes and navel-gazing waffle to get through to reach the material of substance - the actually interesting parts about craft and practical process. It didn't leave me with a bad taste in my mouth, but it didn't leave me with much of anything, really.
laila4343's review
5.0
Definitely the most encouraging book on writing I've ever read. If you're at all hesitant, shy, doubtful, anxious, and you want to write, get this book. It's got a wonderful, open spirit and heart about it, and inspired me many times to just pick up the pen and GO!
sarahareinhard's review
5.0
I was annoyed by the Zen stuff, but when I stepped back from that and took what she was saying just as wisdom, it was pretty good. It gave me some great ideas about how to approach writing and how to keep on plugging along. Reviewed on my blog, here.
wafflefonfabre's review
1.0
Did not Finish. This book too much biography for me. I don't care about the author being religious or her heritage yet she talks so much about it. Its annoying and every advice in here is very basic. Don't read. Anything by Bell and Refuse to be done are better and less biography.