I really enjoyed this, Marg--as well as your piece on learning to be okay with an overloaded brain. I understand the self-doubts about being a "real writer." I have them all the time and had them even when I had an actual job as a reporter. If you write and find some joy in it and reason to keep doing it, you're a writer.
I discovered Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones long ago and for many years would turn to that book when I felt blocked in my personal writing. I occasionally come across writing I did long ago in response to one of her prompts and can't believe I wrote it! (Sometimes I like it; sometimes I don't recognize myself!)
Thanks for the recommendation of The Power of Writing It Down. I just ordered a copy on Libby. It's always fun to unlock the recesses of your writing mind using a new key.
Would you believe I don't actually own a copy of Writing Down the Bones? When it was first published I was very short of money so I just kept borrowing the library copy for about a year. I should buy myself one, or maybe put it on my birthday list for next year.
The Allison Fallon book is less deep, but I love the idea of writing for yourself as well as for others.
Isn't it funny how we struggle to see ourselves as 'real' writers, even though we write all the time. I met up with some old work colleagues yesterday and one of them said 'have you written a book yet' and it made me feel bad. I replied no, but I've read a lot since I retired. In truth, I've always read a lot, but now I have more time.
Yes, you should probably buy a copy. I wonder if you could find it used over there. I think it's been republished many times. I might have gotten it many years ago and then lost it because my copy is from 2005, and I'm sure I had it before that. She wrote another book that I know I bought, but I can't find --Old Friend From Far Away.
I've been asked about whether I've written a book too--and I haven't. The whole idea scares me. But writing a blog is good practice. Perhaps a book might result. Or perhaps not. I've tried to view it as an exercise in keeping going no matter the negativity and self-doubt that invades my head and bids me "Stop! You're a fraud!" It's what Goldberg, a Buddhist, calls "the monkey mind," the inner critic, and we have to learn to ignore it. I'm trying.
Natalie Goldberg is darn good. Two others that have provoked much writing from within are Writing from the Heart by Leslea Newman and Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan. I love reading about your younger self! Thank you Marg!
Was amazing seeing you today and so looking forward to add new books to my ever growing tbr list !! Love love also learning about others paths and your story is transcribing like the most intriguing memoir .. ps the beginning of a beautiful friendship books / food /family !
I really enjoyed this, Marg--as well as your piece on learning to be okay with an overloaded brain. I understand the self-doubts about being a "real writer." I have them all the time and had them even when I had an actual job as a reporter. If you write and find some joy in it and reason to keep doing it, you're a writer.
I discovered Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones long ago and for many years would turn to that book when I felt blocked in my personal writing. I occasionally come across writing I did long ago in response to one of her prompts and can't believe I wrote it! (Sometimes I like it; sometimes I don't recognize myself!)
Thanks for the recommendation of The Power of Writing It Down. I just ordered a copy on Libby. It's always fun to unlock the recesses of your writing mind using a new key.
Would you believe I don't actually own a copy of Writing Down the Bones? When it was first published I was very short of money so I just kept borrowing the library copy for about a year. I should buy myself one, or maybe put it on my birthday list for next year.
The Allison Fallon book is less deep, but I love the idea of writing for yourself as well as for others.
Isn't it funny how we struggle to see ourselves as 'real' writers, even though we write all the time. I met up with some old work colleagues yesterday and one of them said 'have you written a book yet' and it made me feel bad. I replied no, but I've read a lot since I retired. In truth, I've always read a lot, but now I have more time.
Yes, you should probably buy a copy. I wonder if you could find it used over there. I think it's been republished many times. I might have gotten it many years ago and then lost it because my copy is from 2005, and I'm sure I had it before that. She wrote another book that I know I bought, but I can't find --Old Friend From Far Away.
I've been asked about whether I've written a book too--and I haven't. The whole idea scares me. But writing a blog is good practice. Perhaps a book might result. Or perhaps not. I've tried to view it as an exercise in keeping going no matter the negativity and self-doubt that invades my head and bids me "Stop! You're a fraud!" It's what Goldberg, a Buddhist, calls "the monkey mind," the inner critic, and we have to learn to ignore it. I'm trying.
Good idea, I'll look in the secondhand shop.
ps you aren't a fraud!
Aww, thanks!🥰
Marg, don't worry about if you are a writer. I looked forward to every piece of your journey for a reading life. It was so personal and interesting!
You are so lovely.
Natalie Goldberg is darn good. Two others that have provoked much writing from within are Writing from the Heart by Leslea Newman and Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan. I love reading about your younger self! Thank you Marg!
Hi Sally and thanks for those recommendations. You have just given me a great idea for my birthday next year. (Hint - it involves books).
Was amazing seeing you today and so looking forward to add new books to my ever growing tbr list !! Love love also learning about others paths and your story is transcribing like the most intriguing memoir .. ps the beginning of a beautiful friendship books / food /family !
Thank you so much. I always thought you were a beautiful soul so I’m glad we reconnected. Book lovers are special people! Xx
I definitely agree that writing is a form of therapy and I am putting the Fallon book on my TBR list. Thanks for the suggestion!
My pleasure. Thanks for reading (and writing)!
Pomegranate makes everything taste better. IMO 😁
I will be looking forward to it!