The True Secret of Writing

March 15, 2013

Writers looking for mindful, meditative help with their craft will be pleased with this new title from author and teacher Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones). Her latest guide is devoted to synthesizing the essentials of the practice-based retreats that Goldberg created and has led for decades. The book is organized into four parts, which address the basics of her writing creed, essentials from the writing retreats, a mixture of writing prompts and examples, and chapters on teachers who have strongly influenced her. Goldberg's strength--urging everyone to write, free from the critiquing saboteur she calls the "monkey mind"--is on full display here. Her blend of gentle Zen and blunt, "just do it" urgings creates just the right motivation to get one's words on paper. Two appendixes are included, one of which lists required reading from her retreats, and the other volunteer jobs. VERDICT Longtime Goldberg fans, of whom there are many, will certainly want to read this, as will any reader interested in applying Eastern philosophy to the writing life.--Stacey Rae Brownlie, Harrisburg Area Comm. Coll. Lib., Lancaster, PA

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.