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The beloved teacher and author of the million-and-a-half copy bestseller Writing Down the Bones reveals a new method of writing in “a priceless distillation of her accumulated wisdom and experience as a writer, coach, and instructor on mindfulness” (Abraham Verghese).
Sit. Walk. Write. These are the barest bones of Natalie Goldberg’s revolutionary writing and life practice, presented here in book form for the first time. The True Secret of Writing is Goldberg’s Zen boot camp. Stories of her own search for truth and clarity, as well as her students’ breakthroughs and insights, give moving testament to how brilliantly her unique, tough-love method works. As Goldberg says, “To write is to be empowered.…Writing is not just for someone who wants to write the great American novel.” Learning “the true secret” allows you to mine the rich awareness in your mind and to ground and empower yourself in a way that leads to deep, eloquent self-expression. Goldberg’s profound insights and beautiful homages to the work of other great teachers and observers of mind, life, and love provide further secrets and inspiration to which you will return again and again.
In her inimitable way, Goldberg will inspire you to pick up the pen, get writing, and keep going. The True Secret of Writing helps you with your writing—and your life. “A uniquely delivered approach to writing....A pleasantly meditative, intuitive writing guide” (Kirkus Reviews).
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"A uniquely delivered Eastern Zen approach to writing....A pleasantly meditative intuitive writing guide."
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"A fresh practice for writing... rooted in the Zen tradition." -- Shambhala Sun
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"Beautifully written, informative, intriguing, and passionate, The True Secret of Writing is a book to be appreciated, read, and reread by the beginning writer as well as the published professional. Natalie captures the pulse and spirit of the writing life with pristine clarity."
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"Heartfelt, funny, wise, pleading, calm, and ferocious, Natalie just makes you want to write!"
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“Goldberg does everything she can to get across what needs to be conveyed to others. Time and mortality perfume her writing, as well as the sweetest kind of perseverance, not just with teaching but with life itself. As I read, I kept thinking of the old Chan teachers: 'If you didn't get it that way, what about this? Or this? Or this?' That bottomless generosity flows through Goldberg’s instruction even during the times of doubt.”
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“Goldberg’s observations — and guidance on how to conduct a sit, walk, write workshop on your own (with as few as two people) — are inspiring. Readers will be eager to find a café or a quiet room and get down to the business of knowing their writing, and by doing so knowing themselves more deeply.”
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“Many years ago my older brother gave me Writing Down the Bones with the inscription, ‘So write already!’ It was for me and for many readers a novel and fresh way to approach writing. I have delighted in Natalie’s books ever since and in her method, having had the chance to see her at work in Taos. The True Secret of Writing is a rich voyage, a priceless distillation of her accumulated wisdom and experience as a writer, coach, and instructor on mindfulness. This lovely volume will have a permanent place on my writing shelf.”
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“Natalie Goldberg has done the unthinkable, she has shared the secret teaching. The buddhas of time immemorial are rejoicing and the literary bodhisattvas are smiling in silent approval. Read this book, then write a revolutionary manifesto!”
