#Netgalley #BookReview ~ #Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the #Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg #Creativity #Non-Fiction

Review

Writing Down the Bones Deck

60 Cards to Free the Writer Within

by Natalie Goldberg

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg from Netgalley and Shambala Publications, in order to read and give an honest review.

… a continuation of Goldberg’s wonderful process and as always, are insightful, interesting, and engaging….

I remember picking up a copy of Writing Down the Bones about twenty years ago and it was one of the books that helped me fall in love with writing again. Anyone who has worked through any of Natalie Goldberg’s books will know that her approach is unique as it challenges you to think about writing in a unique way and these cards are no different. Through these sixty cards, Goldberg inspires and motivates, offering sage advice and proposing challenges which you set yourself allowing you choose how deep you delve into your writing.

These are great for anyone looking to ignite their creativity, whether you’re looking for inspiration, drafting a novel or keeping a daily journal, these cards are a brilliant addition to your writing/creativity library. Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the Writer Within are a continuation of Goldberg’s wonderful process and as always, are insightful, interesting, and engaging, I would highly recommend.

One of my favourite quotes on #writing…

Sometimes I think we all need some inspiration, something to remind us that no matter how old we are there is always a chance for a new beginning. 🙂

Photograph © Belinda Witzenhausen 2016

“Writing is not like dancing or modeling; it’s not something where — if you missed it by age 19 — you’re finished. It’s never too late. Your writing will only get better as you get older and wiser. If you write something beautiful and important, and the right person somehow discovers it, they will clear room for you on the bookshelves of the world — at any age. At least try.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

Weekly Writing Spark~November 17th,2014|| WriterzBlox.net

“Buying a book is not about obtaining a possession, but about securing a portal.” – Laura Miller

You’re at an estate sale when you are drawn to an old journal and the price is too good to pass up. When you get home you decide to go on the internet and do a little research on the author.  What you discover frightens yet intrigues you at the same time.  The writer of your masterpiece is known to have dabbled in the occult until they went missing over a decade ago.  It is rumoured that by reading the journal you can open a portal to another dimension.

Write about your adventure with this journal.  Are you brave enough to read it? What do you find inside? Does this portal exist and if it does where does it lead?  Is it a dream come true or your worst nightmare?  Get creative, write and have fun! 🙂

Interview with Author Corinne O’Flynn (@CorinneOFlynn)

Tell us a little about yourself. When did your interest in writing begin?

I’ve been drawn to books for as long as I can remember. Like many authors, my love of great stories drew me in early. I grew up in a family of readers where books were always important. I began to take writing more seriously in high school and then college, but didn’t aspire to write novels until I was in my twenties.

Tell us about your YA Fantasy Adventure, THE EXPATRIATES.

I had a blast writing THE EXPATRIATES. It’s the first in a series that follows teenager, Jim Wales, who can communicate telepathically with animals. He discovers his family has been hiding him because they know he’s a scholar—one who can manipulate energy using magic—and someone is hunting all scholars.

What was the inspiration behind this book?

Oh, it’s the ultimate cliché! The kernel for the idea of this series came to me in a dream, almost 14 years ago. It was a little scene in my head where this dark-haired kid is walking through a meadow of golden grass with a tiger and there’s a falcon hovering in the air over him, and he was communicating with the animals with his mind. It is still so vivid, all these years later.

Is there a message you hope to relate through your books?

I didn’t write the book with a message in mind, but after the book was finished there were many themes that emerged. This book is about what makes a family and a home, friendship, trust, and, taking a stand—even when that’s scary.

What is the most important thing for you when writing your novels—the characters or the plot?

I think there needs to be a balance in a book—especially adventure and quest stories—between the weight of the plot and the characters.  When I’m planning out the story, I find the plot takes the lead, but the twists and turns are only meaningful because of the how they impact the characters. So, I think it’s important to give both equal time and attention while writing.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you outline/plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea leads you? Has your process changed from when you first started?

I am a converted plotter. I first wrote THE EXPATRIATES as the pansters do. No outline, nothing but my mind to guide the next thing. Believe me when I say that I made every single mistake you can make. The whole thing was a mess. Rewrites took years, and finally I had to stop, outline it as if it were a new story, and start over. That process was laborious and took another few years to complete, but I can honestly say that it’s made me a much better writer. Now, I plot using a whiteboard with color-coded post-it notes, which allows me to plot but also lets my inner pantser make some changes along the way.  I try not to make it too rigid.

Do you ever get writer’s block?  If you do, how do you get through it?

I find that when I get stuck in my writing, it’s usually because something isn’t working. If that’s writer’s block, then yes, I totally battle with it. I believe the subconscious mind is constantly tinkering and when it needs time to percolate over something, it will put on the brakes. I’ve discovered that I get through it more easily when I don’t stress over the block. I put my writing energy into something else and let the mental knots tease themselves out until the aha! moment arrives. And it usually does, so that’s always good.

What books and/or authors have most influenced your life?

I read most of the usual things as a kid, but I remember discovering Stephen King when I was a tween. I was sick, home from school, tucked into my parent’s bed in our apartment in the Bronx, reading SALEM’S LOT. I was totally freaked out, and completely hooked. Then came THE MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I love everything about this book and its ties to the women of the Arthurian tales. After that, it was anything supernatural, magical, or creepy. Dean Koontz, Neil Gaiman, Diana Gabaldon, Anne Rice, Harry Potter, LOTR, and His Dark Materials. I also adore PILLARS OF THE EARTH and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

If you could go to lunch with one of your characters who would it be and why?

I’d have to pick Hollis. He’s a minor character in THE EXPATRIATES who’s intrigued me from the moment he appeared. I’m looking forward to seeing some more of him in book two!

Can you tell us what is coming up for you and where can we find you online?

I’m busy with book two at the moment, finishing up all the plotting and starting to get the words in order. I’ve been working on some short stories, some related to this series and some not, that I hope to release as well. I blog at http://www.corinneoflynn.com. I am also on facebook.com/oflynnbooks and Twitter @CorinneOFlynn

Next week, Nov 17-23, Corinne will be taking her book across the web on a blog tour with giveaways via Xpresso blog tours. Bloggers can sign up here: http://xpressobooktours.com/2014/10/09/blitz-sign-up-the-expatriates-by-corinne-oflynn/  Readers should visit her website for links to participating blogs.

What readers are saying:

“Told in a beautiful, flowing style full of colorful images and adrenaline-pumping action.”

 “Pop some popcorn, sit back … and enjoy the thrill ride, right up to the end, which leaves you begging for more.”

 “Captures your attention from the start and then guides you through a roller coaster of adventure, drama, mystery, magic and young love.”

About Corinne

Corinne O’Flynn is a native New Yorker who now lives in Colorado and wouldn’t trade life in the Rockies for anything. She loves writing flash and experimenting with short fiction. Her novel, THE EXPATRIATES (Oct. 2014) is a YA fantasy adventure with magic and creatures and lots of creepy stuff. She is a scone aficionado, has an entire section of her kitchen devoted to tea, and is always on the lookout for the elusive Peanut Chews candy. When she isn’t writing or hanging with her family, Corinne works as the executive director of a nonprofit. She is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The Expatriates is available on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble. She blogs about her adventures at www.corinneoflynn.com.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Expatriates-Book-One-Song-Sending-ebook/dp/B00OLDLOBQ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/expatriates-book-one-song/id931169374?mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-expatriates-book-one-corinne-oflynn/1120628321?ean=2940150751088

Weekly Writing Spark~October 27th, 2014|| WriterzBlox.net

“It’s said that All Hallows’ Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin – and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own. Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumn-crisp and bright.” ~Erin Morgenstern

With Halloween around the corner, many of us partake in reading ghost and horror stories.  Imagine you close the book only to find its creepy creatures, ghouls and goblins have come to life.  Write about your ghoulish adventures.

Get creative, write and have fun!

 

Weekly Writing Spark~October 20th,2014|| WriterzBlox.net

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
~C. S. Lewis

Do you dream about pursuing your creative goals only to push them to the wayside because you feel it’s too late? Every now and then, does that nagging question “what if?” rear it’s ugly head? Now really think about it, what is stopping you? Do you feel you lack skill? Lack time? Lack resources?

Let’s pretend you’re writing a letter of encouragement to a dear friend who wants to become a “insert your dream here” (writer, artist, musician,sculptor etc.). What would you say to encourage them?  What would you tell them if they kept making excuses? Brainstorm and help give them ideas of  how to accomplish their goals.

Would you take your advice? Reflect and write! 🙂

Weekly Writing Spark~October 6th,2014| WriterzBlox.net

“What would an ocean be without a monster lurking in the dark? It would be like sleep without dreams.” ~Werner Herzog

Write a story about what danger inhabits the darkest, hidden recesses on earth.  Where does this “danger” call home? What makes it so dangerous? What form does it take?  Is it easily enticed to the light or does it silently stalk its prey?

Get creative, write and most of all…have fun! 🙂

 

Weekly Writing Spark~September 29th,2014|| WriterzBlox.net

“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.” ~ Cassandra Clare

Write about what happens when someone is so influenced by a fictional book that their life is turned inside out. Describe what book they read. How did they change internally? What changes did their friends and family witness?

Get creative, write and have fun! 🙂

Weekly Writing Spark~September 22nd,2014|| WriterzBlox.net

“Bullying builds character like nuclear waste creates superheroes. It’s a rare occurrence and often does much more damage than endowment.” ~ Zack W. Van

What if being bullied could actually  give the victim a superpower? What would the victim’s superpower be?  Would they use their power for good or evil?  Would they use this power to become a vigilante against bullies?

Get creative, write and have fun! 🙂

 

Weekly Writing Spark~September 15th,2014|| WriterzBlox.net

“You don’t really understand an antagonist until you understand why he’s a protagonist in his own version of the world” ~John Rogers

Think about the last book you read, focus on the antagonist for a moment. What would happen if the antagonist became real and somehow integrated into a part of your life? How would you relate to this person? In the book, did the author write the character in a way that helped you empathize with them at all? In your story would this character evolve in a good or bad way?

Get creative, write and have fun! 🙂