Thursday 16 December 2010

Red Writing Hood - Tradition


When I was younger - probably twenty years ago, my mother gave me a book which over the years I have replaced several times. I loved it so much that I would often gift it to a friend if I felt she too might love this book. Then I would buy myself another because I couldn't stand to be without a copy. 

This book changed my inner life. I began thinking in terms of writing. Back then I wrote in journals. It was memoir-type writing but there was something so private and serene about it that really hooked me. Like the author, I often found myself in coffee shops and diners, writing in my notebooks.

I wrote about nothing. Just whatever came out. It was therapeutic, documentative, self-preserving and especially to that young me, very romantic. I haven't picked up the book in a few years but I know exactly where it is downstairs. I love the simplicity of the exercises and the way the author weaves in her personal story of writing.

I've treasured this gift my mother gave me. I've never told her how much. I hope to pass it onto one or both of my kids. Maybe it will give them permission to sit in a cafe and write one day.

I saw this interview with the author of that book, Writing Down the Bones, and wanted to post it for my entry in the Red Writing Hood promt Tradition.

15 comments:

  1. I can't wait to get my own copy now!

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  2. I love it when a book has a profound impact on my life.

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  3. That's pretty fabulous that you got so much out of that gift! You should totally tell your mom, I'd bet she'd love to know.

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  4. yay! this book has been on my christmas list! I have borrowed it from time to time from friends, but i want my own copy! Love that you plugged it here! a definite MUST HAVE for any writer!

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  5. Sounds like a very interesting book! I will have to look into it. Thanks for passing it along.

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  6. I will be checking it out. I think it is amazing how books can change our lives.

    Stopping by from the red dress club.

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  7. I LOVE the idea of giving away books you love ... and promptly replacing it. You've intrigued me about this book. I may have to give it a looksie.

    (I'm here from Red Writing Hood)

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  8. It's funny how romantic it feels to sit in a cafe and write when you are younger, or maybe it's the difference now for me of writing long hand vs writing on my laptop. I remember reading a friends copy of this book, this post reminded me that it is time to get my own.

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  9. I haven't read this one. My absolute must-read for writers is Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird. But now I will check this one out!

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  10. Thank you so much for sharing this video. I so love Natalie Goldberg.

    Have you read her newer book, "Old Friend From Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir"? It is every bit as wonderful.

    I give so many books as gifts and love to receive them!
    Happy Holidays!

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  11. How wonderful you have not only found this book a profound inspiration, but also that it was gifted to you by your mother!

    If I don't get the chance to say it next week, I hope you and yours enjoy a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by love.

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  12. I love how your writing life has been so enriched by this book. I must go check it out! I need to write in a journal again. Like you, it is such a liberating experience for me personally and creatively.

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  13. Capturing our thoughts in written or some created form is SO important. ;)

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  14. I think every writer has a book that gave them inspiration to write and dream of being an author. :-)

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  15. thanks for stopping by 'flowers' for your further enjoyment http://gingersflowers.blogspot.com/2009/03/first-day-sixtyith-year.html

    I am glad you keep a journal. I go back through and read pages of mine from time to time. good fodder for blogging also.

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