Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life

This may be the only book about which I can say: it changed my life. This book really put me on the path to writing. And, in a roundabout way, it played a role in convincing me to move to New Mexico. I've been a professional ghostwriter for over ten years and the principles of creativity espoused in Wild Mind are part of the foundation that has sustained me. Highly, highly recommended. That said, the book isn't ideal for all writers. It's best for writers who are starting out, who are stuck or who are otherwise afflicted with being a little "too tight." If you're "too loose," then IMHO this isn't for you. It's worth pointing out, I think, that NG's fiction writing is not nearly as good as her non-fiction work. This may be because NG's expertise and pleasure is primarily in creativity, in getting the energy from the jugular onto the page. She's a demon for details, for discipline and for process, but she's not an expert in storytelling. Storytelling is primarily about structure and creating structure requires a different set of creative tools and attitudes. So if you're looking to write a story in some form or other, this book will get you part of the way there. For guidance on the rest of the trip, I recommend Blake Snyder's three "Save the Cat" books. They're about movies and not novels, but they are more informative than any of the "how to write a novel" books with respect to structure. Overall, however, it's difficult to quantify the value you can get as a writer from reading NG. Her work is brave and her personal example is inspiring. She makes you think that anyone can be a writer and that maybe everyone should.

This woman has done it again. I love her writing style, her suggestions, her wild mind. I can relate. Characters aren’t people we’ve conjured up. They’re people we meet from the other side, friends for a time, until we let them go. This book helped me play with writing more, not take it or myself too seriously.

I love reading books on writing and came across this Kindle one. I purchased and read it in a week. I think it's a good book, well worth reading. It has many good writing exercises throughout. I grew tired of a few of the stories by the end (the drug taking, the rant about not needing a degree, etc.). The bit about getting a degree being a waste seemed ridiculous to me, especially since early on she made a point via Hemingway in say that "...if a writer knows something, even if he doesn't write it, it is present in his work." So that seems to contradict her rant about not needing and never using her degrees. Overall this is a good book and worth reading.

Natalie Goldberg’s Wild Mind: Living the Writer’s Life arrived before anticipated. Exactly what I wanted!

This like all...all...Goldberg books has gotten me writing more. Plan to read w pencil at hand or don't start the book; you will be wasting your time and energy. It's for serious curious writers who want to move forward with their thinking and work . That's 1 third into the book.

Loved this as a follow up to Writing Down the Bones. A little repetitive if you’ve read her other books, but still a gold mine of inspiration and definitely worth the read.

Goldberg captures the emotions of writing and writing on fire. Inspires the reader to write your reality and your own stories.

Good.

Excellent!

Natalie Goldberg is one of the best writing discoveries ever. I'm amazed by all of her books. And really recommend if you look for a friendly way to get into writing and being inspired by the techniques she suggests on her books. I'm grateful to have the chance to read them!

Although the book was published almost thirty years ago (1990), it is as current and fresh for 21st century readers/writers as ever. Read it from front to back or choose a chapter in the middle if it grabs your attention at the time. Because the chapters are only a page or two in length, I have been reading the book slowly, carefully, almost meditatively. My own writing project, which had been stalled, flows again, thanks to Natalie Goldberg's Wild Mind.

I have mixed feelings about the book; there were some extremely useful insights while other times i had a hard time to figure out what Natalie is wanting to convey. I liked those chapters where she focussed on the difficulties which even successful writers face and also loved her advise of writing freely from our own experiences. Most other books on writing focus on the craft, this book focussed on the mind of the person who crafts. I belive that was the USP Of this book and it has done justice to that promise

I love Natalie Goldberg, she's so inspiring! Always has lots of ideas for writers (or would-be writers). But this particular publication has awful typeface so it's very unpleasant to read - small, dark font, yuck! Would like another copy of this book which is clearer to read.