Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir

by Natalie Goldberg

Hardcover, 2008

Tags

Writing, Memoir

Collection

Bookcase 3

Similar in this library

Publication

Free Press (2008), Edition: 1, Hardcover, 336 pages

Genres

Description

Millions of Americans want to write about their lives. With this book as the road map for getting started and following through, writers and readers will gain a deeper understanding of their own minds, learn to connect with their senses in order to find the detail and truth that give their written words power and authenticity, and unfold the natural structure of the stories they carry within. Through timed, associative, and meditative exercises, writing teacher Goldberg guides you to the attentive state of thought in which you discover and open forgotten doors of memory. At once a celebration of the memoir form, an innovative course full of practical teachings, and a meditation on consciousness, love, life, and death, this book welcomes aspiring writers of all levels and encourages them to find their unique voice to tell their stories.--From publisher description.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member snash
The book is so full of encouragement and prompts that its practical helpful hints are rather overwhelmed. Its usefulness depends on what the reader needs. The end of the book does pull out its helpful hints in a list and also presents a long list of published memoirs.
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LibraryThing member debnance
Another book I picked up because the author is beloved. Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones was the first book I read about writing that inspired me. I’ve read all her books since then (including one very disappointing novel) but nothing’s clicked with me like Bones. This book was close; I felt
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 a click here and there. Old Friend is fundamentally an expanded Bones. It has lots of fun exercises for those who are suffering from writer’s block. I’d like to keep it a little longer and try more of the exercises.
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LibraryThing member deldevries
Natalie Goldberg reads on 2 CDs. Another excellent set of writing lessons.
LibraryThing member msimelda
Excellent writing prompts.
LibraryThing member scottjpearson
Natalie Goldberg has become a famous name among modern teachers of writing. In this short audiobook, she focuses on her process of writing memoirs. She talks about the delicate process of writing from memories and bringing out essential details that eventually form a narrative structure. The
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 audiobook, narrated by the author, is incredibly short but power-packed at around 150 minutes.

Goldberg’s main mode is to start writing first and then piece it together later. Along the way, she includes numerous writing prompts to bring out recollections with maximal energy behind them. As a good teacher, she is incredibly encouraging and gracious while still firm in her guidance. For those who aspire to leave a set of memories in print – for humanity or just for family – this short audiobook provides excellent prodding to get started.
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Physical description

336 p.; 8.5 inches

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