Writing Down the Bones Book Club, Chapter One Session

Welcome to Writing Down the Bones — not just a book, but a quiet revolution in how we approach writing, creativity, and ourselves.
Natalie Goldberg wrote this book as a kind of permission slip. She reminds us that writing isn’t about waiting for brilliance — it’s about showing up, pen in hand, and trusting what comes through. She blends Zen practice with the craft of writing, urging us to let the words move like breath: steady, unfiltered, alive.
In this book, there are no rules, only invitations. Goldberg teaches that writing is a form of meditation, an act of being present. The goal isn’t a perfect sentence; it’s honesty on the page. Each chapter offers short reflections that help us loosen our grip on perfectionism and reconnect with the pure joy of expression — even when what spills out is messy, strange, or raw.
As we read together, think of this club as your practice space — a dojo for the creative spirit. We’ll experiment with Goldberg’s prompts, challenge our inner critics, and learn to trust our wild, unedited voices.
Let’s write like it matters, because it does — not for publication or applause, but for the simple truth that putting words on paper changes us.
So take a breath. Pick up your pen. Let’s get to the bones of it.

### Chapter/Theme 1: First Thoughts (Chapter “First Thoughts”)

Summary: Goldberg emphasises using your hand, writing the first thing that comes up, before the internal critic kicks in. Google Books+2Shannon Turlington+2
Exercise:

• Set a 10-minute timer. Write non-stop what comes into your mind — no editing, no crossing out, hand moving.
• After the 10 minutes, pick one sentence or phrase that surprised you. Write a paragraph expanding it: what does it hint at?
• In the meeting, each person shares the surprising sentence and how it felt.