I have Elizabeth Wickham to thank for this post.
Not that long ago, she mentioned her love of the book, “Writing Down the Bones – Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg. I’m ashamed to say I’ve had a copy for years – only thumbing through it. Tsk, tsk. When I realized a 30th Anniversary edition was published – and I still hadn’t read – I figured I’d better get to it, even though I’m extra busy right now with writing and upcoming presentations (one of which is a free public event in the Chicago area – at the Wauconda Public Library next month).
I realized this week that my circuitous editing trips through content I’ve created is often more time consuming than I want to admit. Time consuming but I love it. When I head to my desk, hours can fly by like minutes. I smile when that happens, reminders of the importance of ‘flow’ and ‘deep focus’ in the creative process and my gratitude for it. It’s like propulsion.
And then I remember. As much as I complain, I often enjoy the tinkering. I’m learning to embrace it, anyhow. Every time I present, I revise in order to bring relevant news forward in my remarks. The same is true with the revisions to my “Project” with a capital “P”. Especially now that I’ve received good news. If I can keep my editing rear in gear, my debut novel will become a reality in early 2026. The only barrier? Me, myself…and moi. The lesson I continue to learn, ignoring the siren call of distractions – including grout, waiting to be scrubbed.
As I labor along, I’m pausing every day to savor a page or two from “Writing Down the Bones”. Goldberg’s witticisms feel like they were written expressly for me.
If you’ve read “Bones”, you might recall two snippets I want to share. If you haven’t read, I hope these will put a grin on your face, too. The glimmer we get when wisdom rings true.
Hot Tip #1: Soulful insight:
“Many people who want to write are unconsciously seeking peace, a coming together, an acknowledging of our happiness or an examination of what is broken, hoping to embrace and bring our suffering to wholeness.”
-Introduction to the 30th Anniversary edition, May 2015, xix
For writers in the memoir genre, this feels spot-on. It speaks to my motivation to write about life with my mom, Sue. Seeking wholeness in the spirit of intergenerational healing. Yup.
Hot Tip #2: A rallying cry to edit, edit, edit:
“Don’t identify too strongly with your work. Stay fluid behind those black-and-white words. They are not you. They were a great moment going through you. A moment you were awake enough to write down and capture.”
-p. 35
Goldberg’s admonishment to shed the ego needs – write to write – is powerful. It’s particularly applicable to the editing process…’darlings’ I might need to sideline no matter how much I enjoyed them, whether they’re part of my big Project or a PowerPoint. I can – and should – slice and dice. There’s no harm. I’m just playing with words that rolled through me. Moments I captured but I can ‘catch and release’, too. Liberating, I tell you. Liberating.
Whatever you’re working on, I’m sending encouragement and positive vibes. Keep going!
-Vicki 😊
Registration for this free event is now open! Navigating Elder Care with Humor and Grace | Wauconda Area Public Library
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
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Victoria Ponders 
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