My copy of Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is well-worn, with notes in the margins and sticky notes sticking out the sides. Here's one of my favorite passages, which is marked with both:
First thoughts have tremendous energy. It is the way the mind first flashes on something. The internal censor usually squelches them, so we live in the realm of second and third thoughts, thoughts on thought, twice and three times removed from the direct connection of the first fresh flash. For instance, the phrase "I cut the daisy from my throat" shot through my mind. Now my second thought, carefully tutored in 1 + 1 = 2 logic, in politeness, fear, and embarrassment at the natural, would say, "That's ridiculous. You sound suicidal. Don't show yourself cutting your throat. Someone will think you are crazy." And instead, if we give the censor its way, we write, "My throat was a little sore, so I didn't say anything."
By the way, you people are lazy. I know you have books on writing, probably sitting within arm's reach, or at least just a short walk down the hall. And yet, no one has contributed a single quote on writing even though I asked very nicely. So this is my attempt to get the ball rolling. But I might not post again unless someone sends me a quote. I'm serious, here, people. Don't you hear the serious tone in my voice?
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