Old Friend From Far Away, Minneapolis, Minnesota, February 2008, photo © 2008 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
I bought Natalie Goldberg’s new book, Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir, on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Actually, Liz bought it for me, the creative version of romance – a writer’s gift. We visited Common Good Books, an Independent bookstore in Saint Paul, between touring the Minnesota State Capitol (by day), and attending a Victorian Poetry Slam at the James J. Hill House on Summit Avenue (by night).
It was the first time I had been to Common Good Books, owned by one of Minnesota’s native sons (and the host of A Prairie Home Companion), Garrison Keillor. I went at the urging of a friend. I slid Natalie’s book off the shelf in excited anticipation. It was the last one they had in stock.
The book feels good in the hands. The paper is soft and textured, the front cover is inviting, and I can’t wait to dive in. I took some time off this weekend. Rested. Today begins a new week. Sometimes I need a little inspiration. I pick up a book.
Natalie talked about writing Old Friend from Far Away in the Writing Intensive in Taos last year. Sometimes she would show us the manuscript with the cross-outs and revisions. Other times she would read partially completed chapters to us. Twice, I saw her write new lines into a paragraph while she was sitting there. She said she was inspired by her students; the book is dedicated to them.
Studying with an author while they are actually writing a book is a rare gift. I learned so much from her sharing the process (both successes and mistakes). The next best thing is hearing the writer read her work. If you want to see Natalie read from her new book, maybe you can catch her on tour from February through April of this year.
If you are looking to learn more about Writing Practice and memories, pick up a copy for yourself. Spending the money to buy a writer’s book shows your support for the writer. You might also want to consider doing your shopping in an Independent bookstore near you. Yeah, it takes more effort than ordering online. And is sometimes more expensive. But it’s worth it.
Here are a couple of reasons why:
ONE:
When I hit sunlight on the sidewalk, I felt that I had just been in another world, a place full and close to me. After that day, Centicore was mine. I lived in it.
Since then I have sought out bookstores in every town and city I pass through, the way someone else might search for old battle sites, gourmet food or sports bars. I consider the people working in bookstores my friends. If I’m lost, need a good restaurant or a cheap place to stay, I go to a bookstore, confident someone there will direct me.
If a town has no bookstore, I feel sad for the place. It doesn’t have that concentrated wealth of minds that includes twelfth-century Japan, a painter in Tahiti, traditional North American Indian pottery, memories of war, a touch of Paris and the Mississippi, a lament on love’s transiency and instruction on how to cook a good chicken stew. You can live in a small hamlet on the Nebraska plains and if there’s a bookstore, it’s like the great sun caught in one raisin or in the juicy flesh of a single peach.
A bookstore captures worlds — above, behind, below, under, forward, back. From that one spot the townspeople can radiate out beyond physical limit. A hammer and nails in the hardware store down the block, though fine and useful tools, can’t quite do the same job. Even an ice cream parlor — a definite advantage — does not alleviate the sorrow I feel for a town lacking a bookstore.
-Natalie Goldberg, from Thunder and Lightning; Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft, chapter excerpt, Smack! Into the Moment
TWO:
What Happened To Orr Books? Bookstores across the country are closing every month. Buy Independent!
I know it’s not always possible to shop at an Independent bookstore. I confess, I buy my share of books online. Particularly if I am rushed for time, or am looking for obscure or out-of-print books. Many times, smaller bookstores don’t have the room to keep older books in stock.
And I found when I worked at a large bookstore chain, they, too, would often have to order older books online. In that case, I cut out the middle man and buy direct. But when I do shop online, I try to visit sites like Alibris: New, Used, Rare and Out-of-Print Books. Alibris supports Independent bookstores by uniting book sellers from all over the globe, and giving you the online alternative of patronizing an Independent.
However you shop, I hope you’ll get out to support Natalie on tour and purchase her new book, Old Friend from Far Away. And please come back and share any insights you’ve gained from reading about the practice of writing memoir. We’d love to hear them.
THREE:
Make that three good reasons!
Common Good Books, Saint Paul, Minnesota, February 2008, photo © 2008 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
Common Good Books
165 Western Avenue North
(downstairs in the Blair Building, beside Nina’s Coffee Cafe on Selby)
St Paul, Minnesota 55102
Store Hours:
Monday through Saturday – 10am to 10pm
Sunday – 10am to 8pm
Contact:
Phone: 651-225-8989
CommonGoodBooks.com
-posted on red Ravine, Monday, February 18th, 2008
-related to post, Natalie Goldberg — 2000 Years Of Watching The Mind, Beginner’s Mind, More About The Monkey
I too am a student of Natalie’s and just saw her in Portland (Oregon) Friday evening at Powell’s books. It was such an inspiration to see her and hear her read from her new book.
I have started reading Old Friend From Far Away and am finding all kinds of treasures…what a gift to have been a part of her process. I studied with her last August and she mentioned the book several times but we didn’t have the pleasure of hearing her read.
Thanks so much for the gift of this website–there is so much openness here. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon it.
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QM, how exciting that you got the book. Valentine’s Day seems like the perfect time to receive the gift of a great book, and especially one about which you’ve had so much context.
I’ll definitely buy mine at an independent bookstore. I’ve been more acutely aware of how we need to support them since you did the Orr Bookstore post. I’ve seen too many close their doors. And, if I look at all the books I’ve purchased for my daughters and myself, and purchased at places like Borders, I feel pretty bad that I’ve tended to opt for convenience. Price isn’t even the issue.
But back to Natalie’s book — really looking forward to hearing her voice. It’s so quieting, slows me down immediately.
And, Julia, glad you found red Ravine. It’s always so cool to hear from folks who’ve studied with Natalie and understand how one person could have had as much of an impact on me and QM as she has — enough, in fact, to start this blog.
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Julia, how delightful to hear so quickly from someone who has already seen Natalie read from her new book! Lately, I have been missing her. And buying the book made me hungry to learn more about practice, to read her words again. And especially about structure – how to structure my writing projects.
One step at a time. One breath at a time. I did “Recall” in my online writing group today and was so happy that they were there. A couple of them are in various stages of writing, completing, forming, pitching books. They inspire me (as does everyone in the group that just keeps writing practice going every week).
What I was thinking today is that I am hoping slowly reading Natalie’s new book will become a new structure for me to dive into my project even deeper. I am skirting around the edges of things. And I can feel that. I want to really put my ass on the line again with my writing – to remember how that feels.
Thanks so much for your kind comment Julia, and for visiting red Raivne. I hope you come back as you make your way through the book. Or if you have more insights into hearing Natalie read. Or even, just to visit! All are welcome here. 8)
BTW, I love Portland. It’s one of my favorite places, along with the coast there. And it’s been so long since I’ve visited that part of the country. I’ll be travelling East quite a few more times as I write my memoir (and my family is there, a bonus!). I’ll have to make a special point to get that far West again. Say Hi to the Pacific!
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Hey ybonesy, she’s going to be reading in New Mexico mostly in March and April. Hmmm. The wheels are turning. Let’s talk offline. 8)
Yeah, I’m trying to get out and support the Independents more. I got a letter last week that one of the partners is leaving Amazon Women’s Bookstore, one of the oldest feminist bookstores in the country. It seemed like they might close, but they say they are simply in transition and trying to find a new buyer. I’m watching closely.
That’s another Independent bookstore I am a big fan of. I’ve seen a lot of women writers read there, too. It’s easy to forget that these types of bookstores are part of the reason writers have been published or even been able to survive over the years. I like to put a plug in for them whenever I can. Like Lawrence Ferlinghetti at City Lights (see Coloring Mandalas (LINK) post).
Everything’s connected. Hey, let me know when you get the book. Maybe we can plan some joint posts. 8)
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I only just discovered Natalie’s work a couple months ago and love, and when I say love I mean LOVE, Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind. While my gorgeous copy of Old Friend sits on my nightstand and tries to woo me every night to open it, I’m resisting until ordered copies of Natalie’s other books arrive so I can read them first. Books ordered from yes, a local independent bookstore…well worth the wait.
I’m registered to attend a week long writer’s workshop of Natalie’s in Taos this summer and am beyond excited. In the meantime I’m into my first month of writing practice with a pile of new lined notebooks waiting to be filled.
Oh, and I’m from Portland originally Julia and have spent many hours sitting in a corner of the store on the floor with a stack of books in front of me. Great place that I visit nearly every time I get back in town. And the photo of Common Good Books looks so enticing!
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My little ones (I have two girls, five and two) are asleep and I have settled into my big overstuffed red chair with Natalie’s new book beside me. I keep picking it up, read a few pages slowly and put it down again. I want to savor each page, sink into it, allow it to fill me with its wisdom.
There are so many amazing prompts in this book, prompts that can really take you deep, allow you to cut through and come out on the other side. I’m loving this book. It came at a perfect time for me–monkey mind has gotten the best of me these last few months.
How’s this for a prompt that can take you deep: What are you not willing to reveal? (pg.113, Old Friend From Far Away)
Anitajean, I am so glad you have discovered Natalie and will be attending one of her workshops. I attended my first a few summers ago and plan to go again in August (this will be my third). I can honestly say that they have been life-changing for me–they have been so clarifying, energizing, inspiring and affirming. Her influence continues to be huge. I am so very grateful.
QuoinMonkey, I will say hello to the Pacific for you. I actually live in Corvallis (about an hour and a half south of Portland) and only an hour from the coast. My family is also East (Vermont).
Okay, time to get back to that book.
Sweetest of dreams to all of you.
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Ok… QM…I sincerely hoped someone else would ask…before I could conjure up a vision..Just exactly what is a Victorian Poetry Slam…? And if you tell me it has anything to do with people with frilly collars…in a moshing pit…shouting Lord Byron while jumping into each other…you may hear my cackle all the way to Minnesota.
PS, Lovely, thoughtful gift Liz
😉
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QM,
I love the idea of buying Natalie’s book from Garrison Keillor’s bookstore. Brilliant!
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QM,
Great shot of Garrison’s store! I’m especially crazy about the quote on the green wall that can barely be seen: “Make haste slowly. There is luck in leisure.”
I bought my copy at another independent, Birch Bark Books. The clerk knew all about Natalie (“Oh yes, Natalie! We’re big fans!”), and also had information on every book in the store I asked her about. If I want to live in a town with independents, I need to put my money where my mouth is.
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anitajean, welcome to red Ravine. How great you are signed up for one of Natalie’s workshops this summer. You’ll have to come back and let us know how it goes for you. I was on Cloud 9 at my first one. It started to break open all my ill-conceived notions of what it meant to be a writer. And as Julia mentions, I can safely say it changed me in so many ways to study with Natalie. And not just around the writing. She addresses the whole person in her workshops. More waves to the Pacific Ocean!
Elizabeth, so great to hear from you. I was thrilled to support Common Good Books. It is jam packed with good books. I didn’t have much time when I was there last week and hope to go back and browse more soon. Hey, are you going to see Natalie read when she comes to your neck of the woods?
And for anyone who hasn’t heard of it, you can sign up to receive Garrison’s The Writer’s Almanac by email (the link is on our sidebar under LYNX). (You can read it in your email or go hear him read it in an audio file provided in the email.) Great tidbits and inspiration about writing, right into your email box.
Teri, I can’t wait to go to Birch Bark. That’s another one I haven’t visited yet. I HAVE to make it there soon. Especially after seeing Louise Erdrich the other night at the Minneapolis Central Library (a post I still hope to do).
I didn’t even notice that I had captured that quote on the wall in the photograph. I did take a few more photos of Common Good inside the store. One of a an old photograph of Fitzgerald and a quote by him. Maybe I’ll eventually post them. You do mention one thing about Independents – they usually know their authors and almost every book in the store. When can we go to Birch Bark? 8)
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heather (at anuvue), as usual, you make me chuckle. The Victorian Poetry Slam had everything to do with people with frilly collars, thin-waisted dresses, and 3 piece suits – minus the mosh pit. 8)
But they *were* shouting and laughing and jumping and talking very, very rapidly when it got to the Edward Lear limericks at the end:
There was an Old Man of Kildare,
Who climbed into a very old chair;
When he said,– “Here I stays,–
till the end of my days,”
That immovable Man of Kildare.
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Common Good is a nice looking place, at least from what the photo shows.
I like the topic that Julia threw out there from the book, about what you’re not willing to reveal. Lots of energy there, that’s for sure.
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anitajean,
If Natalie is true to form, you will be given a reading list to complete before you go to Taos. I would be thrilled if you posted that list on redRavine for the read of us to partake of.
Natalie introduced me to so many great writers…I don’t want to miss out!
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I am definitely going to buy Natalie’s new book, and I’m going to see if the local book store will order it for me. (Not that we have any of the big-box book stores in this little burg. I usually order online, but I agree, that we should support independant book sellers!)
QM, does the idea of being a photo-journalist ever tempt you?
I think it would be the perfect profession for you!
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Teri, great idea about the books that Natalie assigns for the summer workshop. anitajean, I hope you revisit this post and drop the book titles into our Comments here. I’m curious now.
oliverowl, I have to say, I have entertained the idea of photojournalism a few times over my life. I am always so moved by photojournalists who risk their lives to tell a story that might otherwise be buried or never come out. I have a lot of admiration for them. I don’t know if I’m cut out for that kind of world travel and shaking up of my homebase though.
I would consider doing some stories closer to home. And I love working with my photographs and the written word. I would like to submit some magazine articles this year. It’s one of my goals to also include my images with some of those stories. Another of the projects I am trying to structure and work on this year.
Thank you for your kind words. It’s been inspiring to have a venue like red Ravine, a place to get my photographs out there. I am more inspired than ever to keep taking photographs, along with my writing. They are both important to me!
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You are a photojournalist of sorts already, QM, through your work on red Ravine 8) .
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oliverowl, I forgot to mention, I’m glad you’re going to get Natalie’s book and buy Independent. Hey, what are the small, local bookstores there like? Are they good places to browse, hang out, and talk books? I’m glad you have an Independent bookstore there!
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ybonesy, thanks! The meaty pieces with both photos and writing are some of the posts I enjoy creating the most. Though some writers don’t like it, I really enjoy research and history. But the longer posts are really time-consuming, so I don’t have a chance to post as many as I would like. Hopefully, there are more coming in the near future!
I’m working on gaining more balance around all the different writing projects I’ve got going on. Why is it so hard to structure the time to keep everything going? I feel so full of energy for writing, art, photography. I wish I could do it full-time. I wonder if every artist and writer feels that way?
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QM; I ordered Natalie’s book today; over the phone, during my break, as I wanted it Now! She said it will be here a week from Friday. We only have two stores that sell books, and one of them doesn’t have a big selection, mainly ones that are by Western authors or about the “West.” Neither one is really conducive to “hanging out.” I like book stores that have hidden-away corners where you can spend time and not feel like you are being watched or worse, hovered over.
You mentioned listening to Anne Lamott, reading from Word by Word. I owned her book, “Bird by Bird,” but don’t see it now. Was the passsage from that book? I really like Anne’s writing, and believe she’s a good teacher, as well.
It would be nice to see TN, as well as KY, as people on my Mother’s side, (Callaway) moved from VA to KY, with Daniel Boone.
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oliverowl, you bring up another good point about ordering through Independents – many times we have to be willing to wait a bit longer. But I guess waiting is not the worst thing! What’s that old adage about patience being a virtue? We live in an instant gratification society now. Everything happens so quickly. I have to work with myself to wait!
Bird By Bird is a great book. Lamott is one of my favorite writers. The tapes I am listening to, Word By Word, were loaned to me by a friend and I think the title is based on that book. Yeah, I think I mentioned some things from Word by Word in the comments on the Taking A Risk Topic post.
She talks mostly about writing fiction in the tapes, but touches on non-fiction as well. There are some differences in approach.
I hope you get back to the South someday. It seems like you might have an opportunity to visit TN sometime in the future, a recent family move there? I hope it materializes for you. I really enjoy going back to places that have meaning to family history.
Or even to the history of writers I like to read. If I remember correctly, one of my writing friends went back to see where Mark Twain grew up and wrote a lot of his books. She said it completely transformed the way she looked at him and his work. A new understanding.
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QM, your link to Common Good Books was very helpful. Thanks. I don’t know of any good Independent book stores in our area. Today I ordered Natalie’s book in addition to 2 books by Connie May Fowler! I had recently finished a book by Fowler titled “Before Women Had Wings” & read it in record time. I had purchased the hard copy at a Salvation Army store & it was half price day! (every Wednesday) The book selection there is unbelievable & normally hard covers are only $1.49, so even that amount would have been a bargain! I have purchased most of the books that I keep here & at camp for our grandson Brant from there. I can tell you that they rarely are “used” There is a woman who is in charge of the book dept. there & she is so well informed & helpful. She also carefully (lovingly) keeps the books in bookstore type order! This section of the store is usually very crowded, but conversation is always lively!
I can’t wait for my new order to arrive! Thanks again…D
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diddy, wow, that’s really great support for an Independent. I’m impressed that you made the effort to place an order like that. Awesome! Walking the talk. Very cool.
It’s great to support places like the Salvation Army, too. I bought my last Sinclair Lewis book at an ARC store here. Places like that often have a good selection of eclectic books. Can’t wait to hear what you think of Natalie’s book. Will that be the first one you’ve read of hers?
I realize that we get spoiled in big cities with having a lot of choice. To tell you the truth, I never looked for a good Independent store in Pennsylvania. Mom and I go to one for spiritual type books. But I never looked for a general Independent bookstore there.
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QM, yes, it will be my first. Inspired of course by redRavine! I have a very broad spectrum of books in my collection. Some novels, I enjoy books about herbal remedies, some spiritual types, biographies, autobiographies, etc…Being very frugal I often shop at yard sales, flea markets, & places like the Salvation Army store. Something about getting a “deal” gives me an uplifting feeling! Sort of like I saved a book from being destroyed!
I’ll let you know when my books arrive & what I think! D
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diddy, yes, keep us posted. I was thinking when you described your book collection, that you might like Natalie’s novel, Banana Rose. It’s fiction but parts are autobiographical. (And like this blog, it includes the Midwest and New Mexico.)
She talked a lot about writing Banana Rose at the workshop last July. I know a woman who read it for the first time last year and loved it. I see it turn up used once in a while, too.
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Good morning QM! I almost ordered Banana Rose! Now you have me thinking. I have jotted down the titles of several of her books that I intend to be on the look-out for!
By the way, it really was not at all that expensive to order from Common Good Books. I ordered Natalie’s book in hard cover & the other 2 books in paperback, even though I rarely purchase paperback. I was told they will ship with-in 1-5 days. I also researched our area for independent bookstore’s. Most are religion based bookstores, but I did locate one in near-by Carlisle. Having worked in that area for over 10 years, I must have passed it almost everyday. They do not offer any online ordering, so when the weather breaks I will make the 20 mile trip there to check it out! D
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BTW, diddy, I love biographies and autobiographies, too. One of the best I’ve ever read is the biography set on Eleanor Roosevelt by Blanche Wiesen Cook. Have you read them? What great books!
One is called: Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 1: 1884-1933.
The second is: Eleanor Roosevelt : Volume 2 , The Defining Years, 1933-1938
They are thick but boy, I flew through them and couldn’t put them down. Has anyone else read them? Lots of great photographs, too. It was a while ago when I read them, but this makes me want to pull them out again.
I’m a big fan of Eleanor Roosevelt. It took her a while to find her voice and pull out of the shadow of her husband (and his family). But once she did, she really walked her talk and helped many people in the process.
If you ever see these two books used, check them out!
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QM, haven’t read them, but will add them to my list. My Dad loves these types of books & he might even have them in his collection. I’ll have to check. I also like when a book contains photos. Makes them even more interesting!
I usually have 2 or 3 books going at once. But for now, it is one at a time. I had started a book about the Kennedy family & what seems to be their “curse”. I think on this “nice stay in because the weather is snow & ice day” I will break it out again & see how it reads. I also enjoy politically based books & even a book called “Everything You Know is Wrong”. Very controversial, but I take it with a grain of salt! I do want to add that I own not a single “romantic” book, though I know a lot of folks who do. To each his own. That’s the freedom of choice I believe in…D
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diddy, I know, there are SO many books and so little time. I finally realized I have to be kind of choosy and really read what I want to get read in this lifetime. But I’m a big advocate of reading anything one enjoys reading! It doesn’t really matter.
As a writer, it helps me to read other good writers and study the way they structure their books (Natalie taught me a lot about that). But I’ve got to say, I love to read for pure pleasure. Once in a while, I pick up a good mystery from the news stand and just get lost in it.
There was a phase I went through in the early 90’s when all I read were mysteries. I read every single Stephen King book, and countless others. I loved every minute of it!
Happy reading today! I’ve got to get down to work soon.
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[…] started reading three books over the last month. I’m in the middle of Natalie Goldberg’s Old Friend From Far Away, Sinclair Lewis’s Main Street, and a book of Best American Essays – 1999. Not one of them […]
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I came across your site after doing a search on Google Blog Search for mentions of Natalie Goldberg’s book.
I remember reading “Writing Down the Bones” in college and I still have it on my writing shelf. Now that I’m back in school finishing my degree, it’s a treat to have a new book by her to inspire me.
I’ve wanted to write a memoir for quite some time and have made a few stuttering attempts. “Old Friend from Far Away” has given me a kick in the pants, so to speak, to “Go” ahead and get writing. Instead of a lengthy manuscript, I’ve decided to begin a blog to help me journal and glean insights toward a final written project. My blog began as part of a class assignment, but has become a new and exciting way to get my thoughts out of my head and into the blogosphere.
And I want to echo your thoughts on supporting local independent bookstores. While I am a member at B&N and buy many books there, I make it a habit to visit our local used bookstore Hyde Brothers, one of the largest stores of its kind in the NE Indiana area. Nothing beats the smell of old books! I guess it depends on what I’m looking for. I have bought many classics at Hyde Brothers and also found many rare gems that just aren’t available anymore. I like to spread my book spending money and nothing beats walking out of HB with an armload of newfound treasures.
Thanks for the post. I wish you well in all your writing endeavors.
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I just came from a reading/book signing of Natalie Goldberg’s (to promote this book), and I have to say, I think this is going to be a kick in the pants for me.
She is such an excellent teacher. Just hearing her read — it immediately puts me in another, more alive place.
Good luck on the degree and the blog and the memoir. If you ever get a chance to study with Natalie, you really ought to do so. That will be another kick in the pants 8) .
Thanks for visiting. I’ll be checking out your blog, too.
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tysdaddy, it will be interesting to see what insights you glean from blogging your book process (it’s also quite brave). It’s wonderful to be inspired by books and teachers. Natalie’s book is really great on process for any writer, and memoir writing, all the better.
I want to reiterate ybonesy’s sentiments, too. If you ever get a chance to hear her read, take a workshop, or study with her, it takes everything to a whole new level. She gives a lot through her teaching – about structure, practice, showing up for yourself, silence, sitting and making space for ideas to surface. They seem like simple concepts, but (for me) have been the most difficult to learn.
Thanks for stopping by. And here’s to Hyde Brothers! Go Independents!
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Coming back to add this quote from Natalie about her new book, Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir. I was reminded of the quote when responding to the haiku (one-a-day) post Comment 96 (LINK):
Also wanted to clarify that her new book, Old Friend from Far Away, is different than the older CD with the same title. Same roots – different work. Both worth owning in your book collection.
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QuoinMonkey,
Thanks for your words. It is a bit brave, letting it all hang out in the blogosphere. But if I want to ever write a memoir and perhaps get it published, then I better get some thick skin now.
Blogging lets the process become much less formal. I can say what I want and then reshape and polish it later.
And I’d love to hear Natalie speak. I’ve been tempted to pick up the audio version of the book, just to hear it in a new light.
Do visit my blog and let me know what you think. All comments are welcome and appreciated.
Brian
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[…] to posts, Natalie Goldberg — Old Friend From Far Away (Two Good Reasons to Buy Independent), Natalie Goldberg — 2000 Years Of Watching The Mind, Beginner’s Mind, More About The […]
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[…] Natalie Goldberg — Old Friend From Far Away (Two Good Reasons To Buy Independent) […]
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[…] we went to a book signing at Common Good Books. Jeff Hertzberg and Zöe Francois recently released their second book Healthy Bread in Five Minutes […]
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When I drove down Grand Avenue today, I saw Garrison has awnings up at his new Common Good Books location. He hasn’t moved in yet, but it’s a great location. It’s right around the corner from my chiropractor, which is both wonderful and too tempting.
Thank-you, Garrison. Minnesota loves you.
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Teri, I had not heard this until you left your comment. I’ve been so busy the last few weeks. Making time to catch up. I did see Common Good tweet their last tweets at the old location. On to new and better things. Buy Independent!
New address for Common Good Books: 38 South Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN, corner of Grand & Snelling
_____________________
COMMON GOOD BOOKS MOVES TO NEW LOCATION (LINK)
We’re growing and changing.
Spring is bringing big changes to Common Good Books.
We’re moving to a new home. Beginning April 9, you can find us at the corner of Grand and Snelling–38 S Snelling Ave, to be exact. The new, larger, sunnier location will let us bring even more great books to St Paul readers. We’ll also be able to expand our events schedule to bring you great authors from around the world.
We’ll be open at Selby and Western through March 29. We’ll open for business at the new location on April 9.
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I went to the new Common Good Books this week. Very exciting! Two things worth noting: 1) there were several people in the store shopping…it’s great to see a bookstore hopping! 2) The poetry section is *huge* and at the front of the store…not the back corner. Garrison rules.
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Teri, can’t wait to stop by and check out Garrison’s new digs. Have not done much book shopping lately. Any new books on your list? Looking forward to seeing you again.
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I went to the first of Garrison’s grand opening events last night. He had poems about spring taped to the wall. You could take one down, and take a turn at the microphone to read it. Everyone who read was rewarded with a potted flower. My poem was “Teaching Poetry to Third Graders” by Gary Short. A great night!
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Teri, that sounds fantastic. Remember when we used to go to those open microphones in coffee shops and read our writing? It seems like eons ago. Wish I could have been there to hear you and the others read the poems they had chosen. Poetry is alive and well in the Twin Cities. Still have not had a chance to get over to the new location of Common Good Books. Something I am looking forward to.
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