Natalie Goldberg (2025) Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft.

Let’s start at the beginning. I’m a reader who writes. You can’t be a writer who doesn’t read. Writing is secondary and often unnecessary, but I claim it as a calling of sorts.

‘I know no one wants to hear me say how hard writing is—quit while you can’.

I liked Goldberg telling me that. Reminding me that. I’m pretty good at making starts. The equivalent of joining the gym on the New Year and promising to go swimming and sauna once a week too. I’ve got stories lying all over the place. Unfinished. But I’m undaunted. I’ve tried until some stories have got to the end of me.

In the Zen monastery Goldberg attended you had to prove your mettle by sitting outside the gates all day. Easy peasy. I watched Kung Fu when I was a kid. I can get out of that cave by moving the burning urn with my wrists and engraving on them—you’re not a writer—on them for all time. I am not deterred. I came prepared with pens and ink.

On the 13^th day, when you don’t know how, and you admit, like those that attend AA meetings, I’m not a writer…then you’re let in and ready to learn, not about writing, but about your-true-self.

‘I’m an engineer, I make forty-six thousand dollars a year. How long will it take to make that much by writing?’

‘Keep your job,’ Goldberg told him.

I was in the library today. I spotted a copy of Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird.  Instructions on Writing and Life. I had to stop myself from picking it up and devouring it, again.

I’m tempted to read Natalie Goldberg’s book again from start to finish in the same way. I’ll be reading more of her work, most probably all of her work, for the simple joy of reading and that resonance that brings joy. Pay attention. Now, read on.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVBVVGD6