Lightning Strikes Twice: An Interview with Natalie Goldberg, Continued

By Molly Anderson-Childers

Welcome back. This month, I’ll be continuing my conversation with author Natalie Goldberg (see part 1 here). We’re celebrating the publication of the digital version of Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft, now available from Open Road Media. It’s an insightful look at the soul-work of writing, from the inside out.

Ms. Goldberg, thank you for joining us — it’s always a pleasure. Your work has inspired me for years, and I can’t tell you what an honor it has been to work with you.

Q: In your opinion, what is the primary commitment a writer must make to her work, and to her readers?

A: To write the best, most true and honest and intimate and close that you possibly can. For you and for the reader.

Q: How do you infuse your writing with a deep and tangible sense of place?

A: I love place, all places. I have a curiosity about them. My friend Miriam says I have a jones for place. I even fall in love with someone because of the place they live. So for me it is natural to imbue my work with place. Open your heart to what is around you.

Q: Can you discuss the importance of a mentor in a young writer’s life, and creative ways of allowing literature to inspire and guide your work?

A: Oh, it’s so important to have a mentor. But sometimes they aren’t physically available. Really, the authors you love are your mentors. Study their mind when you read their work. It’s all there. What do they say? What do they leave out? What is the structure of the book? Writers are our teachers. Study them. I have loved Carson McCullers all my life. I write nothing like her but I feel the heat of the south in her very first paragraph. And it makes me want to do it. It encourages me. Never be jealous of someone’s good writing. Study it. They have opened the path for you.

Q: How do stories change you, feed your soul, save you, set you free?

A: I just finished Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. I knew him when he finished The Tennis Partner quite awhile ago. We corresponded quite a bit, and then he came to my class in Taos, but I was astounded to read his novel. I kept thinking, “Abraham I didn't know you had this in you.” I completely fell into the novel, to the point that I miss those characters terribly right now. I dive into a good book. It gives me everything.

Q: We’d love to know what you’re working on … what are some of the upcoming projects and workshops you’re excited about?

A: I’m working on a book now entitled Sit, Walk, Write: The True Secret, and it is about the silent writing retreats I have developed over the last ten years. (But if you know how I write, then you know it will be about everything. Of course I’ll throw in details about my life.)

In 2012, I’ll be teaching in France and in Italy, which I’m excited about. I’ve always declined going overseas because of jet lag, but I’m up for it now. Also in September of 2012 I’ll be teaching at Vallecito Mountain Ranch, an incredible inholding in Carson National Forest with spring-fed ponds you can swim in. I just completed a weeklong meditation retreat there, and I swam with leaping fish every day. My 2012 schedule will be listed on my website at some point. (It’s not up yet. I’m slow.)

Bonus Question: Any tips or encouragement for budding writers reading this interview?

First I want to say what good questions these were. I really enjoyed answering them. My tip is this: practice, practice, practice. Not only while you are writing, but all the time. Fall in love with your world, no matter how hard it is, this is your life. Meet it, honor it, and write your ass off. •

About the Author | More by Molly Anderson-Childers
Molly Anderson-Childers is a writer, artist, and creativity consultant living in Durango, Colorado. She's published work locally, nationally, and online and welcomes inquiries about freelance writing assignments. Learn more about Molly at stealingplums.blogspot.com and addictivefiction.blogspot.com.

9/26/11