With this basic instruction always in mind, Anne Lamott returns to offer us a new gift: a step-by-step guide on how to write and on how to manage the writer's life. From "Getting Started,' with "Short Assignments," through "Shitty First Drafts," "Character," "Plot," "Dialogue." all the way from "False Starts" to "How Do You Know When You're Done?" Lamott encourages, instructs, and inspires. She discusses "Writers Block," "Writing Groups," and "Publication." Bracingly honest, she is also one of the funniest people alive.
If you have ever wondered what it takes to be a writer, what it means to be a writer, what the contents of your school lunches said about what your parents were really like, this book is for you. From faith, love, and grace to pain, jealousy, and fear, Lamott insists that you keep your eyes open, and then shows you how to survive. And always, from the life of the artist she turns to the art of life.
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 5,1994
Writing has been a complex journey for the author. Starting with a significant period of writer's block in youth, where school papers were a nightmare, the process gradually became easier but never ceased to be challenging. In working life, writing found outlets in letters, journaling, and newsletters for sports teams. The past fifteen years have seen the author crank out reviews on Goodreads, developing a rhythm but still facing the effort and uncertainty that comes with each piece.
The author has aspirations to take on larger writing projects but is hindered by anxiety, fear, ignorance, and self-doubt. To address the ignorance, advice is sought, and Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird" becomes a valuable resource. The book offers a wealth of wisdom, techniques, and humor to help writers move from not-writing to writing in manageable steps. It covers various aspects such as getting unstuck, dealing with the creative process, and provides insights into plot, character, and dialogue.
The author reflects on personal concerns about writing, such as the fear that everything has already been done better. Lamott's quotes offer reassurance, highlighting the importance of one's own sensibility and the unique renditions that can be brought to any story. Whether one has specific writing projects in mind or is more generally interested in writing, "Bird by Bird" has something to offer. It can be a helpful guide for those aspiring to write, an entertaining look into the writing process for others, and a source of inspiration and support for all.
E.L. Doctorow once said that “writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
Mark Twain said that Adam was the only man who, when he said a good thing, knew that nobody had said it before. Life is like a recycling center, where all the concerns and dramas of humankind get recycled back and forth across the universe. But what you have to offer is your own sensibility, maybe your own sense of humor or insider pathos or meaning. All of us can sing the same song, and there will still be four billion different renditions.
Such an amazing book on writing! It truly feels like being a student in Professor Lamott's class. The author's insights and teachings are presented in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Each chapter offers valuable tips and techniques for improving one's writing skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, this book has something to offer. It covers a wide range of topics, from generating ideas to editing and revising. The author's writing style is warm and inviting, making it a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in improving their writing. It is a must-read for all writers!
