After years of tireless search for this book by Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird appeared as a gift from fate during a routine visit to one of the bookstores I frequent the most. It has been reissued this year by Plankton Press, a publisher to which I am extremely grateful, in addition, for the care and meticulousness with which it has treated this work.

And, well, Bird by Bird has become one of my essentials on the art of writing. It is an inspiring, practical, honest, and deliciously entertaining book. The continuous neurotic outbursts of the author and her writer friends were as hilarious as they were revealing.

Among the many topics it addresses, Lamott deals with one of the ones that most torments writers: the quality of the first drafts. She reminds us that these first attempts to put a story into words are often a mess, but a mess that is essential in the writing process. She teaches us to embrace mistakes and imperfections as an inherent part of our creative journey and, ultimately, of our own lives. And, of course, she recommends writing every day, without exception.

A true treasure for writers and those who aspire to be.

  Try to think of your mind as a naughty puppy that you are training to pee on a newspaper. You don't pick up and throw the puppy into the neighbor's yard with a flying kick every time it pees on the floor: you take it back to the newspaper again and again and that's it. So, I keep trying to get my mind to gradually return to what can really be seen; perhaps to see and observe itself with a kind of reverence. Because if I don't learn to do that, I think I'll keep making mistakes.

I truly believe that to write, one has to learn to be reverent. If not, why do you write? Why are you here?

Let's think of reverence as wonder, as presence and openness to the world. The alternative is that we atrophy, that we fade away. Think of those moments when you have read some example of prose or poetry presented in such a way that you experience a fleeting sense of wonder at the beauty or perspicacity when glimpsing the soul of another person for a moment. Suddenly, everything seems to fit, or at least make sense, for an instant. That is our goal when writing, I believe: to help others experience that sense of -I hope I will be forgiven- wonder, of seeing things with new eyes, things that can take us by surprise, that burst into our small and limited worlds. When that happens, everything seems more spacious.

I read this many years ago, long before the existence of Goodreads. However, I recently started listening to the audible version, and to my surprise, I enjoyed it even more than when I read it. I don't recall listening to any of her other books, but this one was truly a pleasure to listen to.

Although I didn't listen to it with the intention of obtaining tips on the craft of writing, I found great enjoyment in listening to her discuss her craft. She also shared her experiences of dealing with the emotional upheaval that comes with writing, re-writing each revision, and the agonizing waiting to hear the opinions of the potential publisher. Her honesty is truly endearing, and the way she writes always makes me feel as if she is someone I can relate to on many levels.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story and wants to gain insights into the writing process from a talented author. It's a must-read (or listen) for all book lovers.

A surprisingly hysterical book about writing and, as the title implies, life. The hype surrounding Lamott's book is definitely well-earned. I found myself completely engrossed from the very beginning. I can't wait to explore more of her work. Much of her advice on writing is practical and no-nonsense. She bravely addresses the numerous difficulties that writers face, from the initial act of writing to the arduous process of getting published.

If I had to pick one complaint, it would be that by the end of the book, I wasn't as inspired to write as I was to be Anne's (yes, I'm already on a first-name basis with her as if we're old friends). However, I truly appreciated her twisted and unusual sense of humor. It had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions, which was something I never expected during chapters that delved into the often mundane aspects of the writer's world, such as libel, editing, and publishing.

Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder.

I have read the book many times and watched (on YouTube) a short speech about writing and life, given by Anne Lamott in front of a devout but humorous audience (Anne Lamott is an activist in the Reformed Church), and I have always noticed her clarity and good disposition. It is a pleasure to listen to her.

In "Bird by Bird" (the original title of this book), we find a wealth of suggestions regarding writing and life. Some have systematized them and discovered 5, 10, or 12. They are by no means obligatory precepts; they are exactly what the Romanian subtitle says: suggestions. I should not have to say that these "instructions" do not make you a writer. Everything depends on practice and perseverance. Genius is a form of stubbornness.

Anne Lamott's book does not guarantee your success. Moreover, the desire for notoriety (fame) (natural up to a point) is not the noblest reason for writing, and often it is toxic. The case of writers who have published a bestseller and then returned to the darkest anonymity is sad. Great writers did not write books with the aim of being pointed at on the street, although a masterpiece can turn even the most humble person into a kind of exhibit ready to be put in a showcase. Shakespeare was fortunate that glory (bardolatry) erupted a century and more after his death. Tolstoy, on the other hand, did not enjoy this privilege, and it is increasingly rare in modern times.

In my opinion, the wisest suggestion offered by Anne Lamott refers to the power of looking at oneself with a critical eye. As soon as a writer has no more doubts, his possibility of progressing becomes zero. This explains the repetition and routine that occur in the careers of most writers. Faulkner was creative in the decade between 1929 and 1939; everything he wrote after this period of extraordinary fertility is mediocre. In the literary world, immunity to praise is an extremely rare quality. Humility is extremely rare.

Anne Lamott states (and she is absolutely right) that no writer should rely on so-called "inspiration." I'm not saying that inspiration doesn't exist (sometimes you write better, sometimes worse), but much more important are tenacity and daily routine. "Write! Write as badly as you can ("shitty first drafts"), but don't stop writing, you will always have time to correct!", exclaims the author. And this makes her extremely likeable to me... (4.11.22, Friday)

I didn't have an enjoyable experience with this book. The reason is quite simple - it failed to inspire me to write.

I had a very strong impression that Ms. Lamott has rather serious self-esteem problems. Her excessive use of self-deprecating humor started to wear me down after just the first chapter or two. Instead of giving the reader the inspiration to go out and strive for the greatest achievements in their writing lives, she basically said, "It's okay to be bad, and you shouldn't worry about never improving." Maybe that's a message that some people need to hear, but for me, it just didn't work.

Her actual writing advice mainly revolved around one uniquely expressed idea, which was her acceptance of "sh*tty first drafts." These first drafts are indeed very important, and I often view them as laying the foundation, like getting the clay down on the counter to begin the real shaping of the story. However, if she had only said that her first drafts were "sh*tty," then perhaps I could have overlooked her self-hatred. But when she claimed that draft after draft was terrible and that she spent numerous days comforting herself like a sensitive person after a disagreeable breakup, well, at that point, the book just became too much of a pitiful story for me to have any respect for it.

I read this with the intention of trying to understand and learn the craft of writing. With great apprehension, I am attempting to figure out if this is truly something I want to pursue. I have been a musician and songwriter for many years, so it's not an entirely foreign concept. However, I am mostly intimidated by the vast body of work produced by so many remarkable writers before me. These are writers who have dedicated their entire lives to the craft, and some have even sacrificed far more. I wonder what I could possibly add. Who am I to boldly enter the Sistine Chapel armed with paint?

Anne Lamott's book is an essential read for someone like me. She encourages you to just do it. Despite any assumptions or assurances you might expect, in the end, none of that really matters. In order to write, you simply have to write and practice writing. It's as straightforward as that.

Here are a few other things I learned from the book, which I'm certain I'll need to revisit time and again:

• Write every day. This seems relatively easy, and I'm already in the habit of doing so.

• Observe life and jot it down. This also appears simple, but it's not something I've been accustomed to doing. It will be my primary challenge.

• Don't anticipate getting published or achieving fame, as the odds are against you. Strangely enough, this is actually comforting to me. I don't want that pressure hanging over me or preventing the truth from shining through.

For these reasons alone, this book has been extremely helpful and has given me the courage to take the plunge. Towards the end, I was pondering how I could summarize the main theme of this almost liberating guidebook, but then Lamott does it for me in the final chapter.

“Becoming a writer is about becoming conscious. When you're conscious and writing from a place of insight, simplicity, and a genuine concern for the truth, you have the power to illuminate the path for the reader. He or she will recognize their own life and truth in your words, in the images you have painted, and this alleviates the overwhelming sense of isolation that we have all experienced too often.

Try to write in a direct and emotional manner, rather than being overly subtle or oblique. Don't be afraid of your subject matter or your past. Instead, be afraid of wasting any more time fixating on how you appear and how others perceive you. Be afraid of not completing your writing.

If there is something authentic within you, we will likely find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. Therefore, you must dare to place real emotion at the heart of your work. Write directly into the emotional core of things. Write towards your vulnerability. Don't worry about coming across as sentimental. Worry about being inaccessible, absent, or insincere. Risk being disliked. Tell the truth as you understand it. If you're a writer, you have a moral obligation to do so. And it is a revolutionary act – truth is always subversive.”

I truly love it when the act of telling the truth takes precedence, because that is something we can all do, isn't it?

As I am not an aspiring novelist or creative writer of any kind, it seems only fair to admit upfront that I might not exactly be Lamott's ideal audience. However, I am interested in other forms of writing. And hey, the title itself claims that this is as much about "life" as "writing," right?

There were sections and even whole chapters that I will continue to carry with me. They inspired me, made me pause for a moment in consideration, or even made me guffaw out loud (no easy feat). I took this up after a conversation with my cousin, a creative writing teacher and accomplished writer. I confided in her some of the problems I faced while writing my thesis. She told me Lamott's anecdote that gives this text its name and recommended I give it a look when I had a chance. And she was right. It was exactly the advice I could have used to maintain perspective during the thesis-writing process.

So, it definitely wasn't the content that was the problem. I quickly skimmed the chapters that seemed less applicable to me and gave my full attention to the relevant sections. Bluntly put, I just don't like Lamott's writing style. AT ALL. In fact, it's the type I generally despise and avoid. It's banter-y, hyper self-aware, peppered with dated pop culture references, and relentlessly self-deprecating. I can see the appeal. It creates an instant sense of intimacy, like the author is your best friend.

In other words, it's the style many creative writing students strive to replicate. That's why Lamott's name was always mentioned in reverential tones in the creative writing department when I was an undergrad. I've mentioned my distaste for this type of writing elsewhere. To be fair, Lamott is the best and most readable writer of this style I've come across. But reading this took me back to all the mundane pieces workshopped in my creative writing classes. They're seeping into more official venues, much to my dismay. So, my apologies to Ms. Lamott. I'm faulting her writing not on its own merits but on the pale imitations it inspired. In the end, it's just something I couldn't get around.

It's really interesting!

A friend of mine recommended this book to me some time ago (because he thinks I have the ability to write). Then I went and found a cheaper version and placed an order. I also paid for it. However, my order was cancelled because the store no longer had the cheaper print. I also got distracted and forgot about buying it. Until another friend, without knowing about the matter, sent me several books as a gift and this was among them. I don't know! Maybe he also thinks I have the ability to write.

Once, in very bad days, a friend told me to write about my heartaches and sorrows. I told him that no one is interested in reading what I write. He said it doesn't matter at all. Write for yourself. Just try to write. And I started writing and tearing up. I wrote and tore up so much that I got used to it. Of course, this didn't help my writing progress, but it made me feel a little better.

Now, when I'm depressed, I write letters to those who are also depressed. When you have no ideas for writing, you can write a letter, and then you'll see the words flow by themselves, and your tears will follow. It doesn't matter that these letters are never read and never reach anyone. What matters is that you connect with the words to prevent your heart from breaking. Writing can save you from death.

This book is written in simple language and is a step-by-step guide for writing. It is not necessarily for those who want to be writers or professionals who are after writing. Rather, anyone who has an idea and the ability to write anything at any level can take their share from this book. The author has provided simple and practical instructions in the book, and more importantly, it has a very sincere and inspiring natural style, which creates a positive feeling for the reader.

Well, I think if someone is interested in writing and is an amateur, or if you are leading someone who is just starting on the path of writing, this book can be very useful and provide guidance.

Thank you to my good friend for his valuable gift.

I simply can't find enough words to describe the sheer beauty of this book.

It is so incredibly hearty, as if it reaches deep into your soul and nourishes it. It is also astonishingly truthful, presenting the unvarnished reality of the writing and publishing process. What's more, it is extremely insightful, offering profound perspectives and wisdom.

Having gone through all the madness and chaos of writing and publishing myself, I have felt a deep sense of empathy with every word that Anne Lamott has written in this book, even in the most hysterical parts. She expresses her thoughts and feelings so beautifully, with a grace and elegance that is truly captivating.

Her words have given me the strength and courage to keep writing, and to believe in the power of my own writing.

This is a book that will make you laugh out loud one moment and bring tears to your eyes the next.

I highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion for writing and dreams of getting published. It is a must-read for all aspiring writers.

After so many books have been written about how fun and easy writing can be, it is truly refreshing to come across a book that reveals the harsh reality of how painful and difficult it actually is. Lamott places a great emphasis on discipline. She stresses the importance of writing every day at a specific time and making a concerted effort to get that first draft out, regardless of how terrible it might turn out to be.

This message might not be groundbreaking news for the majority. However, when combined with the additional information that neurosis and writing often go hand in hand, Lamott's intention becomes clear. She is not simply here to impart knowledge; rather, she aims to encourage. She is a genuine teacher, someone who not only shows you the path to reach your destination but also provides the support and guidance needed to restart if you happen to miss a step.

Moreover, she has a great sense of humor and is an excellent writer herself. As a result, the book is an absolute delight to read. So, the next time you're feeling down about writing, pick up this book and let Lamott's words inspire and motivate you.

This is an outstanding writing guide!

"Bird by Bird" is a book that I have been eager to read for numerous years. Thanks to the audiobook, which was superbly performed by Susan Bennett, I finally managed to get around to it. I believe this is the first work of Anne Lamott that I have read, and I was delightfully surprised by its humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times while listening to her tales of writing, teaching, and family life.

I particularly admired how kind Anne is and how she sincerely endeavors to create an inspiring writing guide. She answers the common questions that she receives from writers, provides details on the strategies that work for her, and gently encourages the reader to keep writing, without cessation.

I award five magnificent stars to Anne Lamott.

The meaningful passage emphasizes that good writing is about telling the truth. We, as a species, have a need and desire to understand ourselves. Unlike sheep lice, we have a great deal to say and figure out. Year after year, students are filled with stories to tell and begin writing projects with excitement and joy. However, after a few days at the desk, telling the truth in an interesting way proves to be as difficult and unpleasant as bathing a cat. Some students lose faith, and their sense of self and story shatters. When they first show up for the workshop, they look like bright and goofy ducklings, but by the second class, they look at the instructor as if the engagement is over. The instructor advises them to start with their childhood, write down all their memories truthfully, and not worry about doing it well yet. Flannery O'Connor's words about having enough material from childhood to write for a lifetime are also quoted.

Bird by Bird has become my new guiding light, not only in the realm of writing but also in life. It is, without a doubt, my favorite nonfiction work to date. While Stephen King's On Writing left a deep impression on me, Anne Lamott's book had an even more profound impact. I found myself alternately tearing up and laughing out loud. Her self-deprecating humor and brutally honest yet realistic approach to writing truly won my heart.

If I had the power, I would distribute this book to every single student at my college who is studying English or Creative Writing. Lamott delves into a wide range of topics, from the neurotic mindset that often plagues writers to the ups and downs of the publishing world. I wholeheartedly recommend Bird by Bird to everyone, especially those who have even the slightest interest in the writing life.

Here are a couple of passages that beautifully capture her unique voice and wisdom. The first one is about the importance of books:

\\"Because for some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.\\"

The second passage is about the perils of perfectionism:

\\"Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they're doing it.\\"

Read this book. You will not be disappointed.

*review cross-posted on my blog, the quiet voice.