Review: Bird by bird

Lamott (Operating Instructions, 1993, etc.) gently explodes the fantasy that writing will solve all of a fledgling author's problems -- an ailing bank account, low self-esteem -- and at the same time argues that writing ""does turn out to be its own reward."" Beginning with her first exposure to the writing life through her father, Lamott introduces some practical points: shaping credible dialogue; thinking of a first draft as a Polaroid photograph that slowly develops beneath one's fingers. Her cardinal truth is that there is no secret to writing well other than sitting down to do it every day; she also encourages by noting that even the best writers produce ""shitty"" first drafts. Offering time-tested tips, such as carrying around index cards to jot down fortuitous phrases and observations and focusing on plot as an outgrowth of character, Lamott intersperses stories and prose from her own experience that delight with insight and descriptive acumen. The incident from which the title and folksy aesthetic have been taken is typical: When, years ago, her ten-year-old brother was panicking, unable to write a report on birds for which he'd been preparing for months, their father calmed him with the advice ""Just take it bird by bird."" While she suggests finding a writing partner for feedback and describes her own traumatic escapades in taking a novel through several drafts, Lamott offers no advice about revision -- the most important skill a working writer must master. Still, paragraph by paragraph, this humorous, insightful, no-nonsense approach will remind novices why they are writing: to tell the truth, to live from the heart, and to share their gift with others. A writer's guide that is bound to teach and inspire by example.

The core lesson here is that if you're going to attempt something creative, you need to give yourself permission to make a "sh!##y first draft," and then improve that. This was very helpful to me. Much more useful than The Artist's Way. Little Bets carries this idea even further.

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Much more sentimental than I'd like, and not nearly so practical. There were a few techniques that seem useful, and a couple of one-liners worth writing down, but most of the book is circuitous and ... Read full review

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

I wish I had read this book when I was younger. The thing I think I really take away from this is the idea that being published is not the reward. Writing is the reward. Aside from that the book ... Read full review

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Bird by Bird is an entertaining way of wrapping your brain around the concept of writing. As a novice in the field I found this book to be very approachable, easy to follow, and full of takeaways. At ... Read full review

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

This is, by far, one of those most endearing and insightful books on writing and how to live in a world that doesn't cater to eccentrics and creatives. Read full review

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Genuinely inspirational, in that it's honest and thorough, written from hard experience, but with a generous helping of humour. Highly recommended for anyone brave and crazy enough to attempt the feat of putting life into words. Read full review

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Loved it! Read full review

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Great read for wanna-be authors. I appreciate the authors honesty and details throughout her book. Read full review

Review: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Another book where I wring my hands unnecessarily over whether it deserves 3 or 4 stars. Lamott has many invaluable ideas (most of which will benefit novices who will not have had occasion to hear ... Read full review