Bird by Bird

1. Write Shitty First Drafts: Perfection Hinders Progress

"Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere. Start by getting something—anything—down on paper."

Embrace imperfection. The key to good writing is allowing yourself to produce bad first drafts. This approach frees you from the paralysis of perfectionism and gets your ideas flowing onto the page. Remember that even accomplished writers struggle with their initial attempts.

Focus on quantity, not quality. In your first draft, prioritize getting your thoughts down rather than crafting perfect prose. This method allows you to:

• Generate raw material to work with
• Discover unexpected ideas and connections
• Overcome writer's block and self-doubt

Refine through revision. Once you have a complete first draft, you can begin the process of editing and refining your work. This iterative approach often leads to better final results than attempting perfection from the start.

2. Embrace Short Assignments: Break Writing into Manageable Tasks

"Short assignments help me to not be overwhelmed by the hugeness of a book."

Think small. Instead of focusing on writing an entire book or story, break your work into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach helps reduce anxiety and makes the writing process less daunting.

Use the "one-inch picture frame" technique. Imagine looking at your story through a tiny frame, focusing on just one small detail or scene at a time. This method allows you to:

• Concentrate on specific elements without getting overwhelmed
• Build your story piece by piece
• Maintain momentum and make steady progress

Celebrate small victories. Completing short assignments provides a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate you to continue writing. Remember that these small tasks collectively contribute to your larger writing goals.

3. Listen to Your Intuition: Trust Your Creative Voice

"Intuition is like a fitful little flame. It will be blown out by too much compulsion and manic attention, but will burn quietly when watched with gentle concentration."

Cultivate stillness. Create space for your intuition to emerge by quieting your mind and reducing distractions. This may involve meditation, walks in nature, or simply sitting in silence.

Pay attention to subtle cues. Your intuition often communicates through:

• Fleeting thoughts or images
• Physical sensations or "gut feelings"
• Unexpected connections or insights

Trust the process. Allow your writing to unfold naturally, even if you don't fully understand where it's leading. Often, your intuition knows more about your story and characters than your conscious mind does.

4. Silence Your Inner Critic: Overcome Self-Doubt

"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."

Recognize negative self-talk. Identify the critical voices in your head that undermine your confidence and creativity. These voices often stem from past experiences or internalized expectations.

Develop coping strategies. To silence your inner critic:

• Use positive affirmations
• Practice self-compassion
• Focus on the process, not the outcome
• Remember that all writers struggle with self-doubt

Create a supportive environment. Surround yourself with encouraging people and resources that nurture your writing practice. This can help counteract the negative influences of your inner critic.

5. Write with Authenticity: Find and Use Your Unique Voice

"You can't write out of someone else's big dark place; you can only write out of your own."

Embrace your experiences. Draw from your own life, emotions, and observations to create authentic writing. Your unique perspective is what will make your work stand out.

Avoid imitation. While it's natural to be influenced by writers you admire, resist the urge to copy their style. Instead:

• Experiment with different writing styles
• Reflect on what feels most natural to you
• Allow your voice to evolve over time

Be vulnerable. Share your truth, even if it feels uncomfortable. Readers connect with honesty and genuine emotion in writing.

6. Observe and Capture Life: Use Details to Enrich Your Writing

"Writing is about learning to pay attention and to communicate what is going on."

Sharpen your senses. Cultivate a heightened awareness of the world around you. Pay attention to:

• Visual details
• Sounds and dialogue
• Smells and tastes
• Textures and physical sensations

Keep notes. Always have a way to record your observations, whether it's a notebook, index cards, or a digital app. These details can later enrich your writing with vivid imagery and authentic experiences.

Practice description. Regularly challenge yourself to describe people, places, and events in detail. This exercise will improve your ability to bring scenes to life for your readers.

7. Seek Feedback and Support: Collaborate with Other Writers

"We all often feel like we are pulling teeth, even those writers whose prose ends up being the most natural and fluid."

Join a writing group. Connecting with other writers can provide:

• Constructive feedback on your work
• Motivation and accountability
• Emotional support during challenging times

Find a writing partner. Develop a relationship with a trusted reader who can offer honest, helpful critiques of your work. This partnership can help you identify blind spots and improve your writing.

Be open to criticism. Learn to accept feedback graciously, even when it's difficult to hear. Remember that constructive criticism is an opportunity for growth and improvement in your craft.

8. Write to Discover: Explore the Unknown Through Your Work

"Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do—the actual act of writing—turns out to be the best part."

Embrace uncertainty. Allow your writing to lead you into unexplored territory. Often, the most interesting discoveries happen when you let go of preconceived notions about your story or characters.

Use writing as a tool for self-discovery. Through the act of writing, you can:

• Gain insights into your own thoughts and feelings
• Explore complex ideas and emotions
• Develop a deeper understanding of human nature

Stay open to surprises. Be willing to follow unexpected paths in your writing. Some of your best work may come from ideas or directions you never anticipated.

9. Persist Through Challenges: Overcome Writer's Block and Rejection

"I don't think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won't be good at it."

Develop resilience. Understand that rejection and setbacks are a normal part of the writing process. Cultivate strategies to bounce back from disappointment, such as:

• Focusing on what you can control
• Seeking support from fellow writers
• Remembering past successes

Address writer's block proactively. When you feel stuck:

• Change your environment
• Free-write without judgment
• Work on a different part of your project
• Take a break and engage in other creative activities

Maintain perspective. Remember that even successful writers face challenges and doubts. Persistence and dedication to your craft are often more important than raw talent.

10. Write as an Act of Giving: Share Your Truth with Readers

"To be a good writer, you not only have to write a great deal but you have to care. You do not have to have a complicated moral philosophy. But a writer always tries, I think, to be a part of the solution, to understand a little about life and to pass this on."

Write with purpose. Consider how your writing can benefit or impact your readers. This might involve:

• Offering new perspectives on familiar issues
• Providing comfort or inspiration
• Challenging assumptions or beliefs

Be generous with your insights. Share your unique experiences and understanding of the world. Your honesty and vulnerability can create powerful connections with readers.

Focus on serving your audience. Instead of writing solely for personal gain or recognition, approach your work as a gift to your readers. This mindset can help you:

• Stay motivated during difficult times
• Create more meaningful and impactful work
• Find fulfillment in the writing process itself

Last updated: January 22, 2025