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Bird by Bird

Bird by Bird

by Anne Lamott 1994 238 pages
4.24
100k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

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:

FAQ

What's "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" about?

  • Overview: "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott is a guide to writing and life, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes to help writers navigate the creative process.
  • Writing and Life: The book intertwines lessons on writing with insights into life, emphasizing the importance of honesty, perseverance, and finding one's voice.
  • Personal Stories: Lamott shares her own experiences, struggles, and triumphs as a writer, providing a relatable and humorous perspective.
  • Encouragement and Support: The book serves as a source of encouragement for writers, reminding them that the journey is as important as the destination.

Why should I read "Bird by Bird"?

  • Practical Advice: The book offers practical writing tips that are accessible and easy to implement, making it valuable for both novice and experienced writers.
  • Inspiration: Lamott's candid and humorous style inspires readers to embrace their imperfections and continue writing despite challenges.
  • Life Lessons: Beyond writing, the book provides insights into living a meaningful life, dealing with self-doubt, and finding joy in the creative process.
  • Relatable Stories: Readers will find comfort in Lamott's personal stories, which highlight the universal struggles and joys of being a writer.

What are the key takeaways of "Bird by Bird"?

  • Shitty First Drafts: Embrace the concept of writing terrible first drafts as a necessary step in the creative process.
  • Short Assignments: Focus on small, manageable writing tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to make steady progress.
  • Finding Your Voice: Discover and cultivate your unique voice by writing honestly and authentically.
  • Perfectionism: Let go of perfectionism, which can stifle creativity and prevent you from completing your work.

What is the "Shitty First Drafts" concept in "Bird by Bird"?

  • Embrace Imperfection: Lamott encourages writers to accept that their first drafts will be messy and imperfect, which is a natural part of the writing process.
  • Creative Freedom: Writing without the pressure of perfection allows for greater creativity and exploration of ideas.
  • Revision Process: The first draft is just the beginning; it provides material to refine and improve in subsequent drafts.
  • Overcoming Fear: Accepting the inevitability of a "shitty first draft" helps writers overcome the fear of starting and the paralysis of self-doubt.

How does Anne Lamott suggest dealing with writer's block in "Bird by Bird"?

  • Acceptance: Recognize that writer's block is a natural part of the creative process and not a personal failure.
  • Small Steps: Focus on writing small amounts each day, even if it's just a few sentences, to keep the momentum going.
  • Change of Scenery: Take breaks, go for walks, or engage in other activities to refresh your mind and gain new perspectives.
  • Trust the Process: Have faith that inspiration will return and that the unconscious mind is working even when you're not actively writing.

What is the "Short Assignments" method in "Bird by Bird"?

  • One-Inch Picture Frame: Lamott uses the metaphor of a one-inch picture frame to illustrate focusing on small, manageable writing tasks.
  • Avoid Overwhelm: By concentrating on short assignments, writers can avoid feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of a larger project.
  • Build Confidence: Completing small tasks builds confidence and creates a sense of accomplishment, encouraging further progress.
  • Incremental Progress: This method emphasizes the importance of steady, incremental progress in writing.

How does Anne Lamott address perfectionism in "Bird by Bird"?

  • Voice of the Oppressor: Lamott describes perfectionism as the voice of the oppressor, which stifles creativity and prevents writers from taking risks.
  • Embrace Messiness: She encourages writers to embrace the messiness of the creative process and to focus on progress rather than perfection.
  • Perfectionism's Illusion: Perfectionism creates the illusion that flawless work is possible, which can lead to procrastination and self-doubt.
  • Freedom in Imperfection: Letting go of perfectionism allows writers to experiment, make mistakes, and ultimately produce more authentic work.

What are the best quotes from "Bird by Bird" and what do they mean?

  • "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird." This quote emphasizes the importance of tackling writing projects one step at a time, breaking them down into manageable parts.
  • "Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor." Lamott highlights how striving for perfection can hinder creativity and prevent writers from completing their work.
  • "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories." This encourages writers to embrace their personal experiences and use them as material for their writing.
  • "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts." This quote reassures writers that initial drafts are often rough and imperfect, but they are a crucial part of the process.

How does Anne Lamott suggest finding your voice in "Bird by Bird"?

  • Authenticity: Write honestly and authentically, drawing from your own experiences and perspectives.
  • Experimentation: Try different styles and voices until you find one that feels natural and true to you.
  • Silence Critics: Ignore the internal and external critics that may discourage you from expressing your true voice.
  • Persistence: Keep writing regularly, as consistent practice helps develop and refine your unique voice.

What role does humor play in "Bird by Bird"?

  • Coping Mechanism: Lamott uses humor as a way to cope with the challenges and frustrations of writing and life.
  • Engagement: Humor engages readers, making the book enjoyable and relatable while delivering valuable lessons.
  • Perspective: It provides perspective, helping writers not to take themselves too seriously and to find joy in the creative process.
  • Connection: Humor creates a connection between Lamott and her readers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.

How does Anne Lamott address the theme of jealousy in "Bird by Bird"?

  • Inevitable Emotion: Lamott acknowledges that jealousy is a common and inevitable emotion among writers.
  • Self-Reflection: She encourages writers to reflect on their feelings of jealousy and understand their root causes.
  • Use as Material: Lamott suggests using jealousy as material for writing, turning it into a source of creativity rather than a hindrance.
  • Perspective Shift: By shifting perspective, writers can focus on their own growth and achievements rather than comparing themselves to others.

What is the significance of the title "Bird by Bird"?

  • Origin of the Phrase: The title comes from a story about Lamott's brother, who was overwhelmed by a school project on birds, and their father's advice to take it "bird by bird."
  • Metaphor for Writing: It serves as a metaphor for the writing process, emphasizing the importance of tackling projects one step at a time.
  • Approach to Challenges: The phrase encourages writers to approach challenges incrementally, focusing on small tasks rather than the entire project.
  • Philosophy of Life: Beyond writing, "bird by bird" reflects a philosophy of life, advocating for patience, persistence, and breaking down overwhelming tasks.

Review Summary

4.24 out of 5
Average of 100k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Bird by Bird receives mostly positive reviews for its humorous and encouraging approach to writing. Readers appreciate Lamott's personal anecdotes, practical advice, and emphasis on perseverance. Many find the book inspiring and relatable, with useful tips for overcoming writer's block and self-doubt. Some criticize Lamott's self-deprecating tone and occasional insensitive remarks. While experienced writers may find familiar advice, beginners and aspiring authors often praise the book as a valuable resource for understanding the writing process and developing discipline.

Your rating:

About the Author

Anne Lamott is an American author known for her novels and non-fiction works. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she writes autobiographical pieces infused with self-deprecating humor, covering topics such as alcoholism, single motherhood, and Christianity. Lamott's appeal stems from her wit, insightful observations, and outspoken views on politics and faith. A graduate of Drew College Preparatory School, she is the daughter of writer Kenneth Lamott, who inspired her first novel. Lamott's life and work were featured in a 1999 documentary by Freida Lee Mock. Her writing style and personal experiences have made her a beloved figure in contemporary literature.

Other books by Anne Lamott

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