Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Recommended! I can't think of another book that describes the ups and downs of the writing process as clearly and honestly as this. OK, Anne Lamott can sound sceptical to the point of bleakness, her references are mostly American and were often lost on me, she refers to her own drinking (and other human failings!) with glaring honesty and humour, there's some 'god stuff' in there and some of her stories take a while to get to the point. But, well, we speak the same language (more or less) and share the same cultural references. When she started with: 'the very first thing I tell my new students on the first day of a workshop is that good writing is about telling the truth' I was hooked. There are sections on 'Giving', on 'Jealousy' and on 'Writer's Block' and it's a pleasure to see these subjects discussed properly (I almost said 'seriously'. That's not quite it. They are taken very seriously, but written in a way that makes them memorable and funny. The images are wild and witty. There's a lot of self-mockery). Of course not everyone will like this book. Not everyone wants to hear that, in the final analysis, the real joy of writing is there in the writing itself. But that's a more valuable and longer-lasting lesson than you'll get in many a how-to book. But two copies - one for yourself and one to give to your writing friends.

This is a terrific book, full of practical suggestions and insights.What I loved was not just the understanding and knowledge that spring from every page, but also the great humour and spark of the writing itself. This is a wonderful conversation between the aspiring writer and the old hand who has seen it all but has refused to grow cynical or weary.Even if you never write a word I would recommend this as a highly entertaining read which will improve you as a reader if nothing else.

One of the best books for this genre.I love going back to it and re-reading my highlighted parts because I always understand it differently or it gives me a different idea than it did the first time or second time I read it.This book will always be relevant and depending at what stage in your writing/life you are, there is different advice to absorb.

I absolutely adore this book. Sure, if you're after a book of writing advice about plotting, dialogue, characterisation, etc, this probably isn't going to help a huge amount. I would recommend 'Novel Writing - a Handbook' or 'On Writing' by Stephen King, for more practical instructions and advice. What this book is really good for - and I would say unparalleled in anything else I have read - is providing inspiration, comfort, reassurance, and motivation. The front cover says tips 'for writing and life' and it is exactly that - I often dip in and out of it when I want a little lift of positivity. It is corny in parts, but I actually love that; reading a few pages injects me with a feeling of being in love with life and with writing. It doesn't tell me how to write a story outline or realistic dialogue; but it does have me chomping at the bit to reach for the pen and get my thoughts down.

This book was recommended by so many people I lost count. As a new author and long time lover of memoirs, it seemed a good book choice for me. In fact, I read it while working on my first collection of short stories. I folded down a few corners, nodded sagely along with some of Anne's observations but I found it dipped into Anne's idiosyncratic habit of self-deprecating too much, which in itself is a little ironic. In fact, the most important messages in her book - just write for love - was somewhat shrouded by how much emphasis Anne put on the ever-present role that her pity/paranoia/self-doubt still plays in her writing life even after becoming a best selling author. I think any writer will know this already - you never lose the self-doubt - but surely there's more to the joy of writing? Tell us about that...That's not to say there isn't value in Bird by Bird. There is and some of it can be hugged to you like a long lost friend. I also appreciated how poignantly she painted certain relationships in her life (I may now read her memoir Operating Instructions). With regard to other reviews, I found that she wasn't as "forceful" about her faith as other readers described, but yes, of course this book isn't for someone who is uncomfortable with an author discussing church and God.

I think when you buy a book about how to write you are expecting a bit of a miracle. I’m sorry to say that I haven’t read it all. Good title though

It’s funny, it’s helpful, and it is honest; probably the most important quality of all. “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.” Whether you are just starting out, or like me, have been scribbling away for years, you are bound to get something meaningful from this book. So do yourself a favour – don’t pass it by, and of course, it will be all the easier to spot if you quit looking at your feet!

I had come to a halt in both my writing and reading, and I have Anne Lamott to thank for falling in love with both all over again. She shares so much wisdom and insight on the art of writing, that it would be impossible for you to not fall in love with the craft and find inspiration again. As well as helpful tips and advice the story is layered with touching and insightful stories that will make you laugh and then bring you round to that "a-ha" moment. I would highly recommend this to any writer or anyone who loves the art of writing.