Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

An excellent book about writing, nearly thirty years old now but I hadn't previously come across it. Plenty of advice that isn't new, but is expressed in rather different ways, using hyperbole at times, personal anecdotes, and reminders that we should write, and not worry about first drafts.

Although the author is a Christian believer, she's not a fundamentalist, nor does she write about 'Christian writing'. And some of the language used is much stronger than I'm entirely comfortable with. I found some of the American references, particularly to sports, went right over my head.

But even with all that, I thought it one of the best books I've read on the topic - and there are many! - and would recommend it to anyone wanting a balanced and very honest view of life as a writer.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2022/05/bird-by-bird-by-anne-lamott.html ( )

Bird by Bird : Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott (1995)

It's amazing how little has changed about the writing life since this book was published in the mid 1990s. Well said, at every turn. ( )

Very entertaining and heart-warming.

The advice was mostly common sense for me at this point, perhaps also related to its age and the plethora of writing advice books and blogs that have followed it. In spite of this, it was still an inspiring read that is a useful antidote to the isolation of writing in a vacuum.

In terms of practical value, this book is most relevant for someone just beginning to write. For example my mother, who is interested in writing memoirs (which is what the author mostly writes), found it very insightful and revelatory. ( )

I reread this book—nearly 14 years after my first reading—on the recommendation of author Daniel Pink. Do you have any influencers whose recommendations you often follow? Read my full review here. ( )