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Her terrific sense of deprecating self humor is a joy to behold. I only know the inspiration struck like thunder while reading the book.
As a career-long professional writer, I have read dozens of how-to-write books. Now "Bird by Bird" goes on the top of my list.
I recently had this book recommended to me and now feel compelled to pass on that recommendation. Because the book offers nugget upon nugget of great suggestions, I couldn't tell you from where exactly in the book the inspiration came.
While pursuing an agent/publisher to snap up my first novel, I am in the throes of revising my second. "Bird by Bird" gave me the inspiration to add another layer to my tale.
Beyond that, of all the books I've read, I don't know another that let me know the author as well as this one has. I like this lady.
This book is a definite "must have" for any aspiring writer. It also makes a wonderful gift for that person in your life who struggles with the writing process.
I was happy to spot this book on amazon.com as I dream to become a very, inecredibly famous writer one day. How an experienced writer, someone who teaches other how to write could use the word "writing" 5-6 times on half of the page. The title also intrigued me as the play on words "bird by bird" in the title was a great idea. However, the book itself dissapointed me. There is also an overwhelming feeling of.depression and sadness almost on every page.The author underlines it everywhere that writing is difficult and will bring nothing but unhappiness to the unwise person who will undertake such an dangerous and devastating task. It is a mixture of personal history (sad one) and some tips on writing.Unfortunately not my type of book.
I don't think there's anything to say about this one other than, if you're a writer, buy it, read it, and it will forever be your best friend - something you'll read again and again, finding gold nuggets of inspiration every single time. Anne Lamott doesn't hold anything back: She's honest about the ups and downs, the reality, and all that a writer must do to shape their experiences into material for writing. That, perhaps, is its treasure.
Early in my dissertation process, my advisor had me read "Bird by Bird." I did not want to read it -- after all, it was not related to my dissertation research in the slightest. This book was very inspiring to me -- it helped me to begin writing my dissertation. However, I did as my advisor instructed. Oh my gosh. I learned to write, write, write.and then go back and discard all of the garbage. This book really helped me to get the writing process going.
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