If you've romanticized being a writer, pick up this book.

books:

	• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life Anne Lamott Anchor, 1995 - 239 pages average customer review:based on 306 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

If you're a writer, BUY THIS BOOK!

If you've ever put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard trying to write The Great American Novel, The Great American Screenplay, or some variation thereof, "Bird by Bird" is an absolute must-read. (And by must-read, I mean you should read it now. Now, as in, as soon as Amazon.com can ship it to you and you can get your grubby little hands on it. Don't get it from the library next week, don't borrow a copy from a friend, don't put it way down on your "to-read" list and get to it "whenever." Buy it now and read it now. It is a fast read, and a great read, and you can get back to your own reading and writing "whenever.")

Some writing manuals or how-to-books just teach you how to write; this book teaches you how to be a writer. The distinction is subtle, but real. For the physical act of putting words on paper (by way of computer screen, for most of us) is an emotionally freighted and complicated process that can wreak havoc on the eggshell-fragile psyche of the developing author. (I'm speaking from experience here, people!) And, if that isn't bad enough, it turns out that the lofty nirvana of published author-dom is also not all it's cracked up to be, and that selling lots of books won't make you happy. (Again, voice of experience speaking, here! Pretty much. I've only sold about 110 copies of my book, so far. But you all can help me with that!)

Unlike all the help books that pretend the process is easier and smoother than it really is, Lamott shows the writer's life for what it is, with all of its frustrations, neuroses, petty jealousies, and other emotions so narrowly defined that (as someone wittier than myself once observed) only the Germans have bothered to come up with words for them. And she shows the process is still worth it, intrinsically, regardless of whether we end up living a Hemingway-esque career full of critical and popular acclaim or ekeing out a meager existence as an author who still has to work a 9-to-5 job to pay the bills. (The latter being my current status. Unless a lot of you start buying my book! Which you can do right here at Amazon.com! It's called "Pottersville.")

Her insights on the emotional life of the author make this book well worth buying. (They all rang very true for this author.) Lamott, however, also offers a wealth of articulate, witty, and relatively easy-to-follow advice on the nuts and bolts of writing. She illustrates techniques she has developed and honed over time, techniques that will help all of us cut through the web of self-love and self-loathing that so often ensnares us as we write.

Some of these methods may be things you have also observed and discovered already. But many of them will be new. And Lamott also offers enough funny anecdotes, spiritual advice, and genuinely great writing that, even if you know everything in here (which I hopefully do now, since I just finished the darn thing), you will still want to buy copies for your writer friends, all the while keeping your own copy close by, so you can crack it open again for either advice or inspiration when the writing, and the publishing, get rough.

for more information click here

Halariously true...

I just finished reading Bird by Bird and my sides hurt from laughing. Lomott tells the truth, her truth and our truths, and does so with astoundingly halarious insights. Everything she revealed about her own struggle rings true. I love that I am not alone. I love that she reveals her imperfections and blighted self, and uses this to teach the rest of us that everything is really Okay.

for more information click here

The brutal, honest truth about being a writer

Anne Lamott gives practical instruction on the process of writing and takes the reader on a journey from wishing to be published to writing for its own sake as art. She does so in her own funny, neurotic way, alternately making you laugh out loud and thank God that you're not as loony as she is on her sanest day. Her book will encourage real writers and miff those who just want the fame and glory they think will inevitably result from being published.

for more information click here

Rethinking the process

I used to think that writer's had divine inspiration,
or at least an outline. Anne Lamott has made me
rethink the entire process of writing, character
development, reshaping, dialogue. Though her musings
are a touch overdeveloped in the neurosis area, she
highlights the value of good literature. Enjoy!

If you've romanticized being a writer, pick up this book.

A great book for writers that is funny, touching, instructive, and poignant. A good read if you're planning on becoming a writer and you'd like to know what exactly that entails.

reviews: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, page 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

hot

not?

What's your opinion?

Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

Write Your Heart Out: Inspirational Books On Writing and Spirit
Books That Inspire, Sparkle and Glow
Hodgepodge of Book Favorites
BOOKS MENTIONED IN CLASS
Books About Writing

search for books
bird by bird, bird, instructions, life, some, writing

Impressum / about us