A lively take on the writer's life with tips along the way, plus her own brand of dark and self-deprecating humor. She had me laughing through the whole book and that alone earns 5 stars.

Recommended to all -- both writers and readers. ( )

I did find it fascinating. I am wondering if her insecurities are really common with most writers. ( )

I finally got around to reading this, though I've been wanting to for a number of years. Stephen King highly recommended it in his own book (his second) about writing, "On Writing." I figure, if Steve says it's good, it's good enough for me! lol

I especially enjoyed hearing Anne Lamott read this herself. I found so many good tips in this book, I actually ordered my own paperback copy--before I'd even finished listening to this!

I've been an aspiring writer all my life, but so many little things have gotten in the way. Lamott gives ideas for how to get around the majority of those little things, for me! I'm going to keep her by my side from now on, so I can utilize her tips as needed! Thanks so much, Ms. Lamott!!!

Lastly, I have to say, probably my biggest takeaway from this book is this: I want to write a book for me--because I've always wanted to write things down, to get the stories on paper; I don't need to worry about finding an agent or an editor or publisher. I mean, those are all great things and excellent goals to have, and I'll certainly consider all those things down the road if I feel what I've written is good enough to share with the world. But I haven't put Word 1 on paper yet, so how can I think about selling something that isn't even in existence? I know, from journaling and emailing that I enjoy the act of writing. Writing makes me feel good, and when I have anger in me, it's the best way I know of to get it out. So of course I should make writing my book about me and what about the act of doing it pleases me or makes me feel good. THAT is my biggest takeaway from this book. ( )

Bird by Bird combines writing instruction with memoir and personal musings to give readers a friend in Anne Lamott. She's humble, real, and funny, and her book feels comforting. Those looking for a straight-up guide to writing a strong story and getting published, though, will want another book. Lamott spends a lot of time discussing her son, her friends, her childhood, and her feelings of inadequacy as a writer. She has a pleasant conversational writing style, but her tendency to ramble keeps her book from being addictive.

The writing advice Lamott does offer, however, is exceptional. Despite having earned success many times over as an author, she never lost touch with what it feels like for the struggling writer—or for the person who merely dreams of being a writer. Her advice is down-to-earth and actionable.

Some aspiring writers thrive with hard-and-fast writing rules: set a schedule; write X number of words each day; create an outline with story arc—all the practical things. But Lamott doesn't subscribe to these, and her alternative "rules" make sense. Rigidity probably won't help most beginning writers, who can feel overwhelmed just trying to start. Lamott is all about getting some words, any words, on paper. She talks about "shitty first drafts" (because all writers have them); "short assignments" (a piece of advice that lessens the intimidation of getting started); and starting by writing about one's life, viewing it as if recording it only for one's offspring (or—my addition—other relatives). The beginnings of a novel can spring from these things. What's important to start is writing some words on paper without worrying about being impressive.

Lamott does discuss the more practical aspects—writing regularly, finding an agent, avoiding libel—but what makes this book different from traditional writing guides is that these were not her sole focus. She wants aspiring writers to feel seen, and she speaks to them in a feeling way:

If something inside you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things. Write toward vulnerability. Don't worry about appearing sentimental. Worry about being unavailable; worry about being absent or fraudulent. Risk being unliked. Tell the truth as you understand it. If you're a writer, you have a moral obligation to do this.

Readers will finish this book feeling they truly can write something publishable. Lamott's empathy and realness imbues Bird by Bird with warmth. This is a feel-good, empowering how-to by someone who cares. ( )

I have been writing my entire life--starting well before puberty--and even though I'm now cresting my 60s and heading downhill, I find myself more and more seeking advice from others, particularly writing advice. How in the world has it taken me this long to finally approach Ms. Lamott's classic volume of writing, "Bird by Bird"? It was far too long of a wait.

Lamott writes clearly, sequentially, and inspirationally. She wraps her arms around the entire business of writing--from shitty first drafts to publication--and encourages the reader-writer to practice the craft and art of writing at every step of the way. Things like this: "I believed, before I sold my first book, that publication would be instantly and automatically gratifying, an affirming and romantic experience, a Hallmark commercial where one runs and leaps in slow motion across a meadow filled with wildflowers into the arms of acclaim and self-esteem. This did not happen for me."

Or this: "Knowledge of your characters also emerges the way a Polaroid develops: it takes time for you to know them."

All the way down to the very last words of the book where she offers this encouragement to those doubting the efficacy of writing: "It’s like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can’t stop the raging storm, but singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship." ( )