Bird by Bird

Synopsis

Bird by Bird is the bible of writing guides - a wry, honest, down-to-earth book that has never stopped selling since it was first published in the United States in the 1990s. Bestselling novelist and memoirist Anne Lamott distils what she's learned over years of trial and error. Beautifully written, wise and immensely helpful, this is the book for all serious writers and writers-to-be.

Summary

Chapter 1: "If You're Going to Try, Go All the Way"

* Summary: Encourages writers to commit fully to their craft, embrace mistakes, and persevere despite setbacks.
* Example: The author shares a story about a carpenter who makes a beautiful table with intricate carvings, yet is self-critical about its imperfections.

Chapter 2: "The Messy Middle"

* Summary: Discusses the challenges of writing, including self-doubt, writer's block, and the need for revisions.
* Example: The author describes her own struggles writing a particular scene, and how she eventually overcame them by focusing on small, manageable tasks.

Chapter 3: "Bird by Bird"

* Summary: Introduces the "bird by bird" metaphor, encouraging writers to break down large writing projects into smaller, achievable chunks.
* Example: The author suggests writing a poem line by line, without worrying about the overall structure, just like a bird builds a nest one twig at a time.

Chapter 4: "On Keeping a Notebook"

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of keeping a notebook to record observations, ideas, and inspirations for writing.
* Example: The author describes her own notebook, filled with random notes, sketches, and passages from books she's read.

Chapter 5: "The Importance of Place"

* Summary: Explores the impact of the writing environment on creativity and productivity.
* Example: The author mentions her favorite writing spots, such as a desk overlooking the ocean or a cozy corner in a coffee shop.

Chapter 6: "The Magic Words"

* Summary: Discusses the power of certain words and phrases to evoke emotions and convey meaning.
* Example: The author highlights the impact of specific words, such as "suddenly," "almost," and "in fact," in her writing.

Chapter 7: "Craft in the Real World"

* Summary: Offers practical advice on writing for different audiences and in different genres.
* Example: The author provides tips for writing essays, short stories, and even grant proposals, emphasizing the need for clarity, precision, and attention to detail.

Chapter 8: "The Writer's Life"

* Summary: Examines the challenges and rewards of being a writer, including dealing with rejection, financial instability, and the need for self-discipline.
* Example: The author shares her own experiences with rejection and how she overcame her fear of it.