Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” is one of the books I go by for many many years. It’s a funny, inspiring guide for writers and creatives and for anyone who wants to use writing as a tool for expression, thinking and dreaming. Blending humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, Lamott offers practical advice that goes beyond the mechanics of writing. Her stories and experiences, as a writer herself but also as a teacher are comforting and touching and filled with many anecdotes that make you go “ahhhh! Aureka”.
Here are some key takeaways from her insights that we absolutely love.
Take It Bird by Bird
The title of her book encapsulates one of Lamott’s fundamental lessons: tackle your writing in small, manageable steps. When faced with a daunting project, break it down into smaller tasks. Focus on one sentence, one paragraph, or even one page at a time. This approach reduces overwhelm and makes the process more approachable.
As we use writing as a tool for self-reflection and brainstorming, we can use the “bird by bird” method to deal with issues on the page. Small steps, break the big issues down into smaller ones, use intuitive writing to download your feelings and thoughts about it, one step at a time.
Shitty First Drafts
Lamott highlights the necessity of what she calls “shitty first drafts.” Accepting that your initial attempts will be rough can liberate you from self-criticism and fear. Remember, the goal is to get words on the page; refining them comes later.
If we take this idea to our creative lifestyle concept, we can understand that every idea starts messy and not very clear. We need it to be messy and unclean so we can ask ourselves questions, use our intuition and grow with the idea, step by step.
Writing as a Spiritual Practice
For Lamott, writing is not just a craft; it’s a spiritual practice. She suggests that writers approach their work with a sense of mindfulness and authenticity. Allow your writing to reflect your true self and your experiences, which can resonate deeply with readers.
This is one of the most important points. Writing is first and foremost a tool for gaining connection to ourselves, to our state of mind, to our feelings, wants, needs and thoughts. It’s also, like prayers, a way to put our needs, dreams and goals out there.
Create a Writing Routine
Establishing a routine can help foster discipline. Lamott recommends finding a time of day that works for you and dedicating that time to writing. Consistency breeds productivity, allowing your creativity to flow more naturally.
We love her story about sitting next to her desk every day and just writing a word, sentence, paragraph. This is how we start exploring our writing routines and gain progress day by day.
Find Your Voice
Lamott emphasizes the importance of finding your unique voice. Write as if you are speaking to a friend, which can make your work more relatable and genuine. Embrace your quirks and individuality; that’s what sets your writing apart.
We love this tip and we use it every day when we create our content.
Read Widely
To be a good writer, you must be a good reader. Lamott advises immersing yourself in a variety of genres and styles. Reading not only inspires you but also helps you understand different techniques and perspectives that you can incorporate into your own writing.
Embrace Community
Writing can often feel like a solitary endeavor, but Lamott stresses the value of community. Sharing your work with others can provide valuable feedback and support. Engage with fellow writers, join workshops, or participate in writing groups to foster connections and accountability.
Write for Yourself
Finally, Lamott encourages writers to focus on their own interests and passions rather than trying to please an audience. Write what excites you, and let that enthusiasm shine through. Authenticity will resonate with readers more than any attempt to conform to trends.
We always say that writing is for us, a way of thinking, exploring and being authentic first and foremost with ourselves. Get in touch with your feelings, thoughts and ideas though writing will help you, in the end, to write for your readers as well and really connect with them.
A book you can go back to – again and again
Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird” is more than a manual for writing; it’s a heartfelt exploration of the creative process.
By taking small steps, embracing imperfection, and staying true to yourself, you can navigate the ups and downs of writing with grace and humor. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to rejuvenate your writing practice, Lamott’s insights offer valuable guidance for anyone seeking to share their story.
