With so many "how to" books on the market that focus on the structural formulas of writing, this is a refreshing read that deals more with the mindset and emotional journey involved with being a writer. Lamott is relatable and humorous while being entirely realistic. She does not suggest that by following her advice, one will emerge a successful and lucrative author. Rather, she quite clearly iterates that pursuing a career as a writer is perhaps the last reason one should choose to write. Even published authors struggle to make a living from the craft and getting published twice can be compared to lightning striking. Lamott inspires one to carry on writing for the love of it and not the promise that it will lead to wealth and fame.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this book knowing full well that it was used, but did not expect it to be so completely marked up. Lots of highlighter on almost every page. Post-it stickies left all over the book. Would have greatly appreciated it if those had at least been removed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book was copyrighted in 1994 and still receives strong reviews and is referenced by other writers on instruction and writing technique. I have seen references in a Writer's Digest audio course from a writing seminar and at least two references in books on writing. The title is a good summary of content. It is a mix of writing instruction in the form of anecdotes from the author's life and other writers along with an insider's view of the writing life. The examples are not step-by-step procedures for moving drafts from one stage to the next, but summaries of techniques, why they work, and why to use them. Her chapter on "Plot Treatment" was a cautionary tale where she delved into how writers and editors can see things differently and what can go disastrously wrong before they get better. If writer's can be split between those of plotters or non-plotters, I suspect this is a book by a non-plotter; one where you are sharing the emotion and journey to success. An alternate approach might be one taken by James Scott Bell in "Plot and Structure" which is very technique oriented with step-by-step methods. They are both good and useful books that show a different approach to writing from two different camps. My overall take is "Bird by Bird" is a must read early in a writing career as it has high-level concepts to steer you in the right direction and explains many of the hardships and pitfalls of the writing life. It is at times poignant, funny, instructional, and reflective. If you get one thing from this book it would be that if you can motivate yourself to start writing and never quit, you will succeed.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is one of the best books I've ever read on writing. Funny, compelling, practical, whimsical--I laughed out loud many times, but mostly I felt deeply connected to the content, like the author and I had been on the same journey, or at the very least, walked some of the same paths.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Although this is a book loaded with self-deprecating humor for writers and dares to bring mental illness out of the closet, it's obvious that the author writes from the born again christian perspective of an AA convert. So, be forewarned if you don't like christian dogma sneaked into your academic pursuits. Still, for any writers out there who are just getting started and who worry that they are the only ones to face certain struggles, this book can be reassuring. There are many good writing tips in this book, good exercizes & did I mention humor?
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