In this episode of the Life Writers Vlog, we explore the timeless wisdom of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.
Published in 1994 and still a bestseller, this classic blends writing advice with personal memoir.
Lamott tackles the truths of writing life stories: telling stories that involve others, dealing with perfectionism, starting with messy drafts, getting published, and more.
Her pithy quotes inspire writers of all levels and include gems like, “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”
Our Life Writers group began studying Bird by Bird a week or two ago, so if you’d like to join us, go to LifeWriters.us and sign up.
Do any of these Anne Lamott quotes resonate with you? Do you have any other Lamott truisms you love? Share them with us in the comments section below.
Remember, the only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all!
I took to heart that you own everything that happened to you. Owning meant it was mine and mine alone. My thoughts, my perspectives and my conclusions in every instance. That gave me the freedom to tell my truth.
Yes! A great reminder, Judy.
As a Thanksgiving gratitude offering. Let me share as Ann Lamott writes “Tell your stories”, a couple of lines of journaling from November 28 1911, one hundred thirteen years ago! In winter this person studied and worked in an office, summers were spent plowing acres upon acres of land for others. People through journaling also paved the way for us writers. Maybe sometimes we should pay attention to simplicity and right from the heart without all the political and other correctness of todays world. Enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving.
Right-on! Write-on! Thanks for this good comment, Thierry!
Perfection is the oppressor speaks to me as does If people want you to write well about them, they should have behaved better.
Hi Patricia, The advice that resonated with me was “always tell the truth.” I have trouble saying anything bad about anyone…even when it’s true. How do you do this without feeling like a crappy person?