What is Bird by Bird about?
Bird by Bird is a book about the craft of writing by American author Anne Lamott. It contains advice on writing and life, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, taking things slowly, and focusing on individual small tasks rather than becoming overwhelmed by large projects. The title refers to a story about a boy who is overwhelmed by a school assignment to write a report on birds. His father advises him to take it “bird by bird” – focusing on describing one bird at a time until the task is manageable.
Why is the book called Bird by Bird?
The book is titled Bird by Bird because of an anecdote the author shares about her brother struggling to write a report on birds in elementary school. Their father told the panicking boy to approach the assignment by taking it “bird by bird” – focusing on just writing about one bird at a time until he had filled pages with short writings about different birds. This serves as a metaphor for Lamott’s writing philosophy of tackling writing projects piece-by-piece rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture.
What is the main message of the book?
The main message of Bird by Bird is that good writing comes from working methodically in small steps, persevering through challenges and self-doubt, and focusing on individual components rather than becoming intimidated by large projects or distant end goals. Lamott advocates an incremental, detail-oriented approach to writing rather than trying to produce perfection all at once. Her guidance helps writers to break down projects into manageable pieces and offers encouragement to overcome creative struggles.
Who is the author Anne Lamott?
Anne Lamott is an American novelist and nonfiction writer. Some biographical details about her:
- Born in 1954 in San Francisco, California
- Known for writing about faith, parenthood, addiction, and progressive political views
- Novels include Hard Laughter (1980) and Rosie (1983)
- Bestselling nonfiction works include Operating Instructions (1993) and Bird by Bird (1994)
- Has taught writing at UC Davis and been a Guggenheim Fellow
- Father was the writer Kenneth Lamott
Lamott’s experiences with writing and teaching writing led her to develop the helpful approach to the craft that she shares in Bird by Bird. The guidance in the book reflects her own creative processes and struggles.
What are Anne Lamott’s other popular books?
In addition to Bird by Bird, some other popular books authored by Anne Lamott include:
- Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year (1993) – a memoir about Lamott’s experiences as a first-time parent
- Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith (1999) – collection of autobiographical essays exploring Lamott’s faith
- Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith (2005) – a sequel to Traveling Mercies also focusing on her Christian faith
- Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith (2007) – the third book in Lamott’s series on faith and spirituality
- Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers (2012) – Lamott explores just three essential prayers
- Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair (2013) – collection of personal essays on themes of emotional repair
Lamott is praised for her honest, conversational writing style across memoirs, novels, and books offering wisdom on life, parenting, and overcoming struggles. Bird by Bird remains her most famous book on the craft of writing itself.
What is the structure and style of Bird by Bird?
Bird by Bird is divided into 32 short chapters or sections. The chapters have titles like “Getting Started,” “Character,” “Plot,” “Dialogue,” and “Perfectionism.”
The book’s style is informal, humorous, and conversational. Lamott infuses writing advice with personal anecdotes and real-world metaphors. Her guidance rejects rigid writing “rules” in favor of adaptable techniques that help writers overcome creative blocks and self-doubt.
Rather than a stuffy writing manual, the tone of Bird by Bird is personal, irreverent, and inspirational. Lamott wants to help regular people write rather than intimidate them with highbrow literary advice.
What are some key writing tips from the book?
Some of the most popular writing tips and pieces of advice from Bird by Bird include:
- “Shitty first drafts” – Lamott argues that every writer starts with flawed early drafts, and perfectionism will lead to never finishing anything
- Go slowly and focus on short assignments before tackling massive works
- Write organically and from personal experience before trying to imitate other styles
- Conquer overwhelm by breaking large projects down into small, manageable tasks
- Allow characters room to develop rather than forcing rigid character profiles
- Find your authentic voice before trying to impress hypothetical readers
The book focuses on the emotional blocks and doubts that sabotage writers so they can’t get started or finish. Lamott offers understanding and tools to overcome these inner obstacles.
Why do people love Bird by Bird?
There are several reasons why Bird by Bird continues to be beloved by aspiring and experienced writers alike:
- It offers compassion, not just advice – Lamott understands writers’ struggles.
- The guidance is practical and actionable. Readers come away ready to write.
- It makes writing seem achievable for regular people, not just elite authors.
- The tone is motivational and funny rather than intimidating.
- Lamott covers both craft tips and emotional/psychological blocks.
- It teaches that good writing requires persistence more than talent.
- The book has appealed to multiple generations of writers since its release.
Bird by Bird empowers people to write by meeting them where they are and helping them overcome the challenges that sabotage the process. Lamott is a nurturing mentor to writers at every experience level.
What are the key themes and ideas in Bird by Bird?
Some of the most important themes and ideas readers take away from Bird by Bird include:
Writers deal with universal self-doubts and struggles
Lamott helps writers see their insecurities and creative blocks are universal, not signs they are uniquely untalented. All writers grapple with frustration at some point.
Small, focused steps allow progress
Good writing happens gradually by building up many small components. Perfectionism derails writers, while bird-by-bird progress empowers them.
Learn to write truthfully and find your voice
Lamott argues writers must reject rigid rules and expectations at first. They need to learn to write honestly in a voice true to themselves before they can flourish and connect to readers.
Let characters and stories emerge naturally
Forcing characters and plots leads to stale, predictable writing. Lamott champions organic, surprising storytelling rooted in curiosity and close observation.
Persist through the messiness of creating first drafts
All great writing requires pushing pastinitial doubts, discomfort, and imperfection to get rough drafts written. From these emerge beautiful works.
Who is Bird by Bird for? Does it really help people write?
Bird by Bird is for any writer who feels intimidated, stuck, or doubtful about their ability to finish and polish work. While it focuses on fiction writing and storytelling, many lessons crossover to other genres. The book is especially useful for:
- Novice writers looking for an inspirational entry point.
- Experienced writers battling inner critic blocks.
- People who want to write but fear they lack talent.
- Writers who struggle to complete works.
- Anyone seeking compassionate guidance to overcome creative obstacles.
Yes, Bird by Bird has undeniably helped millions of people finally write, finish, and publish works after years of creative paralysis or frustration. It reminds writers they have permission to take small steps and celebrate progress in an often lonely endeavor. The book’s warm tone and mix of psychological insight, craft advice, and personal anecdotes effectively inspire real world writing breakthroughs.
What are some key quotes and passages from Bird by Bird?
Here are some of the most memorable and inspirational quotes and passages from Bird by Bird:
“Getting started is everything. I am convinced that half the time it’s showing up that gets us there.”
“I know some very great writers, writers you love who write beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident.”
“You get your confidence and intuition back by trusting yourself, by being militantly on your own side.”
“I learned to write by writing four or five hours a day while caring for a baby and a toddler or two…I gave myself permission to do short assignments.”
“E.L. Doctorow said that ‘writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.'”
Lamott’s memorable quotes from Bird by Bird give writers needed compassion while offering simple but insightful advice. Her words bring much-needed humor, humanity, and humility to the writing process.
How has Bird by Bird influenced other writers and writing guides? What is its legacy?
Bird by Bird has sold over 2 million copies and influenced generations of writers since its 1994 release. Its unique blend of craft advice and personal encouragement inspired related writing guides that adopt Lamott’s motivational yet practical tone.
The book helped popularize the idea of “shitty first drafts” – the importance of pushing past self-doubt to finish imperfect early drafts. This concept has become widely embraced by writers hoping to overcome creative paralysis.
Lamott made nurturing voice and perseverance seem central to good writing in a way that gave permission to writers lacking confidence or formal training. This inclusive approach made quality writing guidance far less intimidating.
Bird by Bird made engaging with inner doubt and embracing small steps seem like fundamental elements of a writer’s journey, not just optional tips. This has become an accepted mindset in much writing advice. Lamott helped shape a more compassionate, less perfectionist ethos adopted by later guides.
How does Bird by Bird compare to other well-known writing guides?
Below is a comparison of how Bird by Bird differs from other seminal writing guidebooks:
Vs. Stephen King’s On Writing
- On Writing focuses more narrowly on fiction genres and concrete craft tips.
- Bird by Bird covers emotional blocks, not just technical skills.
- King uses more technical language whereas Lamott’s tone is folksy.
- Lamott shows how small steps cumulatively build novels. King emphasizes talent and big picture vision.
Vs. Anne Lamott’s own book on writing drafts, Sh*tty First Drafts
- Sh*tty First Drafts expands on just one concept from Bird by Bird in essay form.
- Bird by Bird offers comprehensive writing guidance well beyond just first drafts.
- Sh*tty First Drafts speaks to a universal anxiety. Bird by Bird helps across a writer’s entire journey.
Vs. Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones
- Both books blend craft advice with zen mindfulness practices.
- Writing Down the Bones focuses on formal meditation more than Lamott’s Christian-inflected guidance.
- Goldberg offers more specific writing prompts while Lamott covers broader strategies.
Overall, Bird by Bird stands out for its unique balance of craft, psychology, and personal warmth that empowers writers unlike any other guide.
Conclusion
Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird remains a one-of-a-kind book that has helped millions finally start, finish, and polish writing projects. Its mix of practical advice, personal wisdom, and understanding of the emotional blocks all writers face makes it both accessible and impactful for novices and experts alike. The enduring popularity of Lamott’s signature work speaks to the way it empowers people to turn desire into tangible writing success through perseverance and trusting their voice. More than a manual, Bird by Bird is a compassionate manifesto that has shaped how many writers approach the inherently messy craft of writing.