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Some - because it's too many to list ALL - of reasons I loved Bird by Bird as a writer, an entrepreneur and a human being with stories to share and thoughts to voice - just like you.
I wish I had read the Kindle version so I could highlight every chapter and re-read them later, but I got the physical book to add it to the small shelf of books I still keep in my office, and next to the copy of my most favorite book on the topic: On Writing by Stephen King. Bird by Bird is now the 2nd best and useful book I have read on writing.
If I weren't inspired to write before, I felt my body fill up with reasons that now draw me to writing. If I had voices of doubt, the ones that slip into your head at 4am and whisper, "Who are you to write? What do you have to say that others want to read?", which I did, I am now courageous enough to ignore them. They don't go away but I can say, screw you, I'm writing anyway.
I now can't not write and this feeling is one that I just can't put a price on. For that alone, I'm overjoyed. But there's more.
For starters, it's the way she tells you to write about your childhood. It's the simplicity of this advice, and the way she just calls you to do it. I loved her just for that. Write about your childhood even if it was terrible, even if it was dark and lonely, for it shaped you into who you are and who you are is a unique voice for the world to hear. Okay I added all of that but she says it more beautifully and the gist of it says that thou must write about thy childhood especially when you do not know where to start.Read more ›
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I'll start this review by stating that I'm not an aspiring novelist, at least at the moment. A hearty recommendation prompted me to read this book, though I had only a cursory idea of the subject matter. At a time when it seems that only raving praise or apoplectic hate receive meaningful attention, stating that something is only okay or average feels especially hostile. Unfortunately I must admit that was my finding of this book, that it was a middle of the road, if not totally unexceptional, experience that elicited little in the way of strong responses. Let me be clear: there is value in this book especially for the would-be writer looking for advice, try a sample to feel this book out and don't let my ambivalence scare you off.
The positives should probably come first, right? The author is clearly passionate about the subject and it doesn't matter what the topic happens to be, when the writer cares about the topic it immediately makes the book more enjoyable to read. Ms. Lamott's writing is straightforward and honest and I appreciate that immensely. Another book I was reading concurrently too often felt pedantic and by comparison this one did not reek of this stench one bit. The author is perhaps overly generous in her use of quotes, but they're not cloying as if to convince you that she should be taken seriously. Instead these quotations are offered as useful pearls of wisdom. I come from a world of academia where too many quotations tend to be frowned upon, but you may like them so chalk this up to my own biases. While Ms. Lamott doesn't suffocate you with her qualifications, she is entirely within her rights to do so. I say this to illustrate the following point: if you are willing, this book can help you with something.Read more ›
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This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I wish I could remember who it was so I could thank them. It's just such a wonderful book which I would recommend for everyone who loves to write and struggles with all the insecurity and doubt that comes with the territory. Lamott packs no punches when talking about how hard the writing life can be and how few people who set out on this journey will actually be successful in conventional terms. She points out that even those who are lucky enough to get published will find it's not the life-changing experience they expect it to be.
While not discouraging people from following their dreams she reinforces that writing is its own reward and that exploring your own dark places and having the courage to write your truth can be incredibly enriching and empowering on its own. I learnt so much about writing and life from this book and my Kindle highlighter went into overdrive. This is a book I see myself returning to for years to come for its great wisdom and inspiration. Oh, and did I also mention it's very funny with lots of LOL moments?
Here are just a few of my favourite quotes:
On lacking drive: "If you find that you start a number of stories or pieces that you don't even bother finishing, that you lose interest or faith in them along the way, it may be that there is nothing at their centre about which you care passionately. You need to put yourself at their centre, you and what you believe to be true or right. The core ethical concepts in which you most passionately believe are the language in which you are writing"
On writer's block: "The word block suggests you are constipated or stuck, when the truth is you are empty....Read more ›
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This item: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
