Reading “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott

“Some Instructions on Writing and Life.” Perfect.

I checked this book out several months ago after coming across high praise for it. I didn’t get into it before time came for it to be returned. As I began my commitment to write every day I recalled my desire to read thi, and put a hold on it as all the copies were checked out. Today I received notice my turn came up, I picked it up and started in this evening. I’m glad I did.

As I began the introduction and first chapter of Bird by Bird, it became clear right away that this second attempt was the right time to dig in. I’m into my third week of daily writing, and relating to some themes Anne Lamott describes. I’ve already found motivation and solid guidance.

My first pleasant surprise was how exceptional the introduction is. Many books I skip right past this section that often seems an obligatory afterthought. This is my favorite introduction I can remember reading. It both set the bar high for the rest of the book, and gave me confidence that this writer, whom I do not have experience with, knows what she is teaching.

Another (gift) is that writing motivates you to look closely at life, at life as it lurches by and tramps around.
Writing taught my father to pay attention…

This quote on page xii hit home. She expresses much more eloquently what I attempted in my post explaining some reasons for writing every day. Even considering what to share in words pushes me to be more observant of my world, and contemplate how to present what is before me to others.

There are two points that are main take-away’s for me so far.

First, show up. Sit down. Put your fingers on some keys, and write. Every day. Check!

“Do it every day for a while,” my father kept saying. “Do it as you would scales on the piano. Do it by prearrangement with yourself. Do it as a debt of honor. And make a commitment to finishing things.”

As I read on this evening, through the first chapter titled “Getting Started”, another point that stuck out for me was writing without concern for what people think. Write for writing sake. My guess is writing publicly will prove to be effective at slaying that dragon. I’m betting on this, at least.

She leaves off the first chapter by building up the next — “Short Assignments” will contain her “two single most helpful things” about writing. I’m eager to see what these are, and even more so how I may apply them to my daily activity. Maybe working alongside Anne’s instructions, I’ll piece together my first collection. We’ll see.