Introduction

Aspiring and seasoned authors, this post is for you! I’ve recently stumbled upon an author whose insights have left an indelible mark on my writing journey. Her name is Anne Lamott, and her book, Bird by Bird, has catapulted itself into my top five must-reads for any author, whether you’re just starting out or have been crafting stories for years. Today, I want to share with you the gems I’ve discovered in her writing and why I believe every writer should dive into her work.

Background

Anne Lamott is not just an author; she’s a beacon of wisdom on life and writing. Her book Bird by Bird is a brilliant guide that offers practical advice wrapped in a conversational, relatable tone. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell you how to write but also how to live as a writer. Lamott's approach is both encouraging and no-nonsense, making it clear that writing is a craft to be honed through persistence and patience. She’s a great story-teller and her stories resonate - at least they did with me.

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere. Start by getting something—anything—down on paper. A friend of mine says that the first draft is the down draft—you just get it down. The second draft is the up draft—you fix it up.” - Anne Lamott from Bird by Bird

In Bird by Bird, Lamott outlines three fundamental principles that have profoundly impacted my writing mindset:

1. Write Short Stories: Especially when you're starting out, focusing on short stories can help you develop your skills without the overwhelming pressure of a full-length novel.

2. Write That Shitty First Draft: Just get it done. The first draft is supposed to be messy. You can always revise and refine later, but you can't rewrite or edit a blank page.

3. Avoid Perfectionism: Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. It can paralyze you and prevent you from making progress. Instead, focus on getting your ideas down and worry about polishing them later.

Lamott's advice isn’t about accepting mediocrity but about understanding that the path to good writing is paved with imperfect drafts and constant revision. Her mantra reminds me of a saying from my corporate days: "Just do it, then fix it." The key is to start writing and let the process unfold.

Call to Action

I can’t recommend Bird by Bird highly enough. It’s a book that offers both practical tips and philosophical musings on the writing life. Lamott’s insights on character development, plot structure, setting, and dialogue are invaluable. She gets straight to the heart of what matters, cutting through the noise and focusing on the essentials.

If you're serious about improving your writing craft, add this book to your library. It’s worth every penny and the time you’ll spend reading it. Lamott has quickly become one of my top five writing mentors, and I’m sure her wisdom will resonate with you as it has with me.

Upcoming Blogs and Other Resources

In my upcoming blog posts, I’ll be sharing more about the other invaluable mentors who have influenced my writing journey. Stay tuned for insights from some of the best minds in the writing world. Additionally, I’ll be exploring more books, tools, and techniques that can help you become a better writer.

For now, grab a copy of Bird by Bird, and let Anne Lamott’s words guide you through the beautiful, messy, and rewarding process of writing.

Happy writing!

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and improve your craft word by word -- or blog by blog!"

Steve Shipley: Author and founder of InkIT Publishing