NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An essential volume for generations of writers young and old. The twenty-fifth anniversary edition of this modern classic will continue to spark creative minds for years to come. Anne Lamott is "a warm, generous, and hilarious guide through the writer’s world and its treacherous swamps" (Los Angeles Times).
“Superb writing advice…. Hilarious, helpful, and provocative.” —The New York Times Book Review
For a quarter century, more than a million readers—scribes and scribblers of all ages and abilities—have been inspired by Anne Lamott’s hilarious, big-hearted, homespun advice. Advice that begins with the simple words of wisdom passed down from Anne’s father—also a writer—in the iconic passage that gives the book its title:
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”
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Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
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Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Bird By Bird: Some Instructions On Writing And Life is a highly regarded book, celebrated for its motivational and insightful advice on writing. Readers appreciate its engaging and humorous approach, making it a favorite among writers of all levels.
"This book is a real gift for anyone and everyone." — David P.
"Excellent book on writing" — Peter
"A really great resource for any aspiring writer, or those who have always wondered how writers do it." — Peter
Reviews
Bird by Bird
"Amusing and on point. ‘Stories’ from a creative writing teacher."
— Sheila (5/5)
Back by popular Demand!
"This beautiful old classic needs to be on every author's reference shelf. Anne is like your good friend who always has time to give you a pep talk. Her stories are hilarious but very motivating and come from experience. To show its success and popularity this book, first published in 1994, has been reprinted many times. I borrowed my Library's copy and then wanted my own copy. So Good!"
— Maria (5/5)
Interesting author
"Excellent book. Anne is comedic and dry, an interesting read even if reader isn’t inclined to write themselves. I really enjoyed."
— Nhrm (5/5)
The antidote to writer's block
"Equal parts inspiring and practical, this book has been more conducive to my writing process than many others I have tried. The tone is engaging and compelling, and the exercises have been hugely helpful."
— Somer (5/5)
Useful and fresh.
"An interesting approach to successfully work through the writing experience."
— Reader (4/5)
Écrire et se découvrir.
"Un classique, bestseller de l'écriture et ses méandres."
— THierry (5/5)
Refreshing take on writing ✍️
"I am writing my memoir and this book is the perfect companion as I go process this process. I imagine I will read this book multiple times to soak in all the gold nuggets of wisdom!"
— Sabrina (5/5)
Say Goodbye to that Creative Block
"This helped fan the flame of creativity when I had writers block. I've already gifted it to a friend as well!"
— Shey (5/5)
Insightful, inspiring -- life as a writer
"I bought ""Bird by Bird"" as a recommended book for improving writing skills and was pleasantly surprised to find it so easy to read! I learned and laughed my whole way through every page. I recommend ""Bird by Bird"" for all inspiring writers as much for the insightful comments on life as the information on writing."
— Skiedit (5/5)
This is a forever book for me.
"I loved this book. Anne Lamott has a warm and hilarious writing style herself, and she passes along her wisdom with bang-on anecdotes. I had to own it and keep a copy on my bookshelf after a temporary library loan. And I don’t have much room to spare on my bookshelf."
— Dorissio (5/5)
Q&A
Published date: Sep 01, 1995
Language: English
No. of Pages: 256
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780385480017
Dimensions:
5.13" W x
0.73" L x
7.94" H
“Superb writing advice. . . . Hilarious, helpful, and provocative.” —The New York Times Book Review
“A warm, generous, and hilarious guide through the writer’s world and its treacherous swamps.” —Los Angeles Times
“One of the funniest books on writing ever published.” —The Christian Science Monitor
“A gift to all of us mortals who write or ever wanted to write. . . . Sidesplittingly funny, patiently wise and alternately cranky and kind—a reveille to get off our duffs and start writing now, while we still can.” —Seattle Times
“Bird by Bird would be worth reading just for Lamott’s ele- gant, moving, and often-hilarious prose. But the advice she offers is just as fantastic as the style with which it’s delivered.” —Forbes “Anne Lamott understands better than anyone that writers need help. . . . She writes so well, in fact, that it’s hard to believe that she, too, has trouble with writing. That’s what’s so deeply comforting about this book.” —The Wall Street Journal “Deftly and honestly explores the mental challenges of being a writer. . . . Lamott’s advice is, simply put, invaluable.” —Bustle
“[Lamott] uses her writing exercises or lessons as a way to help us more deeply understand ourselves and the human condition in all its messiness. If you’re looking for sense-making and meaning during this deeply destabilizing time, this book is timeless.” —Elise Hu, TED Talks Daily “Delight[s] with insight and descriptive acumen. This humorous, insightful, no-nonsense approach will remind novices why they are writing.” —Kirkus Reviews “Offers unique inspiration. . . . An honest appraisal of what it takes to be a writer and why it matters so much.” —Library Journal
Anne Lamott is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Almost Everything; Hallelujah Anyway; Help, Thanks, Wow; Small Victories; Stitches; Some Assembly Required; Grace (Eventually); Plan B; Traveling Mercies; and Operating Instructions. She is also the author of seven novels, including Imperfect Birds and Rosie. A past recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and an inductee to the California Hall of Fame, she lives in Northern California.
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