Anne Lamott is one of my favorite writers. Her sense of humor is unrivaled in my literary world. She so easily weaves little funny moments throughout her books.
I recently finished her infamous Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, which has been on my to-be-read pile for many years. Thinking I was just going to learn some much needed tips on writing, I was pleasantly surprised at the many moments I found myself laughing to the point of tears.
There are so many great words of wisdom for writers in this book, but for time sake (and legality issues), I want to share the top 3 tips I came away with. But first this, my favorite quote from the entire book:
Writing can be a pretty desperate endeavor, because it is about some of our deepest needs: our need to be visible, to be heard, our need to make sense of our lives, to wake up and grow and belong.
~Anne Lamott
For those of us who feel these needs so deeply that we must get our stories out regardless of the fears it sometimes evokes, here is some of her sage advice.
#1. Sit down to write at the same time every day to help train your mind to focus.
This seems so simple, but I think it is one of the best habits we can start. Her discussions on this also happen to be part of the funniest sections of the book. I’m incredibly thankful of how she makes me feel sane as she trails off into the many crazy places her mind goes while trying to focus on writing. I can so relate to this wandering.
#2. Writer’s block is actually more of an emptiness problem.
When you feel blocked, perhaps you are just empty and need to get out and live a little bit. This can help you fill back up on ideas and material. Some of her ways of doing this are reading, seeing movies, and walks. I find interacting with people, as exhausting as it may be for me sometimes, a great way to refuel an empty writing material tank.
#3. Don’t save your best stuff!
As a blogger who wants to write books someday, I’m always concerned about running out of material. Anne Lamott so beautifully lays out the importance of continuous giving and always sharing your best. She reveals what I have decided is the biggest reason for becoming a giver rather than worrying about future publishing:
“There is no cosmic importance to your getting something published, but there is in learning to be a giver.” (p. 203, Bird by Bird)
The reality of publication is discussed towards the end of the book. It’s more of the mental health aspect of it, rather than a how to, which I really appreciated. I always love reading about writers habits, processes, and realities. This is a wonderful handbook of one incredible writer’s journey.
{Warning: There are many instances of profanity throughout the book. I want to warn those of you who would find that offensive. Unfortunately my language is not always the cleanest, so I had no problem with this.}
If you would like to purchase Bird by Bird, you can find it here:
If you have time today, check out the rest of my to be read pile for 2015:
Enjoyed this Candace, thank you. Have read several books by Anne Lamott. She always has something profound to say. Loved this quote, “Being a writer guarantees you will spend too much time alone, and that as a result your mind will begin to warp.” (Yes, so true!)
She has such an incredible way with words, Allie! I love the way she makes me laugh loud and hard :). That quote is awesome. I couldn’t resist putting it in that hybrid old time keyboard with a laptop screen. That was just to help us feel a little more warped!
Thanks for shining light on this writer.
My mind has been warped for a very long time. hahaha.
Mine too! I can completely relate :). Anne Lamott is fantastic. Another one of hers I really like is: Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith.
No wonder she is one of your favorite authors, she really nails the advice! These are great tips you pulled out. I am always worried that someday I will run dry with words to write, but if we are fully living that shouldn’t happen. Thanks for sharing, pinning on my blogging board right now!
Thanks for the pin, Jen! For every tip I shared, there are at least 100 more in her book :). She goes through characters, plots, settings… It’s really quite a little writer’s manual.
I love those important words of advice! I have thought about those very same things often. And struggle with all of them!! LOL
Oh, and the language. Yeah. That too. 😉
I really learned a lot from this book, Chris. It’s not often I can say that. Usually I take a few key things from something I read, but this is just a dusting of everything I got from her.
I’m with you on the language :). I’m trying to do a little better lately, but it can be a tough habit to break in stressful moments.
#2 speaks to me, Candace!
Writer’s block, emptiness problem, whatever label we hang on it? For me that means I’ve been spending too much time cherishing my screen and I need to wrap it up, close my laptop tight, and get out and about and have a life!
Thanks for sharing Anne with us today …
🙂
How funny that I was at your place while you were here, Linda! We must have been thinking of each other at exactly the same time :). I’m with you on the “screen cherishing.” That emptiness is definitely a sign of that for me too. Always great to see you, my friend!
Those are such wonderful tips! And so true about writers block!
Thanks for linking up with the Best of the Blogosphere! Hope to see you again next week.
Thanks for the party! I always love linking up with you ladies :). I totally agree about the writer’s block. There were so many great tips in this book!
Great tips my friend! I am a “read the same sentence over and over twenty times while not comprehending what I just wrote” type of writers block person.. haha. These are golden nuggets of advice here for sure! ^_^ – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
I’ve certainly had those moments too, Gingi! Anne Lamott is full of “golden nuggets” and she shares them in a hilarious way. I love when writers can teach me something and make me laugh at the same time :).
I loved Bird by Bird — read it many years ago. Thanks for the excellent reminder of these great tips! Linked up with you at Best of the Blogosphere — hope you’ll stop by Saved by Grace for a visit!
God bless,
Laurie
It is a wonderful book, Laurie. I’m so glad I finally finished it. It’s been on my shelf for years :). Thanks for coming by!
Dear Candace,
Thank you so much for sharing your gleaning with us. I appreciate the warning about the language as well. I do hope you have a most blessed and pleasant weekending.
Sincerely,
Laura
You’re so welcome, Laura! I was worried about someone reading it from my recommendation and being offended by the language. I’m glad to share some of my favorite parts for those who would rather not read it. Blessings to you as well :)!
Bird by Bird is brilliant! It’s a book I read when I need inspiration 🙂
It is absolutely brilliant, Akaleistar! I will definitely be reading it more than once.
I’m really grateful for these tips as I want to write an e-book and struggling a little bit.
I’ve been really wanting to write an e-book too, Liisi. This book definitely helped me want to move forward. I have kept that goal on the back burner for far too long :). I hope you overcome your struggles soon!
I am currently reading this book. I got to a certain point and then had to take a break and soak in some of what she said. I will be picking it up again soon. Good stuff…
I started this book years ago, Mindy. I did the same thing, putting it down to absorb some, then I forgot to pick it back up :). I’m so glad I finally finished it. I plan to read it again in the future and I’m not one to read a book twice. So much great info!
Thanks for the reminder to read this. I have it sitting on a shelf waiting and I loved the points you shared, so maybe now is the time.
This must be your sign, Jenny :). Mine sat on a shelf for a long time too. It is definitely worth the read.
No. 3 is new. It is good how she explained about being a giver. I guess if you keeping sharing your best stuff rather than storing it, you will build a habit of churning out only good stuff. From Shine hop
I loved #3, Jasbir. We can’t run out of creativity. I think our creative muscle actually strengthens the more we use it :).
I just read this book a few weeks ago! I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to all writers as well.
Another great book is Emily P. Freeman’s “A Million Little Ways”.
I often fear that I will run out of good material and that my blog will run dry but the words keep coming. May yours continue, too!
Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
I just read A Million Little Ways a few months ago and absolutely loved it, Heather. Thanks for reminding me of it! All creatives should read that one. Blessings to you as well!
Great tips! #2 makes total sense. I’ve been there. I think we all have.
She sounds like a fantastic author!
We have definitely all been there, Tiffany! She is an amazing author. Her humor shines through and is such a bonus to all of her fantastic tips.
These are indeed fabulous tips!
I love the point about writer’s block. I’ve always felt that experiencing, living, and doing provides endless inspiration to write.
I should try the set time to write tip. I’ve been working on a project for a while now and I’ve been trying to fit it in wherever I can… maybe I need to make daily time for it instead.
Thanks so much for sharing.
xoxo
I’m really wanting to try writing at a set time every day too, Jennifer. I love that tip. I’ve been planning to set “office hours” for my blog for so long. This has motivated me to try to start that very soon. Thanks for visiting :)!