Book: Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott)
Chances are that if you take any kind of writing class, Bird By Bird (Anne Lamott) will be on the list of recommended reading. I recently finished this book for the second time and it occurred to me that many of the lessons in this book apply not just to writing but to other creative endeavors as well.
Short Assignments
Lamott keeps a 1 inch picture frame on her desk. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to tackle everything at once – just focus on that one tiny piece for right now. The book’s title, Bird By Bird, also addresses this idea. Her brother once had to write a report on birds but left it until last-minute. Overwhelmed by the enormity of the project, her father told him to just take it “bird by bird” – finish one, then move on to the next.
Whether you are writing a book, perfecting a recipe, or painting the Sistine Chapel, sometimes it helps to break it into smaller parts. Focus on one part until it’s right, then move on to the next. As a child, I remember doing this as part of my piano practice. I’d concentrate on those tricky parts, stanza by stanza, until I was finally comfortable with it, then I could work it into the overall piece. Trying to perfect it all at once seldom works and just leaves us overwhelmed. So write that chapter, conquer that cooking technique, or paint the most amazing cloud you’ve ever seen. Then move forward!
Perfectionism
I honestly believe that perfectionism is the creative’s worst nightmare. It blocks our imagination and stops us even before we start. We learn by making mistakes. And sometimes mistakes aren’t even mistakes but happy accidents. If we’re too afraid to get started because it might not be perfect, we’ll never accomplish anything.
First drafts and editing exist for a reason. Don’t let your desire to be flawless keep you from getting started.
Writer’s Block
Or, if you aren’t writing, let’s just talk about general creative block. Your medium’s equivalent of the blank page is before you. It’s inevitable. Suddenly none of your ideas seem worth pursuing and you can’t come up with anything else. It’s infinitely frustrating. In fact, as I write this, I’ve just wasted an hour trying to write my post for yesterday (hopefully by the time you read this, that blank page will be conquered).
Lamott feels that it’s not a block we’re facing but an emptiness. In those moments, it may be more beneficial to observe and consume rather than try to create. Of course, if you’re on a deadline, this feels more like procrastination. In Kick-Ass Creativity, another book I recently reviewed here, she talks about periods of uploading (creating) and downloading (filling yourself up with experiences and knowledge to use for creating later). I think the two concepts are closely related.
Bird By Bird is a great book for all creatives, even if it is directed at writers. Sure, it addresses plot and dialogue but it also addresses jealousy, finding your voice, and giving it your all. There are tools here for everyone, not just those of us who play with words.
Have you read this book? What did you think?
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This is a great overview, Stacia! I have had this book recommended to me so many times. I read it quite a long time ago but definitely need a refresher. I thankfully had the good sense to bring it with me when I moved, so it’s not sitting in storage with all the other books I miss so dearly. I’ll revisit this post once I’ve reread to share any additional thoughts!
I’ve got this one sitting in my ‘to read’ bag from the library and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve just got to finish Writing the Breakout Novel first. I’ve gotten sidetracked from that by, in fact, getting back to the novel I started earlier in the year!
I think when the creativity starts to feel forced, that’s when you have to step back and do something else. If you can write through writer’s block (or keep creating for other creative types), then that’s great. If not, well, surely whatever else you do will help feed those creative fires.
I also believe that sometimes the best method is to start with small chunks and realize small successes. The momentum you can gain from accomplishment can be positively infectious. Whenever I’m faced with a seemingly insurmountable task and I get anxious about it, I try to pull back and look at what can be done first or easily. Then, when that’s done, I move forward. Soon enough, I’ve made huge strides and often, I’ve gotten further than I expected or planned. It makes me want to keep going. This is true for everything in life, not just creative pursuits. Digesting things in small increments can make them seem far less overwhelming.
I’ll attempt to come back and post my thoughts on the book once I read it. I keep stopping WtBN to write and revise or make outlines of what I want to write while it’s fresh. It’s been a great catalyst for my writing, but it’s sure put a damper on my reading!
I’ve been so focused on writing the past couple of weeks that my reading has really fallen to the bottom of the list. After several hours a day of writing, I find I’m just tired of words. I still love them, but I need a break from them to appreciate them again. But at least my desire to read hasn’t faltered.
This book is a really great one because while it’s more focused on fiction writing, it can be applied to all writing and creativity. I love that about it and didn’t really see that the first time I read it. It’s one that I’m very glad to have in my permanent collection. I hope you enjoy it!
Now I’m even more excited to read it! Thanks for sharing the insight; I will certainly be thinking about the application to other pursuits when I am reading it now.
I find it’s really hard to read anything of great substance or complexity when I’m writing heavily. While I was writing with great passion last winter, I tailored my reading to ‘beach reads’, despite not actually sitting on a beach. Unfortunately, book club has chosen some thought-provoking books this fall, which isn’t boding well with taking a class, doing mommy duty and wanting to write (as well as read my own stuff). Consequently, last month’s selection didn’t get read in time. This month looks much the same. Such is life, sometimes!
That’s one thing I liked about Bird By Bird – it’s not TOO heavy to read. Lamott’s style is light and I found a lot of it funny as well as helpful.