Bird by Bird Summary
Bird by Bird is a popular book on writing by Anne Lamott, which has been made into an audiobook narrated by the author herself. The book offers practical advice and personal anecdotes on the writing process, drawing from Lamott's own experiences as a writer.
The title of the book comes from a story Lamott tells about her younger brother, who was overwhelmed with the task of writing a report on birds that he had procrastinated on until the night before it was due. Their father, also a writer, told him to take the project "bird by bird," meaning to break it down into small, manageable pieces.
Throughout the book, Lamott emphasizes the importance of accepting the messy, imperfect nature of the writing process and encourages writers to focus on writing what they know and care about. She offers advice on overcoming writer's block, dealing with rejection, and finding one's own voice as a writer.
One of the most memorable sections of the book is Lamott's chapter on "Shitty First Drafts," where she urges writers to embrace the messy, imperfect first drafts that inevitably result from the writing process. She encourages writers to give themselves permission to write badly, knowing that they can always revise and refine later.
Overall, Bird by Bird offers practical advice and inspiring insights for writers of all levels. Lamott's warm, witty narration makes the audiobook an enjoyable and engaging listen for anyone interested in the art and craft of writing.
