Anne Lamott

Bird by Bird

1. IDEA 1

   Write one step at a time

   Lamott takes her title from advice her father gave her brother, who was overwhelmed by a school report on birds: deal with the birds one by one. She argues that writing, like any big task, must be done step by step.

2. IDEA 2

   Start with small assignments

   Lamott suggests giving yourself short assignments, such as writing just one small scene. Small tasks are less frightening. In her view, finishing a small piece builds confidence, and many small pieces add up to a finished work.

3. IDEA 3

   First drafts can be bad

   Lamott argues that first drafts are supposed to be messy. Writers improve them in later drafts. In her account, the writer's task at the start is only to get something onto the page. Shaping and polishing come after that.

All 8 ideas from Bird by Bird →