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“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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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
December 13, 2022 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780593744697
- File size: 190251 KB
- Duration: 06:36:21
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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If you're a writer, you need one of this audiobook. The sound of Lamott's voice will cheer you on in your darkest hours. BIRD BY BIRD is a written compilation of Lamott's writing workshops. Lamott's voice drones a bit in narrating her book, but her humor, sincerity and wisdom make up for it. She's the real thing--a successful writer--and she shares invaluable nuggets of wisdom about writing and the writing life. E.K.D. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine -
Novelist and nonfiction author Anne Lamott offers up some hard-earned advice in this book--first published in 1995--about how to get started writing. She chronicles her own successes and setbacks in writing and getting published, adding in a healthy dose of humor. Narrator Susan Bennett has a gentle, down-to-earth tone, with comfortably relaxed pacing that captures Lamott's worthy advice with nonchalance. For Lamott's witty and sometimes off-color quips, a bit more sharpness rather than gentleness might be in order. Nevertheless, Bennett's narration is warmly humorous, capably communicating the author's straightforward tips, vivid metaphors, useful prompts to stimulate writing, and personal anecdotes. Those looking for writing inspiration may find it here, in the wisdom of a seasoned professional. S.E.G. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
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August 29, 1994
Lamott's ( Operating Instructions ) miscellany of guidance and reflection should appeal to writers struggling with demons large and slight. Among the pearls she offers is to start small, as their father once advised her 10-year-old brother, who was agonizing over a book report on birds: ``Just take it bird by bird.'' Lamott's suggestion on the craft of fiction is down-to-earth: worry about the characters, not the plot. But she's even better on psychological questions. She has learned that writing is more rewarding than publication, but that even writing's rewards may not lead to contentment. As a former ``Leona Helmsley of jealousy,'' she's come to will herself past pettiness and to fight writer's block by living ``as if I am dying.'' She counsels writers to form support groups and wisely observes that, even if your audience is small, ``to have written your version is an honorable thing.'' -
Listening to Anne Lamott deliver her classic treatise on writing, life, and the writing life is akin to enrolling in what turns out to be your favorite college seminar. Twenty-five years after publication, and long after Lamott performed an abridged version, we get to appreciate her take on the complete book. An experienced public speaker, Lamott narrates with precision and attentive timing. Admittedly, her voice has a slightly nasal quality, and she can drone a bit when deep in the how-to chapters. But the audiobook, which blends Lamott's personal life with her professional advice, belongs in her quirky, endearing voice. So, take heart. Lamott's thoughts on everything from adjectives to inspiration, jealousy to third drafts are guaranteed to comfort and inspire while making you laugh. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
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