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Summary of Bird by Bird

Summary of Bird by Bird: Some instructions on writing and life

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This summary of Bird by Bird could never cover every gem she included in her book. So I have picked 10 that can change your writing life.

Key Takeaways from Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird

  1. Just Start Writing: Don’t worry about perfection. Just get the words down.
  2. Short Assignments: Break your writing into manageable chunks.
  3. Embrace Shitty First Drafts: They are essential for the creative process.
  4. Perfectionism is the Enemy: It stifles creativity and progress.
  5. Observation: Look at details in life and use them in your writing.
  6. Character Development: Allow your characters to be flawed and complex.
  7. Plot Emerges from Character: Understand your characters deeply.
  8. Dialogue and Set Design: Good dialogue and vivid scenes enhance your writing.
  9. False Starts are Normal: Keep digging deeper into your story.
  10. Finding Your Voice: Separate your intuition from negative narratives.

Implementing Anne Lamott’s Ideas in Your Author Journey

Just Start Writing

Anne Lamott’s advice to “just start writing” helps overcome the inertia of a blank page. As a nonfiction author, this approach allows you to capture your thoughts without the pressure of perfection. By simply getting words down, you create a foundation to build upon, which you (and your editor) can refine. One thing I always say to clients is that I can only help you with words you put on a page, so put down words and we can go from there. 

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.” – Anne Lamott

Short Assignments

Breaking your work into small, manageable tasks prevents overwhelm and keeps you focused. Instead of thinking about the entire book, concentrate on writing one chapter, one section, or even one paragraph at a time. This method keeps the writing process more approachable and less daunting.

Embrace Shitty First Drafts

Acknowledging that your first draft will be far from perfect frees you from the constraints of perfectionism. This step is crucial for nonfiction authors as it allows you to express your ideas fully before revising and refining them. The key is to get your thoughts on paper, knowing you can improve them later. I think of the first draft as getting the ideas out, nothing more.

Perfectionism is the Enemy

Lamott’s assertion that perfectionism stifles creativity is relevant for nonfiction authors. Striving for perfection can lead to procrastination and self-doubt. Instead, embrace the messiness of the creative process, allowing yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.

Observation

Being observant and writing about the details of everyday life adds depth to your work. Whether you’re writing a memoir or a nonfiction book, these observations can make your writing more engaging. Pay attention to the little things and use them to enrich your narrative.

Character Development

Even in nonfiction, character development is important. If you’re writing a memoir or a biography, allowing your subjects to show both their best and worst traits makes them more human and relatable. This approach helps readers connect with your story on a deeper level. In every nonfiction book, use stories about characters like us. That makes your content relatable.

Plot Emerges from Character

For nonfiction authors, this principle translates to letting your narrative flow naturally from the people and events you are writing about. Understand your subjects deeply and let their actions and decisions drive the story forward. If you start with a character that we can relate to for your stories, we can see ourselves and how things could unfold for us.

Dialogue and Set Design

Good dialogue and vivid descriptions bring your nonfiction writing to life. Whether you’re recounting conversations or describing settings, make sure your dialogue sounds natural and your scenes are rich with detail. This makes your writing more immersive and engaging.

False Starts are Normal

Understand that your initial attempts may not be perfect, and that’s okay. Each draft is an opportunity to dig deeper into your story and improve upon what you’ve written. Persistence is key.

Finding Your Voice

Separate your true inner voice from negative self-talk. Your unique voice is what will set your writing apart. Embrace it, and let it guide your narrative. Authenticity resonates with readers and makes your work stand out. No need to be clever. We want to relate to you, see who you are, so we can trust you.

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.” – Anne Lamott

Summarizing Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Now we have covered some of the key points, here is a summary of Bird by Bird, a treasure trove of wisdom for writers.

Bird by Bird is broken down into five sections: Writing, Writing Frame of Mind, Help Along the Way, Publication and Other Reasons to Write, and finally, Last Class. Let’s dive into each part and uncover the gems Lamott offers.

Now we have covered some of the key points, here is a summary of Bird by Bird, a treasure trove of wisdom for writers.

Bird by Bird is broken down into five sections: Writing, Writing Frame of Mind, Help Along the Way, Publication and Other Reasons to Write, and finally, Last Class. Let’s dive into each part and uncover the gems Lamott offers.

Part One: Writing

Lamott starts by encouraging writers to simply start writing. Don’t worry about doing it well initially—just get it down. She suggests writing at the same time every day to make it a habit, training your unconscious mind to kick in and write. For those struggling to start, consider short assignments. Break your writing into small, manageable tasks like writing a scene or a piece of dialogue.

She emphasizes the importance of shitty first drafts—just write it down, no matter how bad it is. Perfectionism, she warns, is the enemy of creativity. Allow yourself to be messy and make mistakes. Observe the world around you, and write about the details, like your school lunch. Think of first drafts as Polaroids—they gradually come into focus, revealing details you didn’t initially notice.

For character, let them be their best and worst selves. Let them get into trouble and find their way out. Plot, Lamott asserts, grows out of character. Good dialogue is essential, so read it out loud to ensure it sounds natural. Imagine the scene you’re writing in vivid detail, considering every sensory element.

False starts are part of the process. Keep looking and digging deeper into your story with each draft. Sometimes, a plot treatment—a detailed telling of your book’s scenes—can help get things in order. And how do you know when you’re done? You might never feel truly done, but you’ll know when there’s nothing left to give.

Part Two: Writing Frame of Mind

Writers need to look around with both detachment and compassion, observing the world without blame or judgment. Everyone has a moral point of view, but as an author, aim to lay things out for readers to decide on their own. Find your voice and listen to it, distinguishing it from negative narratives.

Lamott discusses the concept of Radio Station KFKD, where two conflicting voices in your head battle it out—one praising you and the other tearing you down. Find a balance between these voices, using rituals to quiet the negative one.

Jealousy, she advises, can be combated by aging gracefully, talking about it until you’re over it, and using it as material for your writing.

Part Three: Help Along the Way

Carry metaphorical index cards to jot down ideas and observations. When you need expertise, talk to real people, not just Google. Writing groups, conferences, and workshops can be fabulous for inspiration and feedback, but look for those who are honest, gentle, and compassionate.

Find a writing partner to exchange drafts with, someone who will provide constructive feedback. If you’re stuck, write letters—to your characters, to loved ones, to your favorite author. Writing letters can help break through writer’s block.

Part Four: Publication and Other Reasons to Write

Lamott highlights that writing is a gift. Think of your book as a present for someone special, whether it’s your children, your clients, or your favorite author. Your voice is unique, and the truth of your experience comes through in it. Give everything you have to your book, believing that you’ll have more to give afterward.

Part Five: The Last ClassPart Five: The Last Class

This section is a bit of a hodgepodge of advice. Lamott encourages writers to write with a vengeance but to do so nicely, and to avoid libel.

Bird by Bird is a rich resource for nonfiction authors, packed with insights and encouragement. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend getting a copy. If you have, let me know your favorite chapter and how it has helped you in your writing journey.

Implementing the ideas from Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird can profoundly impact your author journey. Here’s how:

Take Action and Write Your Book, Bird by Bird

  1. Set a Timer and Free Write (5 minutes)
    • Set a timer for five minutes and write without stopping. Don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, or making sense. The goal is to get words on paper and overcome the initial barrier of starting.
  2. Observe and Note Details (3 minutes)
    • Take three minutes to observe your surroundings and jot down details. Look at objects, people, and the environment. Note down anything that catches your attention. This practice helps sharpen your observational skills, which you can later use in your writing.
  3. Write a Letter to a Character or Mentor (5 minutes)
    • Spend five minutes writing a letter to one of your characters or a mentor. Express your thoughts, ask questions, or delve into their backstory. This exercise can provide insights and deepen your understanding of your characters or themes.
Author Nation is your go-to resource for becoming a successful nonfiction author, from planning to promotion and everything in between. 
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