Books: Bird by Bird

Bird by Bird
My Verdict: Don't Bother

If you want to read about the personal woes of being a writer, then Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is the book for you. Otherwise, skip it.

The title comes from some short advice early on which can also be conveyed as "take it one step at a time". Most of the book, when not relating personal stories (which is often), is spent on lengthier (and I suppose to some people funnier) ways to convey normal advice.

Such as:
Perfection will drive you crazy.
Treat others as you wish to be treated (especially critiquing).
The difference is in the details.
No one wants to spend time with a boring narrator.
Be mean to your characters (to watch them grow).
Make sure your characters fit your plot.
Write passionately or you'll never bother to finish it.
Write what you know (how people act, not necessarily their jobs).
Imagination is just as necessary as rational plans.
Perseverance is the only way to finish your novel.

Instead of being in the editing section at Barnes and Noble it should be in the biography area.

Your homework: decide which beginning writing book is your favorite.


Rating Scale: Keep on Desk, Own It, Read It, Skim It, Don’t Bother