
If you’ve ever struggled to start writing or doubted your ability to tell a story, Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life is the perfect companion. This beloved book isn’t just a Bird by Bird summary of writing advice—it’s a heartfelt guide to the entire writing process, filled with beginner writing tips and life lessons. With her signature humor and honesty, Lamott offers practical strategies and encouragement for tackling creative challenges one step at a time.
In this article, we’ll break down the key insights from Bird by Bird, giving you the tools and inspiration you need to embrace your unique voice as a writer.
Why Read Bird by Bird?
Let’s be real—writing can feel like climbing a mountain, especially when you’re staring at a blank page and your brain refuses to cooperate. Anne Lamott gets that struggle. In Bird by Bird, she doesn’t sugarcoat the chaos and self-doubt that come with the creative process. Instead, she meets you where you are—with humor, compassion, and a treasure trove of practical tools to make writing feel doable.
Lamott’s advice isn’t just about putting words on the page; it’s about letting go of perfection, trusting yourself, and rediscovering the joy in storytelling. Think of this book as your writing buddy—a source of comfort and inspiration when you’re stuck, stressed, or just need a little nudge to keep going. If you’ve been looking for permission to relax and enjoy the process, consider it granted.
The Origin of “Bird by Bird”
The title Bird by Bird comes from a story Anne Lamott shares about her brother. As a kid, he was overwhelmed by a massive school report on birds, unsure how to even start. Their father’s advice? “Take it bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”
That simple piece of wisdom captures the heart of the book—and the writing process itself. Writing anything, whether it’s a short story or a novel, isn’t something you do all at once. It’s a step-by-step journey, one scene, one paragraph, even one sentence at a time. It’s about breaking big, daunting tasks into manageable pieces, tackling them bit by bit until, before you know it, you’ve created something remarkable.
Key Lessons from Bird by Bird
1. Start with the “Shitty First Draft”
Let’s call it what it is—your first draft is going to be messy, awkward, and maybe even downright terrible. And guess what? That’s exactly how it should be. One of Anne Lamott’s most freeing ideas in Bird by Bird is her unapologetic embrace of the “shitty first draft.” According to her, every great piece of writing starts as a hot mess. The magic happens later, during revision.
Why It Matters
Perfectionism kills creativity. If you’re obsessed with getting it “just right” on the first try, you’ll spend more time stressing than writing. Lamott reminds us that the first draft is simply a starting point—a place to get your thoughts on the page, however chaotic they may be.
Lamott’s Advice
Turn off your inner critic and let your ideas flow. Your first draft doesn’t need to be good; it just needs to exist. It’s like pouring everything out of a box so you can sort through it later.
“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
Takeaway
The next time you’re frozen by the blank page, give yourself permission to write badly. Your first draft isn’t the final product—it’s the foundation you’ll build on. So let it be messy, and trust that you’ll clean it up later. After all, you can’t revise what doesn’t exist.
2. Writing is About Showing Up
Here’s the hard truth: if you’re waiting for inspiration to magically appear before you start writing, you’ll be waiting forever. Anne Lamott drives home the idea that writing isn’t about rare bursts of inspiration—it’s about discipline. Writers write, plain and simple.
Lamott’s Routine
Lamott recommends sitting down to write at the same time every day. It doesn’t matter if you produce a paragraph, a page, or just a few sentences; what matters is that you show up.
“You sit down at, say, nine every morning, or eight every night. You put a piece of paper in the typewriter, or you turn on your computer and bring up some file. Because this is how you do it.”
Why It Works
Establishing a writing routine trains your brain to treat it as a habit rather than a sporadic activity. When you show up consistently, you’re creating space for creativity to flourish—even on the days when the words don’t come easily.
Pro Tip
Carve out a designated writing space and schedule. Whether it’s your desk, a cozy corner, or a coffee shop, make it your go-to spot. Even if you only have 15 minutes a day, showing up regularly builds momentum and keeps your creative energy alive.
- Takeaway: Writing isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about creating it. By showing up every day, you’re telling your story that it matters enough to make the time.
3. Focus on Small Assignments
Let’s be honest—thinking about writing an entire novel or essay can feel paralyzing. Where do you even begin? Anne Lamott’s answer: break it down into small assignments. This approach is a total game-changer for anyone overwhelmed by the sheer size of their writing goals.
Lamott’s Approach
Instead of worrying about finishing the whole project, focus on what you can handle right now—one paragraph, one scene, or even one small description. Lamott uses the metaphor of a one-inch picture frame:
“All I have to do is to write down as much as I can see through a one-inch picture frame.”
This mindset helps you zero in on the next tiny step instead of being crushed by the big picture.
Why It’s Effective
Small tasks feel doable, which makes it easier to start. And once you’ve started, you build momentum. Each little piece adds up, and before you know it, you’ve made real progress.
Try This
Instead of sitting down with the daunting goal of “I need to write 5,000 words today,” reframe your approach. Ask yourself:
- Can I write about what my protagonist sees when they walk into the room?
- Can I describe a moment when two characters meet for the first time?
By focusing on one specific moment, you take the pressure off yourself and make writing feel manageable—and maybe even fun.
- Takeaway: Bird by Bird suggests break your project into bite-sized pieces, and tackle them one at a time. Writing a book or essay isn’t about sprinting to the finish line; it’s about taking consistent, small steps.
4. Embrace the Ugly Truths of Life
Anne Lamott doesn’t pull punches when it comes to storytelling—she urges writers to face life’s messy, complex truths head-on. According to her, great writing comes from a place of honesty and vulnerability, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary.
Her Advice
Don’t try to sugarcoat your writing or make it overly polished. Readers don’t connect with perfection—they connect with raw, authentic emotions and experiences. Share the messy, awkward truths about your characters (and yourself), because that’s where the heart of the story lies.
“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”
Why It Resonates
Writing with honesty makes your work relatable and impactful. Readers see themselves in the flaws and struggles of your characters, and that connection is what keeps them turning the page. Vulnerability doesn’t weaken a story—it strengthens it.
Takeaway
Be brave. Write the truths that scare you the most, whether it’s a painful memory, a deeply flawed character, or a fear you’ve never shared out loud. These are often the most powerful parts of your story, the pieces that linger with readers long after they’ve closed the book.
- Pro Tip: When you feel hesitant to put something on the page, remind yourself that your unique voice and perspective are what make your story worth telling.
5. Perfectionism is the Enemy
Anne Lamott has a blunt but refreshing take on perfectionism: it’s not helping you—it’s holding you back. In Bird by Bird, she speaks directly to writers who obsess over making their work flawless, pointing out that perfectionism is really just a form of self-sabotage.
Her Perspective
Perfectionism traps you in fear—fear of making mistakes, of taking risks, or of producing something less than perfect. But here’s the truth: mistakes aren’t just inevitable; they’re essential. They’re how you learn, grow, and eventually create something incredible.
“Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force.”
Her Humor
One of the best parts of Lamott’s advice is her humor. She openly admits to her own struggles with self-doubt and perfectionism, which makes her feel more like a friend cheering you on than an untouchable expert. It’s comforting to know even a seasoned writer battles the same anxieties.
Actionable Tip
The next time you find yourself agonizing over a sentence or a paragraph, stop. Move on. Remind yourself that you can always come back to it later. Your first job is to get the words down; making them perfect comes later during revision.
- Takeaway: Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. Let yourself write imperfectly—it’s the only way to discover the magic hidden in your messy first drafts.
6. Publishing Isn’t the Point
It might surprise you, but Anne Lamott doesn’t spend much time in Bird by Bird talking about publishing. That’s because, for her, the real heart of writing lies in the process itself—not in the end goal of seeing your name on a book cover or gaining fame.
Her Message
If your sole motivation for writing is to get published, you’re missing the point. Writing is about something deeper: it’s how you process the world, capture your unique perspective, and create something meaningful.
“The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.”
Why It Matters
When you let go of the pressure to impress others or achieve external validation, writing becomes less stressful and infinitely more rewarding. Shifting your focus to personal fulfillment allows you to enjoy the small wins—those moments when you nail a sentence or discover a surprising truth in your story.
Takeaway
Celebrate the little victories: finishing a chapter, capturing a powerful idea, or even just sitting down to write on a hard day. Remember, the joy of writing isn’t in the result—it’s in the act itself.
- Pro Tip: Take a step back and ask yourself why you write. Chances are, it’s not just for publication but because it’s how you express yourself and make sense of the world. Let that be your guide.
7. Find Your “Writing Tribe”
Writing can often feel like a solitary pursuit, but Anne Lamott reminds us that it doesn’t have to be. Having a supportive community of fellow writers can make all the difference. Sharing your work, getting constructive feedback, and connecting with others who “get it” can help you grow as a writer and make the process feel far less isolating.
Her Advice
Lamott encourages writers to find their people—those who understand the ups and downs of the writing life. Whether it’s joining a local writing group, attending workshops, or connecting with writers online, having a tribe to lean on can be invaluable.
“Some people won’t get it, but the ones who do will cherish it. Those are your people.”
Why It Matters
Writing can feel lonely, especially when it seems like no one around you understands the struggles of editing, rejection, or self-doubt. But when you surround yourself with like-minded creatives, you’ll find a sense of camaraderie and support that keeps you motivated and inspired.
Takeaway
Start seeking out your writing tribe. Look for groups at your local library or bookstore, attend writing workshops in your area, or join online communities for writers. Knowing you’re not alone on this journey can give you the courage to keep going, even when it’s tough.
- Pro Tip: Don’t just seek feedback—offer it. Supporting other writers builds trust and strengthens your connections within the community.
8. Don’t Forget to Laugh
One of the most delightful aspects of Bird by Bird is Anne Lamott’s humor. She doesn’t take herself—or the writing process—too seriously, and she encourages you to adopt the same lighthearted approach.
Why It Helps
Writing can feel intense, even overwhelming at times. But humor has a way of cutting through that heaviness, reminding you to enjoy the process, even when it’s frustrating. Lamott’s witty, self-deprecating style makes you feel like you’re not alone in your struggles, which can be a huge relief for writers who tend to put too much pressure on themselves.
Her Example
Throughout the book, Lamott openly shares her missteps and insecurities—whether it’s her anxiety over deadlines or her endless revisions. Her honesty will make you laugh out loud, but it also reassures you: if someone as accomplished as Anne Lamott can admit to these struggles, then it’s okay for you to experience them, too.
Takeaway
Give yourself permission to laugh at your mistakes, your awkward first drafts, and even your writerly quirks. Humor doesn’t just lighten the mood—it also makes the creative journey a lot more enjoyable.
- Pro Tip: When you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, step back and find the funny side. Writing is hard work, yes, but it’s also an incredible privilege to create stories. Let yourself have fun with it!
Why Every Aspiring Writer Should Read Bird by Bird
Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird is a guide to living creatively and authentically. Her advice goes far beyond the mechanics of storytelling, urging writers to embrace vulnerability, savor the process, and tell their truths unapologetically.
Whether you’re wrestling with the blank page, doubting your creative voice, or searching for purpose in your writing journey, Bird by Bird offers a lifeline. Lamott’s words will inspire you to take things step by step—one bird at a time—until you’ve built something meaningful.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, nudge you to let go of perfectionism, and remind you why you fell in love with writing in the first place, this is it. Anne Lamott is cheering you on every step of the way.
FAQs About Bird by Bird
1. What is Bird by Bird about?
Bird by Bird is a unique blend of memoir and writing guide. Anne Lamott shares heartfelt anecdotes from her own life while offering practical advice on the writing process. The book is about navigating the ups and downs of being a creative person.
2. Who should read Bird by Bird?
This book is for anyone who loves storytelling, whether you’re:
- A beginner trying to figure out where to start.
- A seasoned writer in need of fresh inspiration.
- Someone grappling with self-doubt about their creative path.
If you’re interested in writing—or simply want a book that feels like a warm, funny conversation with a friend—you’ll find value in Bird by Bird.
3. What’s the biggest takeaway from the book?
The most powerful lesson from Bird by Bird is to start small, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the process. Lamott encourages writers to take things one step at a time (just like her “bird by bird” metaphor), let go of the need to be perfect, and write for the love of it—not for fame or validation.
4. Does Lamott offer advice for writer’s block?
Absolutely! Lamott has a no-nonsense approach to overcoming writer’s block:
- Break big projects into smaller, manageable assignments.
- Focus on writing just one paragraph, scene, or moment at a time.
- Show up to write consistently, even on days when it feels hard.
Her practical tips make tackling writer’s block feel less intimidating and more achievable.
5. Is Bird by Bird beginner-friendly?
Yes, 100%! Lamott’s conversational tone and relatable humor make the book accessible and encouraging for writers at any stage. Whether you’re writing your first story or revising your tenth draft, her advice feels like a supportive nudge in the right direction.
Also Read: Hero’s Journey: A Timeless Guide to Great Storytelling