Book Review: Bird By Bird By Anne Lamott

Do you ever feel like you were born to write. The words come out of you for a few days and then nothing. Or perhaps the words are stuck in your head. You need some encouragement. I am going to review a few books on writing that might help you.

Many books on writing are about character development, plot, three acts, and other technical stuff. If you are looking for a more personal approach to instruction check out Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott. She speaks with passion and compassion. Even if you are seasoned writer you may find this book beneficial, but it is targeted toward those just beginning their journey.

This book covers finding inspiration, the importance of routine, being observant, getting an agent, handling rejection, writing the gusto, dealing with jealousy, and libel. It is easy to read. She doesn't write with the arrogance I have found in some books. Lamott admits her faults.

One chapter is about getting over thinking you need to be a perfectionist. Some writers put down words, read them, decide they are horrible, and give up the craft. Rarely anyone gets out the most brilliant, life changing writing with the first draft. She offers the encouragement writers need.

She speaks of her love for her father, a writer, and his battle with cancer. She tells of the time she had with her best friend, how she would not allow her to make excuses for not writing. Writing is not always to gain fame and fortune from publication. In fact, many published authors do not have fame or fortune. But, they continue to write.  They write everyday.

My favorite line from this book: “Write as if your parents are dead.”

Would I recommend this book to anyone considering a career in writing? Absolutely. It is a good book with a lot of heart. You may find yourself smiling after this book and not being so hard on yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016

Have you read this book? What do you think of it? What books on writing would you recommend or advise me to stay away from?

Here is an interview with the best selling author.

Thanks for reading,

@caramelsarajo

PS. She also has a book called Joe Jones, which was my Papa's name. Maybe I should read it. Have you?

Wow, I haven't been on here in a while and there is a new look to things. Anyways, I am coolin it, as the young folk say, here at this fast food restaurant.

I finished my script!!! Yes, I wrote a whole script for a feature film. I am awaiting feedback from my actors. It is going to feature Infame. You know I love them, right?!!! It will also feature my sis Erica. I'm excited. I am now working on funding. You got any ideas? Hehe.

I have been writing a ton of songs. I am looking to get some artists together. I want to write for others. I'm still looking for articles for the blog so if you have any ideas let me know. In the meantime I am going to promote all my favorite artists and if you think that could be you show me what you go. Gotta get back to selling advertising too. Bills, you know.

So that's the gist of it.

Here is a video or two to tide you over till next time.

Explicit content.

Hugs and booty rubs,

Sara Jo

PS. Be super safe in and out the bed. Love you. 

Update: Working with Ms. Safiyyah

Been spending time with my entertainment family and I am excited about all the things to come. Recorded some stuff with my sis Ms. Safiyyah. She is absolutely hilarious, y'all. Below is some of the stuff we've done. Of course, we are doing more. A film is in the works (I'm still writing it). I am so excited, well, my version of excited, that I have some more roles cast. Oh, this is gonna be a lot of fun and hard work. I am ready. Just gotta get that pocket book right. Hehe. Working on that too.

Below is a video of outtakes. 

The film that I am working on is going well. I've come up with an interesting group of characters and the cast is an interesting group of characters. Part of the reason I'm doing it the way I am is not only to create an entertaining film but to strengthen everyone's skills, as actors, writers, directors, producers, everything. The characters are composites of my friends and me. FUN right? I think so. I never want my characters to be exactly like one friend. But combining bits and pieces makes for a better story. Some fiction is thrown in there of course, but a good deal is based off of real life.

Well, enough of me writing here. I have to get back to my script.

Love and hugs,

SJ