Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

An author and professor, a good read for those interested in beginning to write, or do write and want an interesting take and possible new looks on writing, frame of mind, and reasons to write. Her advice – writing takes a combination of sophistication and innocence; it takes conscience, our belief that something is beautiful because it’s right… art has to point somewhere. Becoming a writer is about becoming conscious. When you’re conscious and writing from a place of insight and simplicity and real caring about the truth, you have the ability to throw the lights on for your reader. Try to write in a directional emotional way, instead of being too subtle or oblique. You need to create a world into which we can enter, a world where we can see this of what you’re writing. Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation and deepen and expand our sense of life--- they feed the soul. And if you can get yourself published, which I am so thankful to have a book published, it provides an acknowledgment from the writing community that you did your writing right… this right you never lose.