Bird by Bird Discussion
Hello everyone, and welcome to the book discussion before the last book discussion. We’ll be finishing the book soon, so feel free to drop in and talk about the chapters were reading. Also feel free to go back to past discussions and comment there.
Last week we talked about Writing a Present and Finding Your Voice. Today we’ll be discussing Giving and Publication.
This was an interesting chapter, to say the least. Like Lamott, I tried to find loopholes in it even though it made sense. It still went again my basic instincts about ‘preserving the best’ for a later date.
She’s right, though, in that you should treat your story like your child. Or a loved one. Give all you have right from the beginning. You may make mistakes, but you’ll learn from them and become a better person – a better writer.
I long ago forgot what it’s like to completely give to the stories I write, and I’m glad to have found this book that mentions it.
I love the story she tells of the little boy, by the way. How utterly cute and amazing is he?
One of the things I love about this book is that Lamott isn’t afraid to get into the rants and speeches that might make someone think she’s a little crazy. This chapter is a prime example as such.
I’m very happy this chapter is in this book, and I think it should be a mandatory read for every aspiring writer. Like she mentions based on a quote, if you aren’t enough before, you won’t be after. I think too many writers still hold onto this dream that publication will suddenly make everything right for them. I think that’s part of the reason Lamott got into the stress and craziness of publication as much as she did.
Honestly, I’d like to get published someday. Who wouldn’t? But it’s chapters like these that make me happy and remind me to enjoy the writing. I freelance write to pay the bills, but I write stories because I enjoy doing it, not for the sole purpose of publication. I just hope other writers can tap into that and remember it.
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