Does a book with chapter titles such as School Lunches and Broccoli count as a resource? It does to me! Anne Lamott's book,bird by bird, sits next to my computer along with my Oxford American Dictionary, Synonym Finder, and Diana Hacker's, A Writer's Reference. The other books give me precise answers to precise questions. Lamott's book gives me relief. In her chapter titled School Lunches, she says, "I know I set out to tell you every single thing I know about writing, but I am also going to tell you every single thing I know about school lunches, partly because the longings and dynamics and anxieties are so similar." By the end of her explanation I am laughing and longing for a turkey sandwich with potato chips in it. My fears about writing the perfect story have been allayed for a little while and my focus on detail has returned. Lamott gives great advice to new writers and tackles the tough subjects of writer's block, jealousy, fear, and perfectionism - all in a funny, non-threatening way. When I need a boost, she's the one I turn to.
I also love The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. She gets me out walking and journalling again, and she reminds me to have faith in myself. Her anecdotal stories are easy to relate to and her end of chapter activities can pull even the most blocked writer out of his or her doldrums.
6 comments:
Diane,
Bird by Bird is a favorite of mine, too. The Artist's Way has been recommended to me before. Now I'll have to look it up for sure.
My Bird by Bird looks a bit worse for the wear than yours:) It's a great resource.
Two great resources, Diane. Thanks for sharing!
I love Anne Lamott-- the perfect book to have nearby.
Diane, I need to reread Bird by Bird. It's been a while. I suspect that it's a book where you keep discovering new gems.
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