Blog #4: Bird by Bird- final analysis

Anne Lamott's sarcastic and down to earth tone makes it easy to learn writing techniques.  She uses vivid descriptions, flashbacks, and amazing metaphors (such as the picture frame, polaroid, and "bird by bird") that help us relate to writing, even if we don't particularly like it.  To expand upon this concept, her chapter about polaroids really had a memorable effect on me.  As a writer, i like to get through my first draft all at once, and i usually like to have a clear idea of what exactly i will write before hand.  However, Anne Lammott dismisses the idea of perfectionism in first drafts because she says they are meant to be "shitty first drafts."  We must let our story unfold like a picture develops; one piece at a time.  I think the idea of mystery with how your first draft will turn out is brilliant. This piece of the novel moved me the most because of how opposite i think while writing.  As stated before, i am a perfectionist who likes to have everything planned out on my head and on post-its prior to starting my first draft.  However, if you just sit down and write freely, not knowing where your words may take you, a surprising masterpiece often shows up in your work; creating a totally different tale than what was expected. THAT is what writing should be about.  Getting lost in the words and creating something "magical." And, if the opposite of this occurs, Anne Lamott makes us realize it is OKAY to have poorly written first drafts, or as she says "shitty first drafts."  In her chapter titled Perfectionism she quotes, "Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation, while writing needs to breathe and move."  Her chapter about having people edit your work also made an impact on me as a writer.  In my life, i always need friends or family to read my work in order for me to feel "complete."  I especially always seek help from teachers at least once before feeling as though i can turn it in and receive a good grade.  As I write my papers, i need incoming feedback.  Anne is somewhat opposite of this.  She is afraid to reveal her work to others because she doesn't want their opinions if she doesn't think they're opinions matter.  She is very defensive of her work and acts as though she will lose friends from it, so she is careful who she shows her work to.  Although i am very opposite of this in my ways, i understand Anne completely.  If i was criticized on work that i was proud of after writing it, i would be furious.  While i love having my work read and opinions gathered, i hate when people who i think have less knowledge than i do try to correct me.  What i just discussed is compiled of more than one concept, and that is why Anne Lamott's book made such an impression on me.  In general, she says to let the story come to you, to develop like a polaroid.  Perfectionism is bad, our first drafts aren't meant to be tidy, because often gold can be found in the depths of our extra, unnecessary and messy work.  First drafts are not meant to be perfect.  With all of these techniques, Anne inspires me as a writer and a person.  Each of her teachings can be a lesson on life as well.  However, with writing, she proves that writing should be done with purpose; as a gift, or because its something one truly loves to do.  I truly love writing and Bird by Bird was an inspiring book that really encouraged me to improve upon techniques and continue to write throughout my life.