Description:
Lamott's ( Operating Instructions ) miscellany of guidance and reflection should appeal to writers struggling with demons large and slight. Among the pearls she offers is to start small, as their father once advised her 10-year-old brother, who was agonizing over a book report on birds: "Just take it bird by bird." Lamott's suggestion on the craft of fiction is down-to-earth: worry about the characters, not the plot. But she's even better on psychological questions. She has learned that writing is more rewarding than publication, but that even writing's rewards may not lead to contentment. As a former "Leona Helmsley of jealousy," she's come to will herself past pettiness and to fight writer's block by living "as if I am dying." She counsels writers to form support groups and wisely observes that, even if your audience is small, "to have written your version is an honorable thing."
Originally Reviewed March 5, 2004:
I found this book to be very inspiring. Ms. Lamott gave suggestions on writing and shared her knowledge, and I found it very useful. This book is also very funny and light and a quick read. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to write or needs advice on writing, because I think it is an excellent source of information.
Rating: A
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