10 Lessons From Anne Lamott's Writing Advice Every Writer Should Hear (Author of Bird by Bird)

Anne Lamott has written over 20 books. Among them, Bird by Bird, one of the most popular writing memoirs. I just devoured her interview on David Perell’s YouTube channel. Here are my quotes, extracts, and lessons: #1. “The point is not to try harder, it’s to resist less.” #2. “If it’s literary, you can’t use it.” This line reminded me of Smart Brevity’s beach and bar test: If you wouldn’t use it at a bar, don’t use it. “Don’t use words, you’d have to look up.” As a rule, Anne Lamott decides to keep reading a book on the first three pages. If they use fancy words or choppy dialog, she’s out. #3. “The writer’s job is to pay attention.” When looking with the right lens, there’s material everywhere. That’s the real of daily writing: training to find ideas. #4. “Before cellphones, I always had my students carry a pen in their back pocket and an index card. And then get home, take the index card out and add it to the pile.” The other day, I almost lost a story because of a dying battery.…