Bird by Bird

If you're a writer, you need one of this audiobook. The sound of Lamott's voice will cheer you on in your darkest hours. BIRD BY BIRD is a written compilation of Lamott's writing workshops. Lamott's voice drones a bit in narrating her book, but her humor, sincerity and wisdom make up for it. She's the real thing--a successful writer--and she shares invaluable nuggets of wisdom about writing and the writing life. E.K.D. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

August 29, 1994
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.''