Shitty First Drafts

by Anne Lamott

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

5 pages, Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 1994

About the author

Anne Lamott is an author of several novels and works of non-fiction. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, her non-fiction works are largely autobiographical, with strong doses of self-deprecating humor and covering such subjects as alcoholism, single motherhood, and Christianity. She appeals to her fans because of her sense of humor, her deeply felt insights, and her outspoken views on topics such as her left-of-center politics and her unconventional Christian faith. She is a graduate of Drew College Preparatory School in San Francisco, California. Her father, Kenneth Lamott, was also a writer and was the basis of her first novel Hard Laughter.

Lamott's life is documented in Freida Lee Mock's 1999 documentary Bird by Bird: A Film Portrait of Writer Anne Lamott.

Reviews

[♡ella grey♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very helpful!! I took good notes from this. For my creative writing class.

[Emma McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently reading excerpts of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott for a Creative Writing course. I decided to take the elective to see if it would help me with my own writing (I'll spare you any more boring blah blah blahs- I'm taking it to help me write and for fun). This portion was simple, and a bit redundant, though it didn't feel annoying or tediously so. I enjoyed this small bit, it was a comfort and a good laugh, I am very glad to know that everyone in the literary world is capable of writing utter garbage, and feeling that vulnerable, anxiety at the thought of our work being perceived.

[Alivia Vanin]

This reminded me of grade 10 english where my teacher told me in the nicest way possible that my essay was 2000 words too long and I needed to learn how to "kill my darlings"

[Isha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short essay, not a book, but a valuable reminder to trust the process.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for any new and up and coming writers.

Not a fan of the title but the information that Lamott gives is really strong.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts”

An insightful, inspiring quote that I’ll reference my whole life

[Grace]

Hey! 🫵 stop overthinking and just write :)

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

tackles the messy journey of writing, urging writers to embrace imperfection and creative chaos