I love a book about writing (see this blog and this one) but had never read Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott, despite knowing its reputation for greatness, so when I had the opportunity to join the Happier in Hollywood podcast 12 week slow read of it, I jumped at the chance.

Over 12 weeks we read the chapters together, a few at a time, and then I listened to the discussion by the two TV writers who host Happier in Hollywood to hear their views of the book. I’d never done a slow read before and it was a great way to engage more deeply with Lamott’s content. It was also fascinating to hear where podcast hosts Liz and Sarah agreed and disagreed with Lamott’s approach and way of writing and thinking about writing.

Lamott lays bear the insecurities of a writer’s life, that don’t go away, and perhaps even get worse on publication. How hard it is to begin, keep going, have faith and find your voice. These truisms survive despite some other aspects now feeling a little dated, and I agree it’s a great book to read for anyone attempting to write themselves.