Bird by Bird discussion

It's not listed in the quotes here.

I'm looking for a quote that was in this book. Paraphrasing, Anne Lamott says something like: At some point every reader has to decide if they're going to be a reader or a writer.

Any help appreciated! I want to add what she says to the Goodreads' quotes. Thanks!

I found this one...

"Becoming a better writer is going to help you become a better reader, and that is the real payoff."
— Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life)

Thanks, S.M., but it's not the quote I was thinking of. My quote has something to do with readers who want to be writers and at some point they have to decide if they want to be (just) readers or writers (too). It might be in the section where she talks about how writers need to write something every day??? I love the book and probably I should try to reread it someday.

I tried! Lots of good quotes in her books - she has a unique perspective.

S.M. wrote: "I tried! Lots of good quotes in her books - she has a unique perspective."

Thank you! Yes, there are many good quotes. I really should reread the book. I loved it when I read it, and I do own the hardcover edition.

I searched for the quote but couldn' find it. I'll keep looking. I read Bird by Bird over a decade ago. It was like visiting an old friend. I'll let you know if I find the quote. Jan

Thanks, Jan. I'm sure I'll reread it eventually. Now I'm wondering if it's in one if her other books, but I think it is in this one.

Interesting quote. I used to be much more of a writer. Now, thanks to GoodReads, I'm much more of a reader. The only thing I write these days are book reviews to post here.

Would you like to review my books?Jan

Kressel wrote: "Interesting quote. I used to be much more of a writer. Now, thanks to GoodReads, I'm much more of a reader. The only thing I write these days are book reviews to post here."

Kressel, When I read the quote it really helped me accept that I am a reader. I'd wanted to be a writer from an early age, and had been encouraged at various junctures, but hadn't ever really worked at it. I think all readers, at some point, want to become writers. The quote helped me realize I'm happiest as a reader. And, the only writing I tend to do is book reviews here. I don't put effort into any of the other writing I do/have to do.

Jan wrote: "Would you like to review my books?Jan"

Right now I'm completely overwhelmed and overbooked. But, very best wishes with your books.

Jan, I'd consider reviewing your books, but I want to know what you mean about "spirituality." I am an Orthodox Jew, and while I am more open-minded than that implies, I don't feel comfortable with anything too Christian or New Age-y.

I have eight books and two booklets on writing and healing. I have one novel about a woman newly divorced who strikes out on her own. The book The Basket Weaver speaks to forgiveness, healing and destiny. The book Voices from the Land was channeled and speaks to God's influence in our lives. You can check them out at www.awareliving.net. thanks

Lisa, I found the quote that S.M. found also. It is found on page 10 at the beginning of the book in the Section-Getting Started. I thought that I might be able to look at the Section titles and make a guess where this quote may be listed from the Section Title, so I started on Part Five and read to the end of the book. Then I went back to Part Four and and read page 183 to 223, the beginning of Part Five. Next I went to a section in Part Three titled Writing Groups and read from 151 to 183. No luck. Al of this I read quickly but I read all of it. Next I went to the beginning of Part Three and skimmed 131 to 151. Next I skimmed page 95 - page 131, Part Two. From there I flipped through page 16 to page 95.

So my best guess (and I am 0 for 8 on guesses) is that the quote is somewhere between page 16 and page 131. But this was not just a wild goose chase for me. I found many excellent stories and quotes from a great writer and have posted them to my journal. Also I am two days behind in my reading for May on "Light in August"
Yours, Ron
ps. A second draft would include only the second paragraph. I have my definitions of read, skimmed and flipped through if you would like to have them.

Thanks, Ron, for all the work! I probably should just reread the book, again, or look through it carefully the way you did.

Lisa, Go to the web site:https:"//www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%... " Anne Lamott is a Goodreads Author and you might get some clues there but I doubt it. Anne Lamott has an author disc out that replicates her talk session to an audience that must have wanted some information on writing as it repeats about 90% of the info I have read by Anne in the last two days. What you nee to find your quote in Bird by Bird or some other boo by Lamott is someone who can cross reference 10 100 by 100 matrices and that is a little beyond my ability, (okay is is way beyond my ability)
Ron

Thanks, Ron. I've actually heard Anne Lamott speak several times. I'm neither spiritual or religious so I haven't been to talks for her more recent books. She's fairly local. I could probably just ask her. ;-)