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

12 Jul 2026 #writing

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. That’s why I’ve learned to keep something to write, apart from my phone. I keep old receipts and a tiny pencil on my wallet.

#5. “When you decide to be a writer, everything is grist for the mill. Every experience, every thought, you put it all down, and take out the boring stuff.” Everything is material.

#6. For dialog, “You can only say ‘said’.” The rhythm and speech should give away who’s talking.

#7. “You can do anything and get away with it, if you don’t lose me.” Does it sound good? Do readers like it? Good. There are no rules.

#8. “One of the great gifts of being a writer is that it can help you get your curiosity restored.” Writing is therapy. Showing up to write 200 words saved me from burnout. That’s why I keep writing.

#9. “Tell me a story. Make me care.” It reminds me of James Altucher’s ABS: always be story-telling. That’s what we’ve been doing as humans since we sat around fire. Stories is what makes us AI-proofed writers.

#10. Every good story follows ABDCE: Action, background, development, climax, and ending.