Ask Anne Lamott - Thursday, December 12th! discussion

Anne Lamott will be answering your questions on November 28 and November 29. If you have a question for Anne, please ask it in this thread!

"Traveling Mercies" has helped me through the recent deaths of my daughter and husband. I read everything you write...including magazine columns and articles. Just wanted to say thank you and to be sure you know that your words touch lives and make a difference.

Jan Kostielney, La Porte, IN

Anne,

My favorite books by you are Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (one of my all time favorite books) and Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year (which I give to every expectant mother I know) but I've also enjoyed your novels.

By any chance, do you think you will write any more Rosie books?

I haven't read many of your later books, but I'm looking forward to playing catch up with a few of them, especially Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son's First Son.

Thanks for participating in this Goodreads group.

By the way, I'd be thrilled if you became a Goodreads' author member.

First and foremost, thank you. I have started only a bajillion letters to you, thanking you for sharing your gifts with me and asking you to be my fairy godmother. Needless to say, not one has been mailed. My question about this most recent work is this: help -- I get that one, thank you -- of course and wow -- obviously, but where does " I'm sorry" fit in to the set?

I don't have a question yet, just wanted to say I am very excited to be attending Ann's talk in Decatur, Georgia this coming Monday. And thanks for starting up this discussion. God bless.

I've read Imperfect Birds and Grace and liked both well enough to recommend them and pass them on to others. I'm sure I would like the others, as well. I'll start by checking into Help, Thanks, Wow.
Thank you!

Anne Lamott, you are a favorite author and have served often as an inspiration to me. Like another reader, Traveling Mercies helped me find my footing while grieving the death of my Daughter. Bird by Bird is a book that has served me time and again and has been a gift to many friends from me. Thanks for your amazing humor and spirit, that they go hand in hand is gift.
My question is basic- do you find there are times where what you write is not at all what you hoped to write? For instance, I sometimes have words and ideas swimming about in my head but when I try pen to paper, the words no longer hold that same power.
Diane

Anne, I have loved your writing ever since I read Bird by Bird, and I've taught my family to tackle any kind of challenge by using the simple, but often elusive, technique which inspired this title. I'd love to hear you in person. Will you be visiting Charlotte, NC anytime soon?

Dear Anne, I would like to echo the sentiments of the other folks in this group, that your writing speaks to me in an important way and really resonates with my perspectives on spirituality. I am curious which three words you would have used to describe your 'essential prayers' twenty years ago. Would they be the same as these three or have there been some significant changes as you became a mother and watched your son become a father?

Dear Anne,

I have been a devoted fan since hearing you read from Operating Instructions many years back at a fundraiser (maybe for the library?) in Stinson Beach. While I haven't read all of your books, I have read at least six of them, enough to know that my life journey mirrors yours in so many ways.

I marvel at your ability to maintain your sense of humor in the face of loss, pain, and the adversity that comes with parenting. Despite all of the wisdom you share in your work, I don't know how you do it. I know that a higher power has been your saving grace, but I would love to hear more about the daily things that help you move into the "glass half full" frame of mind and keep you writing with such courage and conviction. Any thoughts?

I've read your books with great delight, and much relish (and no mustard) ;-) What authors do *you* like? What's your favorite book? What books have had a huge effect on you as a traveler on this planet?

Many thanks for your works, I've enjoyed them so much!

Dear Anne,
I have been a devoted fan since my mother first gave me Rosie. I am so thrilled to get the new book. As an author, I wanted to ask, in which genre do you feel more comfortable (more naturally able to write, more at home): fiction or autobiographical non-fiction? Also, considering the deep, heart-felt and personal nature of your non-fiction work, how does it feel to have so many strangers know so much about you?

With much gratitude for the gift of all of your books,
Sam Wilde

Do you have a schedule when you write? In other words, do you plan on spending a certain number of hours writing or is it more of an organic process?

Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us!

Leanne

I admire your writing style. How do you stay focused for the reader and not write just for yourself? Do you have an ideal reader in mind? Do you have conversations in your mind with readers before you publish? What is your connection to the reader?
thanks
merri

Dear Anne,

Your stories are inspiring and bring such clarity to my life. I find it so challenging to see the deeper meaning when life throws me curveballs. I know distance and perspective helps, but how do you transform a life event so easily into something profoundly deep and spiritual real?

Thank you,

Alice

Traveling Mercies truly changed my life. It is a touchstone for me as my personal faith journey began and continues today, so thanks !
Does it blow your mind when you think about how many people share these sentiments?

Hi, Anne! Love your work! Thanks for doing this.

My question: What writing advice would you share with us? Are there any pitfalls or patterns you try to avoid? Or, on the flip side, any techniques that work well for you?

I heard you at the University of Richmond in Virginia & enjoyed hearing you as much as reading you. I need your advice. My "screenagers" no longer go to church. What to do? Be patient & pray "help"?

Hi Anne - Travelling Mercies was such a quiet help to friends and me during our visit to a friend who wasn't going to make it out of the hospital. Am still an ecclesiastical tourist, so thank you also for the prayers (Help! and Thanks) - so simple, so portable. My question is, if you had to move away from the place you loved - the entire town, not just the home - where would you go and what is the first thing you would do there?
Liz

Hello,
I'm really enjoying Bird by Bird which was a suggestion from my wonderful "new" daughter-in-law. I've been writing a book for the last 10 years. Recently, as a dare to myself, I'm doing the 50,000 word novel in November and I'm nearly half way there. It's to prove to myself that I can finish a larger work (I normally write plays - they're short and they consist of dialogue, which comes easily to me.) I know that you teach writing, so I thought of two questions that I would dearly love to get an answer to. They are: How do you encourage students to get over the hump of the middle of a book? Secondly, since I am not an established author, what are your tips for editing your own work? I either go through phases of thinking everything that I write is perfect, or that's it's all crap. How can I be more objective? Thanks so much for reading this question, and your book has made me laugh out loud. I never thought a book on writing could actually crack me up.

Hi, Anne,
You are a writer who is painfully honest in her books about her personal life. You have written many books; been on many book tours, and must get tired of being asked the same questions at each stop. My question is: "What do you wish people would ask you but never do?"

Dear Anne,

I've loved your writing from Salon.com; I re-read Bird by Bird at least a couple of times every year.

My question is: With all your success, why do you have the uncertainty and anxiety that you continue to write about, and how do you deal with them so that you can sit down and write, as you famously call them, s****y first drafts? I've been published twice, yet I still get sometimes overwhelming uncertainty and anxiety that prevents me from sitting down and writing.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer questions.

Sincerely,

Steven E. Belanger

Dearest Anne,
When I was pregnant, a clerk at an independent book store suggested Operating Instructions and from that moment on I was hooked on you. I read everything you write, and have re-read Operating Instructions and Bird by Bird often. Sam is just a little older than my Christina and that made it extra special to read Some Assembly Required.

I saw you in Oak Park, IL and felt like a foolish gushing groupie (just like this fan letter) but I am not alone when I say I adore you (just read the other comments here for evidence). I can't wait to read this next book and to follow your discussion.

Thank you so much for all the pleasure you've given ... and all the wisdom ... and for that great prayer, "help."

My question is: Why not on Kindle? Nevermind -- just saw it IS on Kindle (duh) and ordered it and read your latest which I really need. I'll be everyone feels that way when they read it, like, "Oh, how did she know I need these prayers and ideas right this very minute!"

So can I ask you a more burning question: How's Jax and is his mom with Sam? How is that sweet family doing? I don't have to ask how you feel about the 3 year old Jax -- you must be bursting (is he in town)?

Yours,
Sheila Daily

Hey Anne,
Forgive me, but my question goes you as a former substance abuser as well as inspirational author. I have a 17 year old son, my 4th and youngest child, who has gotten himself on the self destructive path of drug and alcohol abuse. The details would fill at least an hour of your time, so to be kind and considerate, I will cut to the question: How do I ask for God's help so that I'm asking for the right things? I understand that his journey and mine are different and so are his mistakes and mine...I just know that if he would allow God in, he would start to heal, but he trusts no one and his self confidence is so low and he's done some pretty awful things the last two years that it's easier I think for him to worship Satan, who he's not accountable to.
You have been a voice of comfort and hope through your writing and I thank you. I hope one day to be able to put my words together in order to help others as well. Peace,

Hello there!! Is anyone able to be a writer (if the desire is there)?

Dear Anne,
Thanks so much for sharing your wit and wisdom throughout the years- bringing us to laughter and tears with your words. I think my admiration for you is foremost as a woman who has held on (to her faith) through the battle with cool hair :)
So, here are my questions/rant:
A couple years back I (foolishly) self-published my novel through CreateSpace. Pressure from my brother and husband to take that route turned out a beautiful looking novel, but- eh?.. No promotion, sales? ha. etc. Although I did recieve some reviews that made me smile, I know that an editor would have made sure that the words 'Know' and 'No' were not confused or misused. Oy. Anyway, as JC himself said, "it is finished." By that I mean- all that work for what?! arg.

Once you self-publish, you are alone. You can't submit to contests, nada. Anne, I never should have listened to those two men! lol. It has been very bad for my self-esteem. Then, I was writing online for some places, but realized that was all crap. Free writing. What do you suggest? I'd like to see the work I've done to get some true look... ? Since that fatality (to me it was like a death), I've resorted to knitting and stockpiling booties and such in hopes of future g'kids.
I'm not a business woman, I'm a writer at heart.
Any words of wisdom may act as a salve to my broken ego. Help!
Sincerely,
Alison Dittmar

Just read the new book. (Have read all your books, over and over.)

Thanks, you helped, and wow.

As always........

Helen Donohue

Anne, I love everything you write, and you ALWAYS give me insight and help me feel gratitude for life. Plus, I wish we lived next door to each other so we could be buddies. BUT, and I say this with love, and maybe the answer is you're the grandma for Pete's sake, so how could you be otherwise, but...do you think you were just a little bit intolerant of your grandson's mother in Some Assembly Required? I'm your age and write about growing into our second half with joy and wisdom, and my review of SAR is in the left sidebar of http://www.AnyShinyThing.com. Please come visit? I think you'd love our "campfire."

Anne, coming to Cleveland? I have a sudden overwhelming urge to hear you speak 'live and in three-D'. Your written word is very alive, but it would be awesome to see the real you.

Hi, Anne! I'm a huge fan since I read "Bird By Bird." My question is about style and accessibility: since you're a spiritually-minded writer, do you ever "tone that down" to reach more readers who have different beliefs?

Dear Anne, I've read all of your books, been a fan since forever, am a writer, and actually attended the Writer's Conference, in Alaska (!), that you were the key note speaker at a couple of years ago. My current question - will you be speaking anytime soon in the Boston area? If so, when & where, & want to come to Cape Cod? Bet we could get up a crowd, lots of writers here, plus...it's really pretty, especially off season, etc., etc.
Truly,
Debra Babcock

Hi Anne:
First of all, I wanted to tell you that your book Bird by Bird is a Godsend and rereading (and rereading) it is the onloy way that I have gotten through the second draft of my first novel and an MFA in fiction writing program that is sometimes way over my head. Many thanks!
Question: I wanted to ask if you might comment further upon an issue that you raise in your Bird by Bird chapter on writer's block; productivity. Can you suggest a concept (or prayer or mantra or brownie recipe)that could be reassuring to think about when most of one's peers seem to be not only finishing their fiction but also churning out a decent blog, tweeting helpful articles,sharing book reviews and creating a popular podcast? Some of my classmates have such a good web "brand" that I get intimidated just thinking about it. Thoughts? Thank you!

Hi Anne,

I don't have a question. I do want say THANK YOU for Bird by Bird. I've read it a few times and always give it as a gift to my writer friends. The advice you offer in it is invaluable. Whenever I feel stuck when writing, I remember your advice and it helps me power through. I recently finished a draft of my first novel and couldn't have done it without Bird by Bird. I can't thank you enough!

Also, Crooked Little Heart is one of my favorite novels ever!

Best,
Diane

Thank you for all you've written! I've recommended "Traveling Mercies" to many of my friends.

I imagine that your life must be over-the-top busy. How do you make time for quiet solo activities such as prayer or contemplation?

I'm such a fan! (not a hide in the bushes, interrupt your dinner kinda kinda fan, just a pleased to meet you or chat with you online kinda fan :) Traveling Mercies was the bomb! Plan B, Some Further Thoughts on Faith, was like icing on my bday cake! Now to the question....What's your take on this world for our children and grandchildren? Will the next generation be better off than we are? Or is it time to circle our family wagons, and plant beans?

Anne, "Bird by Bird" really freed me up to start writing and keep it up. As a life long reader and current Bookmobile driver I have read thousands of books and am excited to get my own ideas down on paper. Thanks for the encouragement.

I too am a huge fan. I can so related to you on so many level. I just finished "Some Assembly", I too am a new grandma and you really did a wonderful job with this remarkable book. Much to my surprise, I had thought I had read your entire collection, when I happened to find "Hard Laughter". I discovered I had not read this book. I am currently reading, and as with all of your books, enjoying it immensely. Looking forward to reading your newest book, and I am beyond thrilled to have been invited to join this group!

Anne , I think I have read all of your books and most of your articles. I am interested on your thoughts about long-term recovery . After a very long time I am in a new place . I have loved and appreciated ALL your work . Most espec. your non-fiction work that has touched on grace and blessings in our lives . Sending you those...

question for Anne. How long does it take you to write a book? What is your personal writing process? Do you write by hand or by word processor?
Thank you,
Angela

Hi Anne,

I haven't read any of your fiction, but not for any reason. Loved Bird by Bird, Operating Instructions, Plan Be, etc. - reading your book with your son now, and it's typically beautiful. I will read your fiction, but I was just curious, how you approach nonfiction vs. fiction, and which you feel more comfortable with. I write on my own time, and am working on a novel, but I find nonfiction flows more naturally and easily. Perhaps that is because I have kept a journal since age 6 (I am 54). But I really want to write a novel. What I write just seems to come from my "nonfiction voice." Suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Marty Berry

Dear Anne,

I keep a drawing of a mouse in a jar over my writing desk.
You've been very generous to write so much writing advice in your book, "Bird by Bird." I've read it many times now, sometimes just opening it to a random page to glean whatever I can in the moment and stay on track. I wondered if you still held writing workshops, and if you've ever considered taking them on the road so that those of us not fortunate enough to live in the greater SF area might be able to come?

First saw you on Book TV many years ago & devoured everything you wrote. Your voice is so honest in your writing. Was there ever a time when you had not "found" your writing voice? If so, what was the process of finding it? I am a writer, age 45, & I've found it difficult at times to hone in on my unique voice, perhaps worried about criticism or reaction from others. How do you cope with those who criticize your ideas or theology? Thank you!

As expressed more than once..you are marvelous. I first was introduced to your writing with your first book..or at least I believe it was your first: "Operating Instructions". Since then I have read most every one of your books..though likely not all. It is the personal quality and honesty of your work, and the way you make your reader step into it with you that makes you a profoundly honest, personal and wonderful writer. As a writer myself, with one very personal published book, my question is: How do you begin? (Bird by Bird?) But more than that..do you actually outline your work..or do you let the story unfold?

Anne,
I first received the recommendation for your book "Bird by Bird" at a writer's conference I attended in 2010. I read your book highlighting many helpful and encouraging tips. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to share the truth about the challenges of writing and publishing. Do you think you will write another book similar to "Bird by Bird" but with the changes we are now seeing in the media? Personally, I know that I can't keep from writing, even if the media tells me it's a waste. How about you?

Anne,

Thank you for the solace, the laughs, your faith, your vulnerability, and your words.

The first book of yours that I read was Bird by Bird. My favorite was Hard Laughter.

I was wondering if you teach writing workshops to the public? And if you'll be swinging through the Midwest on a book tour in the foreseeable future?

Thank you again!

Fondly,
Lauren

Anne,

Your writings have encouraged me through many hardships in my life. Your honesty and vulnerability are such an inspiration. Thank you for continuing to share your life journey with us.

My question for you:
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, but do not participate in a corporate church setting. I believe that I resonate Christ through my life, family, and service. Many people see this as a discrepancy of faith. How would you respond to such an accusation?

So excited for this discussion!
-Samantha

Anne,
I can't wait to read your new book! Bird By Bird and Traveling Mercies are two of my favorites, which I've read more than once, as many other posters have noted. I am a former journalist, current PR writer, now trying my hand at fiction writing. My question is: What do you find comes easier -- fiction or nonfiction and does one lead to the other for you?
Also, do you have any plans to come to the Buffalo area?
Thanks so much for all the writing and painful truths you have shared with us.

Best,
Laurie

Anne,

I've been a huge fan of your writing since I worked at Salon.com . . . and I just started reading your new book over lunch today.

I like how you use Facebook. You write long updates, blending the personal and the national, the broad and the specific. What inspired you to use Facebook like this?

Also, I'm very curious about what it is like for you to write 'religious' books when you are not ordained or a religion professor. Does that present challenges for finding a market for your books?

Chris

Anne, thank you for your continued inspiration! My question is, how do you deal with getting hate mail (email or Facebook posts) when people just want to argue or be mean?

Hello Anne,
I feel as if I know you from listening to your presentation Word By Word, which I turn to every time I'm in need of inspiration or motivation.

I don't have a question for you right now, but I want you to know reading Bird By Bird propelled me to write my first book, Bookworms Anonymous, and I have written three more since, using your book as a kick starter for each one.

Thank you for your words, which somehow transformed my vision from a vague idea to a concrete book I can hold in my hand and regard on the shelf. Thank you.

Jan Kellis