Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

INTRODUCTION-PART 1

Reading Check

1. What was Lamott’s father’s profession?

2. To what does Lamott metaphorically compare the scope of a small writing prompt?

3. What kind of narrators does Lamott favor?

4. What famous writer does Lamott say changed the way dialogue is written?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Lamott argue for rambling first drafts?

2. What mental imagery does Lamott use to quiet the critical voices in her head while she is writing?

3. Explain Lamott’s analogy comparing writing to Polaroid pictures.

4. To what revision process in painting does Lamott compare the revision process in writing?

Paired Resources

“Four Ways to Silence Your Inner Comments Section”

• This article from Writer Unboxed offers advice about dealing with imagined bad-faith readings of your writing. (Content Warning: A few comments include brief profanity.)
• This resource relates to the theme of The Practical Craft of Writing.
• This article attempts to update the advice Lamott gives about the inner critic for the internet age. Evaluate the distinction the author draws between the “inner critic” and the “inner comments section.