Do you want freedom from being overwhelmed by writing?

If you feel overwhelmed, listen to Anne Lamott.

The aspiring writers I know tell me they want to write a book. 

“Kaa,” they say, “I want to write a memoir.”

“Oh, that’s great,” I say.

Then they frown and start telling me how long the writing process takes. How long the editing process takes. How long finding a publisher takes. 

I say, “Have you read Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life? Let me tell you the story.”

I tell them the story Anne tells about her father getting her brother to see that his huge project about birds should be viewed not as a whole, but in segments, bird by bird.

They relax, laugh a little, and say, “I’ve got to listen to Anne.” 

“Yeah, me, too, I say.”