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  • Word by Word

  • By: Anne Lamott
  • Narrated by: Anne Lamott
  • Length: 2 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (54 ratings)
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Word by Word cover art

Word by Word

By: Anne Lamott
Narrated by: Anne Lamott
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Summary

Writing, like life, can be a difficult process, you just have to take it Word by Word. Provocative and witty, Lamott takes you beyond her book Bird by Bird and into her "writer's mind". She won't tell you about plot points or how to get published, because, frankly, she doesn't think they're important. Good writing, she says, slows you down, opens your heart and arrives through your fingers, knowing what it's about. You'll learn how to keep things simple and how to write honestly about life, family, and friends. This recording is a 1997 Audie Award winner for the country's best Educational/How-to/Instructional audiobook.
©1996 Anne Lamott (P)1996 Writer's AudioShop
Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing
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Critic reviews

"Lamott reaches out to her audience as if she's addressing an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting." ( Publishers Weekly)
"... she shares invaluable nuggets of wisdom about writing and the writing life." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Word by Word

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for SJ Ross

Excellent insights into authentic writing.

Ditch the obsession with being published and let yourself be known. Let your words become you and let your voice be known. so many rich snippets and aides to support writers

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Profile Image for Cliente Amazon

perfect

I absolutely adored it. It was both a slap back into reality and a warm hug of encouragement.

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Profile Image for Philip

Wonderful!

Word By Word, a town hall event that Lamott spoke at in Austin some years ago. On balance, she was outstanding; a funny, intense, and emotive woman deeply passionate about the act of writing, which she describes as an act of therapeutic creativity. Her words just tumbled out of her in what felt like a 150-minute long sentence, an adrenalized flurry of exposition. The woman barely paused to take a breath. It was as if her vocal chords were on steroids, her brain shooting out mind bullets. I was getting exhausted just listening to her. Certainly made me want to write. Highly recommended!!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Richard

Interesting freeflow on writing

I wasn't expecting a recorded lecture. I thought this was a book, however it was interesting to hear the author's own voice and natural rhythms of her speech as she explains her values and priorities when approaching writing. Very good.

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Profile Image for Heidi

A Gift

If you're a writer or wannabe writer this is a rich insight into the habits and mindset of Anne Lamott : fantastic for broadening perspective and looking at things in different ways. Absolutely loved the intimacy of listening to Anne herself talking about her processes. This is a real treat.

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    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Wendy R

Inspiring.

A vivid and inspiring listen to delivered in a vivid and inspiring way. Go write.

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Profile Image for Marianne Hoejer Moeller

I just love Anne Lamott

She's giving usefull advice on writing and storytelling. I like that it's her own voice.

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Profile Image for Judy

Hilarious and life-changing in equal measure.

This is alive talk by writer, parent and recovered alcoholic Anne Lamott. If you're a writer or creative of any kind, or yearn to be, treat yourself. And if you're not, it just might turn you.

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