Key Facts
full title · Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing
and Life
author · Anne Lamott
type of work · Nonfiction
genre · Memoir/Writing Manual
language · English
time and place written · 1995; San Rafael, California
date of first publication · October 1995
publisher · Anchor Books
narrator · Anne Lamott
point of view · The author speaks exclusively in the first person,
unless quoting another person or writer. She gives advice and speaks
of her past experiences through memoir form.
tone · The author is the narrator, and her attitude toward
the story is straightforward and conversational. Her writing style
is primarily subjective.
tense · Present tense, except when describing past events
setting (time) · Current; events take place between 1954–1995
setting (place) · Northern California
protagonist · Anne Lamott
major conflict · None
rising action · None
climax · None
falling action · None
themes · Writing vs. publishing; the importance of faith to
creativity; the creation of community
motifs: · Memories; illness and dying; opposites
symbols · Small things; photographs; church
foreshadowing · None
