Bird By Bird Journal 4

	In the novel BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott, Anne discusses how she is able to write by relating personal experiences. In the Chapter "Finding Your Voice", and "Giving" Lamott discusses the importance of putting into writing all that one can, as well as how to find one's personal writing style.
	In "Finding Your Voice" Lamott relates her students problems with finding their own writing style and states that her students will often copy the style of one of their more revered authors. I have found the students' strategy to be very effective as it is a tried and true method, but Lamott warns that unless I find my own style, my writing will not be truly unique as it would not be my style.I must begin to develop my own style to become a truly great writer.
	In "Giving" Lamott talks about how one's writing may be enhanced. She believes that it is important to always write with all of the effort one may give. She believes that if one tries to be lazy when writing, that whatever was written will not be of any quality and will therefore be a waste of time to write. Lamott also emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences, stating that they are what makes the story relate-able. I have found much of what Lamott said to be true, as I have found that when I do try to write, I tend to write a great deal, and I tend to write well. I have also found that it is easiest to write about personal experiences, as it is one thing that I am the only complete expert on.
	Throughout BIRD BY BIRD, Lamott has taught me how to become a better writer. In section four, "Finding Your Voice" and "Giving" have given me some great insight on how I may better my writing skills. As I finished reading this novel, I came to realize just how much I have grown as a writer.