"This is why memoir is so hard to write and why AI will never replace human storytellers. We are not Large Language Models (LLMs) to be studied as if we’ve got the answers. We are unlearnable." I agree with this 100%, and I also love Anne Lamott - in fact, Bird by Bird is sitting on my nightstand.
One of my favorite passages from Bird by Bird is on page 201 and says, "Your anger and grief are the way to truth...When you have gone in and looked around for a long while, just breathing and finally taking it in - then we will be able to speak in our own voice and to stay in the present moment. And that moment is home."
I'm grateful that I was able to see Anne speak last year in San Francisco about her newest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love. I haven't directly written a love letter to an author, but I think all the times I quote or link to authors, that is a form of a love letter. Connecting their work to other work and sending words linked to words out in the universe like an ever growing Tibetan prayer flag, unfurling in the wind.
I’ve carried these for over a decade now: “You’re doing great” & “Keep going.” No matter how much I’m slaying or not it seems to help the little people inside, pick them up when they feel like they fell off the horse 😊🐰🫶🏽
Dear Catherine (which is how love letters to authors begin),
Like you, I'm amid life, amid memoir writing (editing & querying stage), and amid books like Bird by Bird, Writing Down the Bones, The Art of Memoir, and The Heroine's Journey.... I, too, have an Anne Lamott post. https://andipenner.substack.com/p/put-a-lid-on-it
I needed this one this week. Hello from ten years in. I've still got the index cards out, but the finish is in sight. <3
I believe in you! (and Petronella) ❤️
"This is why memoir is so hard to write and why AI will never replace human storytellers. We are not Large Language Models (LLMs) to be studied as if we’ve got the answers. We are unlearnable." I agree with this 100%, and I also love Anne Lamott - in fact, Bird by Bird is sitting on my nightstand.
One of my favorite passages from Bird by Bird is on page 201 and says, "Your anger and grief are the way to truth...When you have gone in and looked around for a long while, just breathing and finally taking it in - then we will be able to speak in our own voice and to stay in the present moment. And that moment is home."
I'm grateful that I was able to see Anne speak last year in San Francisco about her newest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love. I haven't directly written a love letter to an author, but I think all the times I quote or link to authors, that is a form of a love letter. Connecting their work to other work and sending words linked to words out in the universe like an ever growing Tibetan prayer flag, unfurling in the wind.
Anne Lamott is a national treasure! And, yes, I so agree that sharing people's work IS a kind of love letter. Thank you for sharing mine. 💓
“Work hard. Be Brave. Believe.” Love this so much 🫶🏽⚡️🥕
Thanks Kara. I’ve got the first one down, and still striving to be brave and believe in myself. Do you have a mantra?
I’ve carried these for over a decade now: “You’re doing great” & “Keep going.” No matter how much I’m slaying or not it seems to help the little people inside, pick them up when they feel like they fell off the horse 😊🐰🫶🏽
Loved your post, now I need to go find a jar...🤪
Dear Catherine (which is how love letters to authors begin),
Like you, I'm amid life, amid memoir writing (editing & querying stage), and amid books like Bird by Bird, Writing Down the Bones, The Art of Memoir, and The Heroine's Journey.... I, too, have an Anne Lamott post. https://andipenner.substack.com/p/put-a-lid-on-it