Good morning, all!
Today marks the inaugural meeting of the Progressive Book Club, where we will be discussing the book, Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott.
I loved it. All of it. Word by word.
And if you follow me regularly, you know how much I also love quotes. So I combined the two, picked out the best of Anne's insightful writing tips (and observations on life), and made a video of fifty fantastic highlights to tuck away in those nooks and crannies that we never seem to revisit:
Bird by Bird
Potent Quotables
Weren't those quite the life-changers? Or at the very least, writing-changers? That's only the bare bones; in the book you'll find a slab of meat attached to each drumstick that will fill you up until the button on your jeans pops off.
This video is on my Youtube channel if ever you need to refresh your memory, talent, and spirit.
As for me...my work here is done. I'll count this first meeting as a whopping success, leave you with the list of all the other wonderful participants, and hope that you visit and delight in the shared learning of Bird by Bird.
May you enjoy it as much as I did.
And I want to see all of you back (and then some) on the third Wednesday of next month, when we will pour over the new classic, Save the Cat!
The Progressive Book Club is open each month. For more information, or to join, click HERE.
The Progressive Book Club is open each month. For more information, or to join, click HERE.
Peace,
ML
get the InLinkz code
I've read several Progressive Book Club posts already today - glad it's off to a good start! I might participate next month. Unofficially, as I've already read Save the Cat. Great book.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex...I'd love to have you join us. So what if you've already read it. I finished Bird by Bird a month ago! JOIN IN. Officially.
ReplyDeleteThis video is going to be the death of me. I finished it this morning at 4:00 a.m. and have been trying to upload the dang thing ever since. It's my first.
That was very insightful but the legends go a bit too fast. Yet, I think coming up with the most interesting lines is an excellent way to summarize it and share distilled wisdom with all of us. Thank you for that, Mike.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming over, Al. You know...making that video was a CHORE! It was the first one I've ever done, and nothing went right. I agree that the quotes need to slow down just a titch, but I couldn't figure that out in time. With 50 pictures, and 50 credits to add to them (they're on the Youtube link) I was happy that I even finished!
DeleteHope you can join us soon.
Very impressive. Was one a... what do you call those things that waddle and have flat noses? The others I'm not too sure about.
ReplyDeleteI confess, I didn't read the book again, but I'm amazed at how many of those quotes, or at least the ideas behind them, have stuck with me.
I can't wait for your Save the Cat video. That poor black moggy is in for a tough couple of months.
Yes...although this was a difficult project (since it was my first time and I thought I could do it in an hour—HA!), I think I might do a video for them all. Dunno...but I did have fun putting it together.
DeleteThese quotes are definitely rib-stickers. Like oatmeal. And they keep repeating on me the same way.
Don't sweat it...hope you can do STC with us!
My post is up at http://anglersrest.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/bird-by-bird-by-anne-lamott.html
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie...I'll go back over. Couldn't find it earlier.
DeleteI scheduled it for lunchtime (UK time!)
DeleteThanks Julie...it was fantastic! I'm trying to feel better so I can write up an article on yesterday's meeting. But first...have to drag myself to the store and get some groceries, change the church sign, etc.
DeleteVery creative, my friends. Yes, there are gobs of take-aways from the book. Glad you enjoyed it. As I wrote in someone else's post-- it feeds the soul, if not the intellect.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping over...got to get to your place next. It did indeed feed the soul...making the video was aggravating as heck, though.
DeleteHello! I just found your blog through Julie Lueks and I'm a new follower. I also loved/love this book. It's great to get it out from time to time and re-read all those sentences I underlined. I think it's the first book I ever allowed myself to make any marks on! :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I also love The Carpenters! I noticed you have them as "Music to Read By."
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Becky. Glad you liked the book. Once I learned that we were actually allowed to write in books we owned (it was so taboo), I've made notes in all of them.
DeleteAlso, glad you listened to some tunes. I've wondered if anybody did.
P.S. I forgot to mention how much I liked the video, too. Great job!
Deletewhat a great idea!
ReplyDeleteso glad i signed up for this! thanks!
i meant making a video to share the quotes (the book club is awesome too, but i already said that before!)
ReplyDeleteLoved your post, Tara. Yeah...this idea just came to me and I had a dickens of a time learning how to do it. It was hair-pulling.
DeleteYour video showed me I may have judged this one too quickly. The book is ready at the library now (they just called). I think I'll read it after all.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! And super idea for a book club. :)
Yes...do read. And it's actually an easy read. Thought-provoking but not difficult. And since it's so easy, a quick read, too. But so inspiring.
DeleteSo many wonderful quotes. Thanks for the inspiration. Maybe I'll finally make the time to sit somewhere quiet and finish the book. It's been staring at me for the past month and I've only read the first couple of chapters.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite quote was about perfectionism being the oppressor and the enemy of the people. Wish I'd had that advice many moons ago.
Roxanne! Thanks for swinging in on this. I know your hectic schedule. You know, I started this to make sure I read all of the great books I bought. Otherwise, they'll sometimes stare a hole in my head.
DeleteI had to stop at 50 quotes. Lots of great ones, the one you mentioned being one of the top. I've got to get that through my head.
I'm not sure I can emphasize in type how much I loved the video you put together- what a fantastic idea and what fabulous images to go with the quotes! It sure is much more aesthetically pleasing to experience than my heavily marked copy, but now I have both. :D
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful post!!!
Thanks, Lexie, and yours, too. I've enjoyed everyone's takes. So diverse, which is what I was hoping for.
DeleteAnd that's exactly why I did the video. A quick reference guide to refresh memories, from cover to cover. Five minutes of your time. :o)
Thanks for participating!
Looks like you're off to a great start for the book club, so allow me to bask in your success. Yipee!!! Kudos to you and the PBC clan!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso the fantastic fifty video was a great idea. Like you, I enjoy quotes, too, so I enjoyed the video.
Thanks DFG! (I saw that on a comment someone left you)
DeleteI think it's a fabulous success. Am going to make a post about it. Just been a little sick with a bug.
I live by quotes. :o)
It sounds like a pretty interesting book. Glad the book club is taking off :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mark. Hope to have you join in on one of these.
DeleteYou said be creative. I think you accomplished it. Nice video. I am so impressed with everyones post. We have a great group of club members.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Sydney. And I was thrilled with your post. Very well-written and a joy to read. We do have a great group, and I love the diversity.
DeleteSo, so sorry I missed out on reading and reviewing this month. I was out of town and by the time I found out what book we were reading, I didn't have time to get it and read it. Please be gentle with me. I don't take well to punishment. I'll do better next time. I'm getting Save the Cat tomorrow so I'll no excuse next month to not post my sentiments.
ReplyDeleteLoved your comments on this book. You have such a delightful, quirky sense of humor.
Yeah, I know you've had it busy. Hope your friend is doing okay. Go around to everyone's and see the various takes. I'm really thrilled with the unique interpretations and the diversity of posts. LOVED.
DeleteAnd so glad you'll be reading STC with us. You're quirky, too. Birds of a feather...
Great job! I am definitely not as creative (I stick to words. Words, words, words). But I did manage to get my post up while it was still Wed. in all parts of the U.S. That's my triumph for the day.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2013/02/progressive-book-club-1.html
Great post, Rebecca! I hope everyone will get over to read it.
DeleteExcellent! And I won't be a sour-puss for Save the Cat... cats are cool (but not as cool as dogs).
ReplyDeleteA montage of quotes from the book, very creative Mike, do you maybe need to get outdoors a little more?
Charmaine,
DeleteLet me say once again how much I loved your post. Lord...I should hope we don't all think alike, like the same things, write the same words...what fun would that be? The Mutual Kiss Your Ass Club. I appreciate the honesty, and I hope others take heed and write from an honest POV. And the creativity is important to me too. We'd quickly tire of post after post of the same spiel.
And yes...I need to get out more, but no wi-fi.
Looks like the inaugural PBC was an enjoyable success. Well done, Mike.
ReplyDeleteAnd well done on your post! LOVED. I'll be working on a post about the meeting when I get back from the store.
DeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite quote from the video was the 1-inch frame. Annie has a great way of helping us manage the huge obstacle that is writing. Sometimes, it is too damn big.
That is one handsome video. I wish I had your skills.
I will not be joining the PBC for the next book, as I am not interested in screenplays.
Love how you call her Annie. And I like your style, Joe. And the two posts on this book. You did good.
DeleteSorry to hear that you won't be joining us for STC, but 'tis okay. I do want to mention that, although I'm not planning to be a screenwriter or a poet or a romance writer, I recognize the value in reading through those things to better hone my own craft. Studying a screenwriting book will give me a better sense of pace...when and where things should happen...what's important to include—what's not. Poetry gives me rhythm, elegance, beauty to draw on. Romance...well, I actually bought my first romance book just to see how love and romance and jealousy and yes, sex, are written. As with any book I read, I take what I need and leave the rest behind.
That's not a guilt trip I'm laying on you. I definitely respect your decision to pass on the book...Lord knows, I certainly can't read every one that people put in my face or suggest. Got to draw the line somewhere, so don't sweat it. Glad to have you (and your funny as hell posts) for Annie's book. :o)
Mike, your YouTube "Potent Quotables" for Anne Lamatt's book was a treat for the eye, the ear, and the (writing) mind. Thanks for all this effort!
ReplyDeleteOh, and we love your next selection, Save the Cat -- it may be about writing for the screen industry, but screenwriters have perspectives that make any form of storytelling more compelling. That book made us rethink how we write novels as well as script pages.
You rock and you rule!
Aww...I blush. And yes, I've done much acting throughout my life, so I agree about the importance of learning screenwriting for any writer. I've read through many a script.
DeleteThanks for coming by, and I love what you're doing with your place!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteYou've been nominated for Best Commenter on the Paying Forward Awards. Congratulations!
Misha
Wow! I'm absolutely stunned. And thrilled. Thanks, Misha, for coming by and telling me.
Delete