Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Lamott describes how she uses index cards to take notes. She carries them with her and writes down snippets of overheard conversations, memories, and other ideas. One example she gives is a brief note that reminds her of talking with a friend who was dying of cancer. Initially, she would write down her experiences after the fact, but she found that she too frequently forgot, so she took up the habit of always carrying a card or notebook with her to write things down as they happened. She describes a writer friend who insists that it’s better to write things down after they happen, since taking notes in the moment can detract from being present in her experiences. Lamott expresses envy of this friend for being able to remember to write things down later.

The “unbidden thoughts” (136) that can be used for writing arrive in many places and at many times. She encourages the reader to use index cards and not to feel like taking notes is cheating. When working on a specific writing project, she clips cards to rough drafts or stacks them on her desk. Another example of the notes she takes is a memory of drinking her recently divorced aunt’s failed attempt at lemonade with a gadget.