Bird by Bird with Annie

Oscar-winning documentarian Freida Lee Mock (Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision) trains her lens on author Anne Lamott, who uses her bestselling book Bird by Bird as a springboard (the title refers to a report her brother once wrote about birds) to talk about the writing process in readings and lectures. The self-conscious Lamott developed a drinking problem in her teens, as well as a talent for writing—eventually giving up alcohol, finding religion, becoming a single mother, and embarking on a writing career, although it took awhile before her first publishing success. Unlike Mock's portraits of Maya Lin and playwright Tony Kushner (films that were more likely to capture viewers not necessarily interested in architecture or theater), Bird by Bird has less crossover appeal, although writers of all kinds will surely find this title of interest. Among her no-nonsense insights: “Half of creativity is taking stuff out.” “Perfectionism really is the enemy of the people.” “If you're working on a novel, and there's a therapist in the novel, you should probably go ahead and take the therapist out.” DVD extras include the extended version of Lamott's signature talk at the Sun Valley Writers' Conference. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)