My first exposure to the work of today's guest, Ann LaMotte.
It was her iconic book, Bird by Bird, which as a writer was really transformative.
Not just because it helped me better understand how and why to write, but also because her wonderfully wise and irreverent voice inspired me to be more real, to be more more honest in both my work and my life, which is not always the easiest thing, especially when you're trying to write something that feels true to you but also lands with the world.
Sometimes we can really judge and filter.
I have remained captivated by her writing voice and her craft ever since.
The author of too many New York Times best sellers, including almost everything.
Hallelujah.
Anyways, small victories, stitches, help.
Thanks.
Wow.
And her most recent, Dusk Night dawn, which I absolutely love and goes places that others really fear to tread with such humility and humor and craft.
It's like you've been invited into her mind and her life and her ability to draw belly laughs and deep wisdom and hits of awakening from those often tiny moments that touch down in our lives that so many of us just entirely miss.
She reminds us, it may not be fun while it's happening, but it's kind of all part of that beautiful souffle of life and every single ingredient matters.
So excited to share this conversation with you.
I'm Jonathan Fields, and this is good life project.
Born in San Francisco, grew up in the Bay Area.
You write in your book.
Actually, Dredd was my governess growing up.
Tell me more about that.
Well, I just was.