Part I. Writing : Getting started ; Short assignments ; Shitty first drafts ; Perfectionism ; School lunches ; Polaroids ; Character ; Plot ; Dialogue ; Set design ; False starts ; Plot treatment ; How do you know when you're done? -- Part II. The writing frame of mind : Looking around ; The moral point of view ; Broccoli ; Radio Station KFKD ; Jealousy -- Part III. Help along the way : Index cards ; Calling around ; Writing groups ; Someone to read your drafts ; Letters ; Writer's block -- Part IV. Publication, and other reasons to write : Writing a present ; Finding your voice ; Giving ; Publication -- Part V. The last class.

Anne Lamott recounts her personal experiences to reveal her writing techniques and how she overcomes obstacles that interfere with the writing flow. She offers concrete suggestions about character, plot, setting, and other topics of interest to writers. She also offers advice about how to navigate through the dark underbelly feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and jealousy that are inevitable parts of any writer's experience