Anne Lamott Could Not Resist My Shirt

Last week, I attended an event at Napa Valley College featuring New York Times bestselling author Anne Lamott, whose beloved book Bird by Bird has guided generations of writers.

The sold-out crowd gathered to hear her speak about writing, friendship, and the lessons that come with age. Her blend of humor, honesty, and faith made the evening feel intimate, as if we were all sitting in her living room swapping stories.

Before leaving the Performing Arts Center stage to sign books in the lobby, Anne set her boundaries with a grin: no personalization, no selfies, just signatures. She said she didn’t mind photos being taken, as long as she didn’t see them being taken.

I was first in line when she noticed my vintage “Equal Writes” shirt—a 2014 Shebooks gem illustrated by Wendy Macnaughton, created to champion women writers. She smiled and asked if she could take my photo. Proof that even our literary heroes can’t resist a good story—or a good shirt.

I brought my pristine 25th anniversary edition of Bird by Bird, purchased last year, and left inspired to finally read it cover to cover. I also loved seeing children’s book author Maria Castellucci Moore in line to get her copy of Somehow signed. “Don’t you just love her?” Maria gushed.

From what I saw on stage, yes. I admit that I didn’t know much about Anne, now 71, when I took my seat. I didn’t know about her sobriety. Her marriage at the age of 65—and that it was her first. “Never give up,” she told the crowd. Her faith. But I knew she was worshipped, and I wanted to hear her speak because I sensed she would inspire me to keep writing Bellini for One. Writing a memoir is tough, especially when you’re a new solopreneur and every ounce of energy seems to go into Napa Valley Noir, my concierge business. And it’s doubly tough for a perfectionist like me.

Anne reminded us that “perfection is the tool of the oppressor,” and I carried that line home with me. It’s a reminder to create without apology—to show up, imperfectly, and just begin, bird by bird.

Follow my writing journey at kellyecarter.com/author and on Instagram at @belliniforone.