In her book "Bird by Bird," Anne Lamott encourages writing students who feel lost to start by reflecting on their childhood experiences. She suggests that everyone has a wealth of material from their early years, regardless of whether those memories are joyful or painful. The key is to write truthfully and to simply get those memories down on paper, without worrying about perfection at this stage.

Lamott cites Flannery O'Connor, who believed that anyone who has navigated childhood possesses enough content to fuel a lifetime of writing. She reassures her students that even difficult experiences can make compelling narratives, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over craft initially.