writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
In Anne Lamott's book "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," she compares the process of writing a novel to driving a car at night. Just as a driver can only see a limited distance ahead due to headlights, a writer may have a confined view of their project. However, like the driver, the writer can still progress and ultimately complete their work by focusing on what is visible and taking it step by step. This analogy emphasizes the importance of perseverance and trust in the writing journey.
Lamott’s perspective highlights that creative endeavors often involve uncertainty and the unknown. Writers need to embrace the fact that they won’t see the entire story at once. Instead, they should concentrate on writing what they can see clearly, moving forward gradually. This approach not only alleviates the pressure of knowing everything at the outset but also encourages writers to stay committed to their craft, reinforcing the notion that each small step contributes to the larger narrative.
