School Lunches and Polaroids

The next assigned section of Lamott's Bird by Bird began with a chapter titled "School Lunches." I thought this seemed like an odd title, and I could not imagine how school lunches had anything to do with the writing process. However, Lamott ultimately makes a great point within this chapter about both the writing process and school lunches. First, I feel that Lamott is basically trying to tell the reader that one must write about something they know a lot about. Therefore, if they do this they will have enough material to edit and expand on. In other words, someone would be able to elaborate on a topic they have experienced first hand. Second, Lamontt also launches into a very interesting look into the psyche of packed lunches. She explains that the contents of your packed lunch labeled you as to whether you were socially acceptable. The second portion of the assigned reading, Polaroids, draws the analogy between how a Polaroid picture develops and how a rough draft begins. First, you have a rough idea about your paper (or picture) will contain; however, it is not until the entire paper is finished (or picture is developed) that everything takes shape. To me, this is some of the best writing/life advice that I have received, stressing the importance of taking everything one step at a time. More importantly, letting everything take shape with time. In addition, Lamontt continues give advice in a fresh and satirical way.