I have perused a plethora of writing instruction books, and this particular one stands out as the worst.

Its approach was convoluted and obtuse, making it extremely difficult to establish a connection with.

Moreover, the conclusion lacked any real staying power, leaving me feeling rather dissatisfied.

While there were a few amusing anecdotes scattered throughout, they seemed to be haphazardly placed and dangled awkwardly in the narrative flow.

The writer also came across as overly self-aware and full of herself, which was off-putting.

I much prefer a practical, down-to-earth, and accessible writing book, and there are several others that fit this bill perfectly.

They provide clear and concise guidance, without all the unnecessary fluff and self-aggrandizement.

I would highly recommend those books over this one to anyone looking to improve their writing skills.

Absolute required reading for anyone who wants to be a writer.

Annie Dillard is truly brilliant. Her writing is not only filled with profound insights but also has a certain brutality that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go.

This book of hers left me completely breathless. It made me realize that in order to shape literature, a writer must first allow literature to shape her.

Dillard's words are like a powerful force, guiding us through the complex world of writing and inspiring us to dig deeper within ourselves.

She shows us that being a writer is not just about putting words on paper, but about being open to the influence of literature and using it to create something truly unique and meaningful.

If you have any aspirations of becoming a writer, this book is an absolute must-read. It will change the way you think about writing and set you on a path towards becoming a better writer.

This piece contains many quotable sections, and I find myself compelled to single out just one: "Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you."

Similar to Stephen King in On Writing, Dillard offers valuable insights on revisions and input/output matters (what one reads influences what one writes). I'm also reminded of Elizabeth Gilbert's essay on her website, addressing the same topic. In response to the question that these works strive to answer, which is primarily how one becomes a writer, Gilbert says something like "Write, write like your hair is on fire."

One of the reviewers on the back cover remarks that Dillard's work is a kind of spiritual Strunk & White, and I concur based on the blatant wisdom that can be found every few pages. Her comments on technique often reveal her as a writer who grapples with the demons/sentences within her in secluded spaces, be it cold cabins or borrowed library rooms.

What I truly appreciate about her text here is that she doesn't moralize about the craft; instead, she describes it. This approach makes her work accessible and engaging, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the writing process without feeling lectured.

Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life (1989) is not so much an instructional guide for aspiring writers as it is a dose of reality.

“Why people want to be writers I will never know,” she remarks, and through seven essays, she delves into the act of writing and the mindset of being a writer. What ensues is a wealth of advice, both personal and culled from other creatives, that prompts reflection on one’s own work, processes, and commitment.

The life of a writer is “colorless to the point of sensory deprivation,” with many sitting in rooms “recalling the real world.” Dillard’s advice presents us with her world, but through books, from austere desks, and windows with drawn blinds. These are the places where “imagination can meet memory in the dark.” Such environments inspire the writer.

Writers who are eager to share their work or intimidated by the blank page (“that page will teach you to write”) can find great comfort in these pages. There’s no need to rush. The world isn’t impatiently awaiting your manuscript. Writing is rewriting. Kill your darlings. Sometimes you have to discard the previous day’s work. It’s acceptable to do so in the pursuit of a greater piece of work. Rest assured, it takes time to write a book. Take your time. Despite all we hear about writers who can produce classics at a prolific pace, “there is no call to take human extremes as norms.”

The opening essay, in my opinion, is the most engaging. While it centers on writing as a pursuit and its sacrifices (of time; of one’s own words), it does so by playfully employing a plethora of metaphors, from workmen and their tools to the marvels of nature. However, there is caution advised throughout for the eager writer and a certain skepticism towards anyone who would attempt to present a movie in book form. Readers want to read.

If at times Dillard expresses frustration similar to that of any other person who works day in and day out, hates their job but does it anyway, she also acknowledges that writing is “life at its most free, if you are fortunate enough to be able to try it, because you select your materials, invent your task, and pace yourself.” A final extended flourish, comparing writing to an aerial display, encourages writers to dig deep, to rise above, and to deliver, while always moving forward.

This is the very first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Dillard. However, I am certain that it will not be the last.

Her writing style is truly remarkable. It is forceful, as if each word is a powerful blow, hitting the reader with its impact. It is muscular, showing a strength and vitality that is rare in modern literature. And it is also incredibly insightful, providing deep and profound perspectives on life and the human condition.

I am really eager to see how this unique writing style translates into her fiction. I have a feeling that it will be just as captivating and engaging.

The only reason I am awarding this book 4 stars instead of a full 5 is because I found myself getting a bit bogged down in the last chapter. This chapter detailed her experiences flying with the stunt pilot. But perhaps this says more about my own limitations and interests than it does about her writing.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that anyone who is interested in understanding how a writer works and thinks should definitely read this book. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a talented author.

The original article:
This is a short article. It needs to be rewritten and expanded.

Expanded article:
This is a rather concise article.

It indeed requires some rewriting and expansion to make it more detailed and comprehensive.

Firstly, we can add more specific details and examples to support the main points. For instance, if the original article was about a particular topic, we could provide real-life scenarios or case studies related to that topic.

Secondly, we can enhance the language by using more vivid and descriptive words. This will make the article more engaging and interesting for the readers.

Additionally, we can restructure the sentences and paragraphs to improve the flow and coherence of the article.

By following these steps, we can transform the short article into a more substantial and valuable piece of writing.

Sanjivi eseji o stvaranju predstavljaju vrlo zanimljiv rad.

U njima se mogu naći misli koje su prožete tu i tamo i sa kojima se mnogi mogu identificirati.

Međutim, kraj eseja nije bio baš tako snažan kao samočekanje, što je iz tog razloga dovelo do maknute jedne zvjezdice.

Ipak, ono što je ove eseje čini izuzetnim je njihovo kvalitetno štivo.

To nije samo korisno za ljude koji se bave pisanjem, već i za one koji žele procijeniti razvoj misli i stvaralačkog procesa.

Ukupno, Sanjivi eseji o stvaranju su vrijedni pažnje i mogu pružiti korisne informacije i inspiraciju.

Some of the lines in this little book took my breath away.

It was truly remarkable how certain passages could have such a profound impact. The words seemed to leap off the page and touch my soul.

That said, do not expect a manual in the style of King's "On Writing" or even Lamott's "Bird by Bird." This work is of a different nature.

It is more of a wandering, extended personal essay on the topic of Dillard's life experiences surrounding her writing.

It meanders through her thoughts, memories, and reflections, offering a unique perspective on the writing process and the role it plays in her life.

Instead of providing step-by-step instructions or practical advice, it invites the reader to embark on a journey with Dillard and explore the rich tapestry of her experiences.

It is a book that requires patience and an open mind, as it unfolds at its own pace, revealing hidden gems along the way.

This was quite underwhelming for me.

I had expected so much more from this experience. The build-up had been intense, with all the anticipation and excitement. But when it finally came to fruition, it just didn't live up to my expectations.

Maybe it was the way it was presented, or perhaps it was the lack of substance. Whatever the reason, it left me feeling disappointed and a bit let down.

I had hoped for something that would truly wow me, something that would make me remember it for a long time. But instead, it was just a mediocre affair that failed to make any lasting impression.

However, I guess there's always room for improvement. Maybe next time, things will be different and I'll have an experience that exceeds my expectations. Only time will tell.

I wasn't a fan of this brief book on writing.

Annie Dillard may be a successful writer in her own right, but this book failed to inspire would-be writers who are likely to be its readers. She made it seem as if writing well was an almost insurmountable task.

She did have some interesting metaphors for different aspects of writing, but they were so overly drawn out that it seemed to take an eternity for Dillard to get to the point. I wasn't seeking to be impressed by her writing, which appeared to be her main focus. Instead, I truly wanted to understand her insights into the writing process. Although she eventually made some valid points, there was nothing particularly new here. It felt as if she had relatively little to say and was simply padding the text with unnecessary descriptions. This led me to think that it would have been more effective as a much shorter personal essay or a piece in the Paris Review.

I'm not certain if I would recommend this book. Stephen King and Dorothea Brande have more useful and engaging books on the writing life.

These words felt like precious little meditations on the art of writing.

I was truly captivated by some of Dillard's profound thoughts on this subject.

Reading her words was an incredibly intimate experience, even though it deviated from my initial expectations.

As I delved into the book, I discovered snippets of her valuable writing advice seamlessly integrated into charming vignettes about her life.

It was a unique and engaging combination that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Each page offered a new perspective and a wealth of inspiration for my own writing journey.

I found myself reflecting on my own writing process and goals, and I was motivated to explore new ideas and techniques.

This book has become a cherished addition to my collection, and I will undoubtedly return to it time and time again for guidance and inspiration.

I highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for writing or a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the creative process.

This piece reads first as a memoir and then as writing advice. As I delved into it, I truly felt as if I had stumbled upon the writer's personal journal. In this journal, they chronicled everything from observing birds outside their window to reflecting on their writing life. However, it seemed as if this journal had endured a fire, leaving only fragmented paragraphs.

When I began reading on my Kindle, I initially thought I had overlooked something and flipped back to see what it was. But there was nothing. You simply plunge into a lengthy descriptive passage and proceed from there. This is Dillard's style of writing nonfiction, so perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised. Yet, I had hoped for more insights into her and her writing process, rather than details about her neighbors and a man she once knew who flew a plane. It felt more like "Bits and Pieces of a Writer's Life" than anything else.