Despite the fact that nearly thirty years have passed since the publication of this book, it still enjoys popularity among American book lovers. This book, which has a relatively small volume, consists of handwritten notes similar to the personal memoirs of "Ani Dillard", an American writer and poet, regarding her inner feelings while writing her books. I picked up this book during a very long break while reading and read it. I mostly think that this book is popular because of the popularity of its author rather than the essence of the text. If we pass over the poetic pen of the author, no special feature can be found in the book.

"When literature gives shape to a writer, perhaps at that time that writer can give shape to literature." (p. 69)

http://delsharm.blog.ir/1397/07/01/wr...


"Why would anyone read a book instead of watching a movie on the screen? Because a book can be turned into literature... In my opinion, the more literary a book is, the more precise its words, the more imaginative its sentences, the deeper and more rational it is, and the more people will read that book... In my opinion, it is harder to spend years convincing book readers to read a book than to write a book." (p. 19)

The Writing Life — 3.5 ★

In 2015, I received this book as one of four books from one of my mentors, a professor at my undergraduate college. Looking back, it's quite amusing to realize that three out of the four books were about writing. Clearly, she noticed my growing fondness for writing long before I could put it into words (pun intended).

Don't ask me why it took me years to read this little book. Or if you do, I'll simply say "Timing". And that opportune time finally arrived when @magicpages inspired me to pick it up, so I did. I took my time, reading an essay, setting it aside, reading a few more, jotting down some thoughts, and then setting it aside again for a long while. Thankfully, @jessicasbookstack gave me the impetus to finally finish it with her #tinybookchallenge.
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My thoughts: The Writing Life consists of seven short essays that cover a range of topics, from conversations about why you shouldn't become a writer, to ideal workspaces such as windowless rooms or remote islands, the routines and discipline required to start and, of course, finish a novel. It also includes seemingly ordinary yet profound stories about life lived in cabins and the people you meet on small islands who are engaged in similar pursuits like writing and art.

There is something authentic and intimate about Dillard's writing. You can almost smell the strong coffee she has every morning and taste the simple sandwich that accompanies it in the afternoon. As for essay collections, this book serves as a great complement to other books about writing. I say this because Dillard's voice, especially in the beginning, can come across a bit like a cantankerous professor enumerating all the reasons you shouldn't pursue a PhD or, in this case, become a writer. Her unapologetic, sarcastic, and at times rigid approach to discussing writing is both refreshing and, at times, disheartening. But then again, she isn't sugar-coating anything, and I ultimately respected that.
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It was crucial to remind myself that in this collection, Dillard isn't suggesting a one-size-fits-all approach to writing. As a reader, it's essential to recognize that this is a reflection of what has worked for Dillard and, equally importantly, it's a reflection on her own relationship with writing. As she writes, "I do no so much write a book as sit up with it, as with a dying friend. During visiting hours, I enter its room with dread and sympathy for its many disorders. I hold its hand and hope it will get better. This tender relationship can change in a twinkling. If you skip a visit or two, a work in progress will turn on you." (p. 52)

There were definitely gems in this collection, with Essays 2, 5, and 6 resonating with me the most. I highly recommend reading it while on the beach.

Spot on shelf? I will hold onto this collection more for what it means to me (and who gave it to me) than for my overall affinity for the work. Having read her non-fiction work, I'm now excited to explore Dillard's fiction, specifically Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.

In her writing-centered memoir The Writing Life, Annie Dillard offers profound insights into what it truly means to write for life.

She carefully delineates the writing process, people's perception of this art form, and various events from her life that have had a significant influence on her writing.

However, the most captivating aspect of this book is her remarkable penchant for metaphor. While it might have become tiresome in a lengthier work, here it truly blew me away.

The way she compares a log adrift at sea to the process of finding a story, misguided butterflies to individuals addicted to movies, and her unique style of association in general, all contribute to making this memoir truly unique.

I highly recommend it to those who are seeking a contrasting book within the same genre as Stephen King's On Writing.

Here's a quote that perfectly exemplifies why I hold such deep affection for this work and Annie Dillard in general:

The line of words fingers your own heart. It invades arteries, and enters the heart on a flood of breath; it presses the moving rims of thick valves; it palpates the dark muscle strong as horses, feeling for something, it knows not what. A queer picture beds in the muscle like a worm encysted - some film of feeling, some song forgotten, a scene in a dark bedroom, a corner of the woodlot, a terrible dining room, that exalting sidewalk; these fragments are heavy with meaning. The line of words peels them back, dissects them out. Will the bared tissue burn? Do you want to expose these scenes to the light? You may locate them and leave them, or poke the spot hard till the sore bleeds on your finger, and write with that blood.

This quote beautifully captures the essence of Dillard's writing and her ability to explore the depths of the human experience through her words.

Perhaps it was rather peculiar that my first encounter with Dillard was through an autobiographical collection of essays written with the intention of dissuading writers. Nevertheless, this work was truly exceptional, although that might be a rather bold assertion.

Each essay within it was beautiful, although admittedly, some moments shone brighter than others. Dillard has an uncanny ability to infuse prose with meaning like no other writer I have yet come across. Her words are replete with depth and intimacy, leaving a delicious aftertaste in my mouth and an insatiable craving for more. I find myself going back for seconds, thirds, and sometimes even fourths. Her metaphors are at times gracious and at others, daring, making her work altogether inspiring.

I can envision her sitting at her desk, writing in complete darkness. There are quick bursts of inspiration, followed by longer stretches of focused work. Maybe she even dreads the life she has chosen, spending a great deal of time "being real." All of this is part of what she calls "The Writing Life."

I know that I will be ruminating on this prose for quite some time, hoping that new insights will leap out at me from the page. Or perhaps they will just peek around the corner, afraid of being discovered. Only time will tell.

As Dillard herself writes, "The line of words fingers your own heart. It invades arteries, and enters the heart on a flood of breath; it presses the moving rims of thick valves; it palpates the dark muscle strong as horses, feeling for something, it knows not what. A queer picture beds in the muscle like a worm encysted—some film of feeling, some song forgotten, a scene in a dark bedroom, a corner of the woodlot, a terrible dining room, that exalting sidewalk; these fragments are heavy with meaning. The line of words peels them back, dissects them out. Will the bared tissue burn? Do you want to expose these scenes to the light? You may locate them and leave them, or poke the spot hard till the sore bleeds on your finger, and write with that blood. If the sore spot is not fatal, if it does not grow and block something, you can use its power for many years, until the heart resorbs it" (20). This passage truly encapsulates the power and mystery of the writing process.

Meditations about writing that could have stayed on a personal blog, to be honest, often hold a certain charm and authenticity.

When we write for our personal blogs, we have the freedom to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas without the constraints of a wider audience or a specific editorial style.

It is a space where we can be ourselves, experiment with different writing techniques, and explore various topics that interest us.

These meditations can range from reflections on the writing process itself, such as the challenges of finding inspiration or the importance of discipline, to discussions about specific works of literature or the impact of writing on our lives.

They can also include personal anecdotes, experiences, and insights that add a unique flavor to our writing.

Although these meditations may not have the polish and refinement of more formal writing, they have the power to connect with readers on a deeper level, as they offer a glimpse into the writer's inner world.

In conclusion, while they may have been intended for a personal blog, these meditations about writing have the potential to touch the hearts and minds of others and serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.

It was okay.

However, it seemed more like a collection of random journal entry stories from her life regarding writing.

These stories, although perhaps interesting in their own right, lacked a clear overarching theme or purpose.

They were presented in a somewhat disjointed manner, making it difficult for the reader to fully engage and understand the significance of each individual entry.

Maybe with a bit more organization and a stronger narrative thread, these stories could have been transformed into a more cohesive and impactful piece of writing.

As it stands, while it was an okay read, it left something to be desired in terms of overall structure and coherence.

I had to read this for a course and my professor said that some people will love Annie Dillard, while others will hate her. I am of the latter camp.

I'm not entirely sure what I was anticipating from reading this book. Perhaps some sort of fascinating wisdom regarding writing? However, what I received was a highly pretentious piece of work that resembled a self-help book. It discussed a plethora of things, but the overall message was essentially hollow.

Dillard appears to assume that all writers can adopt her lifestyle of seclusion while writing, surviving on a diet of coffee, cigarettes, and goodness knows what else.

Furthermore, she augments this already soporific series of metaphors about writing with her own travels and some individuals she has encountered. She embarks on one particularly extensive scene where she converses with a friend who is a painter. When she inquires about his progress with his work, he relates a long story that ultimately culminates in one simple thought, causing me to wonder why this story was even necessary in a book about writing.

I didn't award this book one star solely because, interspersed among the debris (i.e., the majority of the book) were a few interesting nuggets of wisdom, such as using good ideas in your writing as soon as they occur to you rather than saving them for later.

This is the absolute best book I have ever come across regarding the writing process.

In the enchanting world that Annie Dillard constructs on paper, both the captivating stories and the writer's essential tools seem to assume a life of their own.

I was especially enthralled by the short chapter that related a dream where a portable typewriter suddenly erupted like a powerful volcano.

As writers, it is imperative that we are all consumed with an intense zeal for our craft and the subject matter we choose to explore.

I have always firmly believed and said, "If you happen to see a writer on fire with passion, do not hesitate to fan the flames and encourage their creative blaze."

This book has truly inspired me to approach my writing with even more dedication and enthusiasm, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to fellow writers or anyone with an interest in the art of writing.

Dillard is a writer's writer.

By this, I mean that her audience might potentially consist solely of writers who have a penchant for reading about writing rather than engaging in the actual act of writing itself.

I have a great appreciation for her lyrical style. It has a certain charm and beauty that draws me in. Moreover, I find some of the things she has to say to be truly insightful.

However, it is important to note that this is not a book about the craft of writing in any sense. It doesn't delve deep into the nitty-gritty details of how to structure a story, develop characters, or use language effectively.

Despite this, Dillard's work still holds value for those who are interested in the more philosophical and theoretical aspects of writing. Her unique perspective and beautiful prose make it a worthwhile read for those who are looking for something a little different.

I have to say that I was truly captivated by her chapter dedicated to Dave Rahm, the remarkable stunt pilot.

She had the opportunity to meet Rahm when he took her on an unforgettable flight over Mt Baker in his Cessna. It was an experience that left a lasting impression on her. Sadly, Rahm later met a tragic end while performing a daring stunt during an air show for King Hussein in Jordan. His death was a great loss to the world of aviation. Nevertheless, her account of him was truly excellent.

Another chapter that I found particularly interesting was the one about how many years it takes to pen a good book. According to her, it typically takes five years. She firmly believes that the process is predominantly about rewriting and that an author must be willing to let go of their initial vision. This insight into the writing process was both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Overall, I would rate this book 4 stars. It is a well-written and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on various topics.

A kind of stream of consciousness on the writing process and memories of various writing haunts. Annie Dillard has prowled around in procrastination, waiting for sentences to arrive unbidden. The writing process seems to be a mysterious journey for her, filled with anticipation and uncertainty.

One of the most compelling parts of the book were its latter pages when she talks about art and the aviator Dave Rahm. Something that for most artists exists outside themselves and can be viewed by the artist. But for Rahm, it was something he was part of, inside of, pure creation in a moment. When Rahm flew, he sat down in the middle of art and strapped himself in. He spun it all around him. He could not see it himself. If he never saw it on film, he never saw it at all - as if Beethoven could not hear his final symphonies not because he was deaf, but because he was inside the paper on which he wrote. Rahm must have felt it happen, that fusion of vision and metal, motion and idea. This description of Rahm's experience in flight is truly captivating, making us wonder about the nature of art and creation.

Annie Dillard's The Writing Life is a truly remarkable and enchanting exploration of what it means to be a writer.

Her prose is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also highly original and precise. In this book, she fearlessly delves into the often dark and hidden aspects of the writing life. She shines a light on the scene, carefully pointing out all the sharp edges and potential hazards that writers may encounter.

However, at the same time, she ecstatically guides us towards the unveiled beauty that lies within the writing process. This book is an absolute must-read for any writer.

The experiences Dillard describes are deeply relatable. There were many times when I found myself nodding along, realizing that these were experiences I had never thought to put into words or had not been aware that others might also share.

She has the remarkable ability to revive the sometimes dull and painful process of writing and infuse it with an abundance of joy. Moreover, the words she uses are so fresh and vivid that they have the power to inspire our own creativity.

From the very first page, I knew that this was going to be a 5-star read, and it did not disappoint me at any point. It is succinct, beautiful, and utterly inspiring. I wholeheartedly recommend that you read it.