Oh my! What an immaculate work of devotion and grace!

It is a little bit dated, and initially, I would have given it a 4-star rating. However, the final few essays truly took it to the next level.

Specifically, reading Dillard's (completely unexpected) poetic description of Mt. Baker, the San Juan islands, and the textures of the PNW while on a ferry deck immersed in that literal geography was a moment of absolute serendipity

This is an Annie Dillard book, and as expected, a book "about writing" leans more towards sharing her personal struggles with writing rather than providing step-by-step "how-tos".

When reading her work, I'm constantly amazed at her ability to extract an abundance of detail from the tiniest snapshots of our lives. For instance, when she describes being in a barrel roll with a stunt pilot, she remarks, "My eyeballs were newly spherical and full of heartbeats." (p. 104) It's truly remarkable. Having experienced a similar sensation in my life, I knew exactly what she meant and was astounded by her concise and immediate capture of it.

The book offers a leisurely read, perfect for the latter part of an afternoon.

Some of the profound quotes in the book include: "The part you must jettison is not only the best-written part; it is also, oddly, that part which was to have been the very point. It is the original key passage, the passage on which the rest was to hang, and from which you yourself drew the courage to begin." (p. 4)

(on throwing away work) "If he has read his pages too often, those pages will have a necessary quality, the ring of the inevitable, like poetry known by heart; they will perfectly answer their own familiar rhythms. He will retain them." (p. 6)

(on why people don't let go of bad work: sunk cost fallacy) "At length he turned to the young man: 'You submit this same landscape every year, and every year I put it on the bad stack. Why do you like it so much?' The young photographer said, 'Because I had to climb a mountain to get it.'" (p. 6)

"Is it pertinent, is it courteous, for us to learn what it cost the writer personally?" (p. 7)

"The feeling that the work is magnificent, and the feeling that it is abominable, are both mosquitos to be repelled, ignored, or killed, but not indulged." (p. 15)

"Only when a paragraph's role in the context of the whole work is clear can the envisioning writer direct its complexity of detail to strengthen the work's ends." (p. 16)

"The reader's ear must adjust down from loud life to the subtle, imaginary sounds of the written word." (p. 17-18)

"I cannot imagine a sorrier pursuit than struggling for years to write a book that attempts to appeal to people who do not read in the first place." (p. 19)

"You can read in the space of a coffin, and you can write in the space of a toolshed meant for mowers and spades." (p. 26)

"Even when passages seemed to come easily, as though I were copying from a folio held open by smiling angels, the manuscript revealed the usual signs of struggle - bloodstains, teethmarks, gashes, and burns." (p. 29)

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." (p. 32)

"A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days...it is a peace and a haven set into the wreck of time; it is a lifeboat on which you find yourself, decades later, still living." (p. 32)

"There is no shortage of good days. It is good lives that are hard to come by." (p. 32)

"...how...do you prepare yourself, all alone, to enter an extraordinary state on an ordinary morning?" (p. 47)

(quoting Thoreau) "Pursue, keep up with, circle round and round your life...Know your own bone: gnaw it, bury it, unearth it, and gnaw at it still." (p. 68)

"Write about winter in the summer. Describe Norway as Ibsen did, from a desk in Italy; describe Dublin as James Joyce did, from a desk in Paris. Willa Cather wrote her prairie novels in New York City; Mark Twain wrote Huckleberry Finn in Hartford, Connecticut. Recently, scholars learned that Walt Whitman rarely left his room." (p. 68)

"I lived on the beach with one foot in fatal salt water and one foot on a billion grains of sand. The brink of the infinite there was too like writing's solitude. Each sentence hung over an abyssal ocean or sky which held all possibilities, as well as the possibility of nothing." (p. 89)

(quoting Yeats) "All virtue is a form of acting." (p. 110)

Mik op het hakblok. Als je op het hout mikt, krijg je niets.

This simple statement holds a profound truth. When we aimlessly focus on the wrong things, like aiming at the wood instead of the intended target, we are bound to achieve nothing.

It's like going through life without a clear direction or purpose. We may be expending energy and effort, but if we're not focused on the right goals, it's all in vain.

Just as a marksman needs to have a precise aim to hit the target and achieve success, we too must learn to direct our attention and efforts towards the things that truly matter.

Only then can we hope to obtain the results we desire and make progress in our lives.

So, let's be more mindful of where we're aiming and ensure that we're not wasting our time and energy on things that won't bring us any real value.

Incredible.

At a certain point not too far into this book, I had a profound realization. It dawned on me that this book was going to hold great significance for me throughout my entire life. I knew that this was just the first encounter of many with its wonderful pages. I am determined to delve into it as deeply as possible over the course of the years. I envision rereading it over and over again, each time approaching it with a different perspective and extracting new insights. And not only that, but this book has also ignited a fire within me to go and write!

I felt an incredibly profound kinship with Annie Dillard’s language and philosophy of writing. It was as if the way I understand my own writing process and my ambitions for the future were fully and beautifully realized within the pages of this book. It illuminated a clear path for me, guiding me towards my writing goals. I am truly grateful to have picked up this book by chance and to have found it so instantly catapulted to the top of my favorites list.

Love love love.

This book offers valuable insights into what occurs during the writing process.

It delves into the various aspects and events that take place while one is engaged in writing.

However, it stops short of providing specific instructions on how to actually write.

It seems to focus more on the behind-the-scenes happenings, perhaps the thoughts, emotions, and challenges that writers encounter.

While this can be interesting and informative, it may leave some readers disappointed who were hoping for more practical guidance on the art of writing.

Nonetheless, it still serves as a useful resource for those who want to gain a better understanding of the writing experience from a different perspective.

Overall, it offers a unique look at what goes on while writing, even if it doesn't directly teach you how to write.

A great introspection into the life of a writer.

It offers a profound exploration of the writer's journey, delving deep into their thoughts, experiences, and the creative process.

Dillard does an excellent job of piecing together different memories and ideas from others, creating a rich tapestry of inspiration and influence.

The way she weaves these elements together is truly remarkable, allowing the reader to gain a unique perspective on the writer's life.

I particularly enjoyed the last few chapters, which seemed to bring everything together and offer a sense of closure and fulfillment.

Overall, this is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the life and work of a writer.

It provides valuable insights and inspiration, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This piece is truly remarkable, well-written to the point that it is an absolute delight to the ears. The narrator's performance is outstanding, captivating the reader from start to finish.

At times, although not frequently, the advice provided is of a practical nature. She also delves into the qualities that make lasting fiction, as well as the typical speed at which fiction is usually generated. It is emphasized not to compare one's work to that of prolific and quick writers, as they are the exceptions rather than the norm.

The text also includes ruminations on past writing experiences and contrasts, as well as a significant amount about how her life is structured around writing and, more or less, the reasons why she does it. What stands out in this short work is the craft of the book itself, offering a pleasant experience for the reader and embodying her own art, as exemplified within the text.

However, the last chapter, which initially feels poignant, upon further reflection, seems rather facile. Overall, this work is so highly specific to Dillard that other writers will simply have the option of either agreeing or disagreeing with her thoughts when encountering them. There is very little practical advice, so it should not be approached from a self-help or highly informative perspective. It is mostly just highly specific. Therefore, I would characterize it as interesting but not necessarily useful.

Rounded up to 3.5 for its engaging and thought-provoking sentences.

This might be the only book about writing that anybody truly needs.

It's not the kind of book that simply lays out the rules and methods of how to write. In fact, I've always found those types of books to be of little practical use. Instead, this is a book that delves deep into the essence of what it means to be a writer. It's not about the glamorous aspects of being able to tell strangers that you're a writer and relish in their instinctive looks of awe, nor is it about the business side of managing a career in writing books.

Rather, it's about the intense obsession of spending days or even weeks perfecting a single sentence. It's about the profound sense of the frailty of art and the weighty responsibility that comes with creating it. It's about knowing that, in the grand scheme of things, what you do might ultimately matter very little, yet still feeling an irresistible compulsion to do it anyway.

As is typical of Dillard, the book is told through a series of stunningly beautiful and quietly profound sketches. These are small anecdotes that, when taken together, impart both wise advice and a deep understanding to those who, like the author, are obsessed with the perfect sentence. What makes this book even more remarkable is that the central point of the narrative is never stated explicitly. This allows the reader to discover and absorb the message in their own way, making it all the more accessible, charming, and sincere.

This is a book that speaks directly to those who live "with one foot in fatal salt water and one foot on a billion grains of sand." It's a beautiful, personal, and absolutely essential read for anyone who has ever felt the pull of the written word and the desire to create something truly meaningful.

Highly recommended.

Gorgeous insights into this art we give our lives to

This art form holds a special allure that captivates our souls. It is a medium through which we can express our deepest emotions, thoughts, and dreams. The beauty and elegance of this art are truly breathtaking, leaving us in awe of its power and charm.

When we engage with this art, we are transported to a world of imagination and creativity. We can explore new ideas, push the boundaries of our thinking, and discover hidden aspects of ourselves. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, sharing our experiences and perspectives through the universal language of art.

The dedication and passion that we pour into this art are what make it truly remarkable. We spend countless hours perfecting our skills, honing our techniques, and striving for excellence. It is a labor of love that brings us joy and fulfillment, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.

In conclusion, this art is not just a hobby or a pastime; it is a way of life. It enriches our existence, broadens our horizons, and gives us a sense of purpose and meaning. We are truly fortunate to have this art in our lives, and we look forward to continuing to explore its beauty and potential for years to come.

Eh, it was ok.

Dillard vividly describes the arduous nature of writing. It is like a long and intense wrestling match where a writer engages with his or her subject. The process is not without its challenges, as original subjects sometimes get lost along the way.

One can sense the great deal of struggle that goes into her writing, almost in every line. Personally, I feel that when you can almost feel that each and every sentence has been painstakingly crafted and pounded into 'perfection', it saps some of the power from her work.

There are, however, a few inspiring nuggets for would-be writers. But for every piece of inspiration, there are at least five moments when a would-be writer might ask, "Why would I want to do this to myself?"

Overall, while Dillard's insights into the writing process are interesting, there are aspects that make one question the value and difficulty of the endeavor.

If you're seeking a book that delves into the profound insights and arduous struggles of a writing life, then this is definitely not the one for you.

I received this book as a gift from my partner. He is well aware that I have a passion for books on writing craft, constantly on the lookout for means to refine and enhance my skills.

I began reading this book during a flight. With a mere 111 pages, I was confident that I would still have ample time to watch a movie during my 5-hour flight. However, I found myself having to put it down several times, and it ultimately took another 6-hour flight to complete. It was like a love-hate relationship, always hoping that it would improve. Regrettably, it didn't.

I am always respectful and supportive of other authors. With all due respect to Annie Dillard, I often found myself wondering if she was in an altered state? I would not recommend this book to aspiring writers.

For me, this book felt like a collection of disjointed journal entries, rife with contradictions, procrastination, and a writing life that bordered on the depressing. It is autobiographical, written in a poetic tone, yet overly self-absorbed.

The only parts that I liked were the metaphorical comparisons, a few bits of humor, and some memorable quotes. I would sum it up with the words of the great master Ernest Hemingway: "Writing at its best..., is a lonely life."

Anyone in search of a more optimistic read about the writing life should check out Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird".

This book is truly extremely boring.

There are only two or three paragraphs of beautiful and inspiring writing about writing, which I was so impressed that I copied them down onto index cards.

And there are a couple of things that are worth remembering. Annie Dillard is not a fan of shitty first drafts or re-reading your work too often.

However, the rest of the book is just an autobiography of the mind. Mostly it is about her mind while she is sitting in her office in the woods or on an island, with her fingers almost freezing off. She doesn't have a day job, and she is not necessarily writing. Or even if she is writing, she is not writing anything that anyone can understand.

It seems that the author is more focused on her own thoughts and feelings rather than presenting something engaging and understandable to the readers.

This makes the book a rather dull and uninteresting read for most people.

Overall, I would not recommend this book to others who are looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read.