Lessons learned from The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

davidgargaro

Aug 3

I read and took notes on The Writing Life by Annie Dillard, which is a series of essays on different parts of writing. It's a bit on the spiritual side, but still a worthy read for freelance writers.

Check out the book at your local library or bookstore. They will order a copy for you if they don't carry it.

Here's what I learned that would be of value to freelance writers:

Writing is like building. You start by creating a structure, but as you go you may discover that your original structure won't hold. Sometimes, you can shore up the weak spots. Other times, you have to tear it all down and start over.
We almost always throw away what we start with - we erase our original words.
Sometimes, we need internal motivation to write - other times we seek external motivation to push us forward.
Aim past the words you want to write. Look further than what is in front of you.
You don't have to live in what you are writing. Write about what you know or did, not where you are now.
Play the edges - don't always play safe.
Solve these two problems: Can it be done? Can you do it?
Do not hoard or save your best ideas and words for later. Write them down now, wherever you are in the story. There will be something more later. If you don't use it now, you could lose it forever.
Sometimes, you will swim against a current. Keep going until you reach your goal or you will drown.

David