Annie Dillard Discussion Questions

1. I do not have any pre-writing rituals. The only thing I make sure is that I am in a quiet place by myself. I cannot concentrate when there are people around me. I also like to read my stuff out loud but I do not like people to listen. If I am sick, my writing suffers. If I am healthy, my writing is good. If I am uninterested in the topic, my writing is boring. If I am sad, my writing is sad. However my mind and body are feeling that day is going to show up in my writing.
2. I enjoy writing about topics I pick myself. That does not happen very often when I am writing assignments for classes. I consider not being able to write freely a bearing wall set up by my professors. When I do write, I rewrite all the time. Sometimes it takes me an hour just to write an intro. I write my papers in stages, coming up with new material each stage. I think bearing walls are created by both me and by society (professors). I reread and edit my papers so they are just right, to prevent criticism of my professors.

3. I never use metaphors in my writing. That does not mean I do not think they are a useful tool, I enjoyed Dillard’s use of them. She is good at what she does, so her metaphors work. If I tried to use metaphors, they would not make sense.

4. I enjoy reading writing that is mysticism, but I am better at writing more concrete stuff.

5. I agree that Dillard’s thick prose, mystical descriptions, and constant use of metaphors is very interesting. I think that is why she does it; she knows how to entertain her audience. That is something that I hope to get good at. I want to be able to grow in my writing, to be able to recognize different discourse communities and write up to each of their standards.