The Writing Life Audiobook

" In my path to understand my art I think of oil spils on water. "

" As a writer with only one published novel I am always looking to learn more about the writing life, looking to hone my skills, to improve. I had hoped to glean some rare look into how to write skilfully from Dillard's writing. This 111 page book took me three days to read (normally I would have finished in 30 minutes) however I wanted to absorb each gem of knowledge, and so kept reading intently, taking breaks hoping it would get better the next time I picked it up. Most writers seem to spend an inordinate amount of time doing anything to avoid writing Dillard seemed to spend most of her time avoiding writing about writing, and if that was not annoying enough _ I wanted the good stuff - the time she did spend on the writing life was so depressing that if I was reading this book in hopes of becoming a writer I'd have probably gone a slit my wrists. What a complete waste of time this book was. "

" added to my inspiration and drive to write. "

" The Writing Life feels more like an old friend that I can turn to for advice or comfort and less like an inanimate object. "

" A good, no-nonsense refresher on what it's like to make the personal readable, which I'm savoring a little bit at a time. "

" Very inspiring, very freeing, and very helpful to an aspiring writer. "

" I honestly didn't enjoy this book at all. A lot of people tell me what a great book it is, and she did have some good advice, but some of her descriptions of writing made it sound so depressing. It didn't really inspire me to want to write at all. "

" My first taste of Dillard. Was good enough not to be my last. "

" A thought provoking and mind expanding take on the internal process of writing. Interesting. "

" If you are a writer, you should read this book. "

" "The Writing Life" is short, beautiful, and terrifying. I don't think I am close enough to the verge of crazy to write a book after reading this one. "

" I thought this book was excellent. Very anecdotal. The sort of stuff about writing that I like to read. "

" This is a must-read, not only (or even primarily) for writers or aspiring writers, but for any sort of artist or student of art. "

" Dillard's approach and considerations about writing are engaging and somewhat intimidating - but I gain so much on so many levels that I can't help but to keep re-reading the writing life over and over again. Still so much to learn and enjoy.... on page 17 and pondering "

" I often keep this in my backpack if there's a chance I'm going to write that day. "

" Enjoyed it. Much teeth gnashing about the process of writing, some personal anecdotes, a pleasant and unconventional voice. A bit overwrought in terms of the discussion of a writer's suffering, not much in the way of practical advice. "

" My favorite writing, on writing, by a writer. "

" Sometimes interesting insights in this classic book. "

" A quiet, reflective book on writing. "

" Really enjoyed the first chapter of this book. Summer 2011 AP Lang. students will read this. "

" You may not learn a lot about how to write from the pages of this book, but it is a very good writing memoir distilled down to the author's philosophy on writing. "

" This was not really my cup of tea. The language called attention to itself in a way I found distracting. "

" A beautifully written, rich take on the writing process and what life is like for some writers. Part reminscence, part instructional, all insightful. This is a must read for anyone interested in the writing process and an eventual career in writing solely for a living. "

" Brilliant!This will be one of those rare books I reread. "

" A visceral and compelling book ... after reading it, I felt that there aren't any excuses I could possibly make for not showing up everyday and writing, regardless of inspiration or inclination. She teaches the path to the authentic self, both in the discipline of writing and in life. "

" An author enamored of herself is quickly tedious. Couldn't get past her self absorption. "

" Awesome. Her metaphors are detailed and incredible and her description of the writing process is painful but enamoring. "

" I was expecting mor about Annie and her life as a writer. This was more of an abstract poem of scattered thoughts. A quick read. I did enjoy the paragraph about what she learned about writing...to spend it all. "

" added to my inspiration and drive to write. "

" I first read this years ago. Still my number-one favorite book about writing. "

" Interesting, fascinating, fun to read...not a whole lot of point to it, but I could relate to some of her experience. I love her passage about editing your work. Excellent and true. "