Give It All, Give It Now: One of the Few Things I Know About Writing

by Annie Dillard, Sam Fink (Illustrator), Susan Cheever (Introduction)

For anyone who has ever feared the best isn't yet to come, Give It All, Give It Now is an inspiration. Originally intended to inspire writers and aspiring writers, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Annie Dillard's words are empowering and energizing, making this book the perfect gift for anyone undertaking a creative endeavor, including someone beginning a new career, turning over a new leaf, or celebrating a milestone.

The message of this surprising little book is brought to life by the remarkable artistry of Sam Fink. His astonishing calligraphy and full-color illustrations brilliantly complement the passion of Dillard's text.

Featuring an introduction by bestselling author Susan Cheever, this distinctive accordion-page book contains 20 color illustrations and is enclosed in a slip case. It is a gift book for all occasions, one that will be revisited time and again for inspiration and encouragement.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

50 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2009

About the author

Annie Dillard is an American author celebrated for her distinctive narrative voice in both fiction and nonfiction, as well as for her work in poetry, essays, literary criticism, novels, and memoir. She gained wide recognition with Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, a meditative exploration of nature and perception that received the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction and established her as a major literary figure. Raised in Pittsburgh, her formative years were marked by wide reading, close observation of the natural world, and a family environment that encouraged curiosity and wit, experiences later reflected in her memoir An American Childhood. She studied English, theology, and creative writing at Hollins College, where her academic engagement with writers such as Henry David Thoreau shaped her intellectual direction. Dillard’s work often blends spiritual inquiry, philosophy, and close attention to the physical world, drawing comparisons to writers such as Virginia Woolf and Emily Dickinson. Her books include Holy the Firm, Teaching a Stone to Talk, The Writing Life, For the Time Being, and the novels The Living and The Maytrees, the latter a finalist for the PEN Faulkner Award. Alongside her writing career, she taught for more than two decades in the English department at Wesleyan University, influencing generations of students before retiring as Professor Emerita. Her work has been translated widely, adapted into other art forms, and honored with numerous awards, including the National Humanities Medal, affirming her lasting impact on American letters.

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Christmas, my parents got me this beautifully illustrated and absolutely inspiring book by Annie Dillard entitled Give It All Give It Now: One of the Few Things I Know about Writing. The book is a simple, honest set of instructions that include “Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now.” and “Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive.” I couldn’t have better advice for writing or for life.

I am going to hold onto this spark of inspiration and give it all now. No more waiting for the perfect schedule or the chance to have more time. This is the year, this is the day, this is the moment.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I was expecting. It was kind of like a poem with illustrations.
Inspiring in the sense that it was so vague you could interpret many different ways.

[Pattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful gift book. I am glad I saw it at the store; I would have been disappointed if I'd purchased it before seeing that it was a short gift book. The artwork is amazing, though.

[StitchAndRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book!