Mentor Text for Nonfiction Writing

[Karen]

I read Pilgrim at Tinker Creek years ago and returned to it after reading Walden and thinking about how the two books complimented one another. Dillard has so much to offer a writer, but one of the biggest take-aways for me is the interplay between science and art, and the way precise and specific diction can add such texture to a piece. Dillard knows nature, and this is evident in her descriptions of praying mantis eggs or creek water. But her descriptions transcend the particular and move so gracefully into the realm of the spiritual. Her intent in this book is to show up for creation, to be fully present and observe all around her. Mission accomplished! It is through her exhaustive detail that she takes us into the realm of the metaphorical and has us considering life, death, mystery, grace and beauty. In light of current nonfiction texts where the presence of an "I" feels smothering, Dillard teaches me to sit back and observe, be the lens and filter through which the reader sees the world. Yes, she is ever-present in the exuberant passion of her writing. But Dillard manages to both offer us excess and then get out of the way and let us feast.