Annie Dillard. Bio Essay
HEATHER PERPENTE
(352)-438-8151
10060 SE 149TH LANE
SUMMERFIELD FL, 34491
HEATHER.PERPENTE@SNHU.EDU
APRIL 3, 2013
NATALIE PEETERSE
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
UNIVERSITY
Annie Dillard started out her writing career misunderstood but admirable. Dillard became
well known after her first published book, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek’ won the 1974 ‘Pulitzer Prize
for General nonfiction at age 29. She received many complaints on her first novel such as, “not
one genuine ecological concern is voiced in the entire book,” critics state. (Begiebing) Dillard’s
reputation has exceeded what was once known as boring and unsatisfactory to one of admiration.
In a review of ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ Hayden Carruth states, “In many respects to Annie
Dillard’s book, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ is so ingratiating that even readers who find
themselves in fundamental disagreement with it may take pleasure from it, a good deal of
pleasure.” (Carruth) Indeed Carruth is correct. Dillard’s creativity with and in nature puts us in
awe. Her writing is abhorrent and yet so beautiful. In 1971 Dillard stumbled upon an old writer’s
nature book and thought, “I can do better than this.” (Dillard) In 1968, Dillard spent a few years,
following her graduation, by oil painting, writing, and keeping a journal. This journal is how
many of her first poems and short stories were published In this journal, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker
Creek’ slowly started it’s well known novel. Dillard began her writing career as a young adult
attending Hollins College (now Hollins University). Dillard studied literature and creative
writing which motivated her to read classic novels as well as many books that humanity has
promised themselves to read in the future, but never got around to it. After spending some time
in college, Dillard married her writing teacher, the poet R.H.W. Dillard. In college, I learned how
to
(352)-438-8151
10060 SE 149TH LANE
SUMMERFIELD FL, 34491
HEATHER.PERPENTE@SNHU.EDU
APRIL 3, 2013
NATALIE PEETERSE
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
UNIVERSITY
Annie Dillard started out her writing career misunderstood but admirable. Dillard became
well known after her first published book, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek’ won the 1974 ‘Pulitzer Prize
for General nonfiction at age 29. She received many complaints on her first novel such as, “not
one genuine ecological concern is voiced in the entire book,” critics state. (Begiebing) Dillard’s
reputation has exceeded what was once known as boring and unsatisfactory to one of admiration.
In a review of ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ Hayden Carruth states, “In many respects to Annie
Dillard’s book, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ is so ingratiating that even readers who find
themselves in fundamental disagreement with it may take pleasure from it, a good deal of
pleasure.” (Carruth) Indeed Carruth is correct. Dillard’s creativity with and in nature puts us in
awe. Her writing is abhorrent and yet so beautiful. In 1971 Dillard stumbled upon an old writer’s
nature book and thought, “I can do better than this.” (Dillard) In 1968, Dillard spent a few years,
following her graduation, by oil painting, writing, and keeping a journal. This journal is how
many of her first poems and short stories were published In this journal, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker
Creek’ slowly started it’s well known novel. Dillard began her writing career as a young adult
attending Hollins College (now Hollins University). Dillard studied literature and creative
writing which motivated her to read classic novels as well as many books that humanity has
promised themselves to read in the future, but never got around to it. After spending some time
in college, Dillard married her writing teacher, the poet R.H.W. Dillard. In college, I learned how
to
Cited: 1. Elliott, Sandra S. "Annie Dillard Biography." Annie Dillard Biography. Rob Anderson, n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~sparks/dillard/bio.htm 2. Krishnamurti, J. "The Beauty of Death as Part of Life." J.Krishnamurti Online. Krishnamurti Foundation, Sept. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. http://www.jkrishnamurti.org/krishnamurti-teachings/view-text.php?tid=1515&chid=1212