One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. 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. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.
Annie Dillard emphasizes the importance of fully embracing the art of writing by advocating for the immediate and generous sharing of one's creativity and insights. She suggests that writers should not withhold ideas or wait for the ideal moment to use them. Instead, they should express and utilize their thoughts fully in the present, as this ensures the continuous flow of inspiration and creativity. Dillard warns that trying to save good material for later can hinder the process and that writers should have faith that new ideas will emerge in time.
Furthermore, Dillard criticizes the instinct to keep knowledge and experiences to oneself, portraying it as harmful. She asserts that with each moment of withholding, writers risk losing their valuable insights, which eventually leads to a sense of emptiness. Instead of guarding their wisdom like treasures, they must share it freely, as this fosters growth and enriches their craft. Dillard's perspective encourages a mindset of abundance and openness, suggesting that creativity and ideas multiply when given away rather than being conserved.
