Aim for the chopping block. If you aim for the wood, you will have nothing. Aim past the wood, aim through the wood; aim for the chopping block.
In her book "The Writing Life," Annie Dillard emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals in the creative process. By advocating for aiming for the "chopping block," she urges writers to not settle for less than their fullest potential. If aspirations are limited to just the surface, like merely aiming for the wood, the outcome will be disappointing and unfulfilling. Instead, she encourages aiming beyond mere completion to achieve a deeper, more meaningful execution of one's craft.
Dillard's metaphor serves as a reminder for all creators that true success requires a vision that transcends immediate goals. By doing so, a writer can fully engage with their work and create something impactful. It’s about pushing beyond comfort zones and striving for excellence, ensuring that the work produced resonates and fulfills the creator's deeper intentions.