Annie Dillard describes the experience of writing as a gift that feels undeserved, akin to unmerited grace. This sensation emerges only when you actively pursue it, embarking on a challenging journey that tests your emotional and mental limits. The writing process demands immense effort—it requires you to struggle and endure hardships before you can receive this elusive reward.

In the moment of inspiration, Dillard likens the feeling to noticing something approaching from the periphery of your vision. This fleeting, transformative experience serves as a reminder that the culmination of your hard work and dedication to writing can manifest unexpectedly, adding a sense of wonder to the creative process.