In Annie Dillard's "The Writing Life," the author likens the process of writing a book to caring for a dying friend. She describes her experience as one filled with dread and empathy, feeling the weight of the book's struggles and imperfections as if they were human ailments. This intimate bond involves a commitment to nurture and hope for the work's recovery and improvement.

However, Dillard warns that this relationship can shift unexpectedly. If she neglects the work, even for a short period, it can become hostile and uncooperative. She emphasizes the delicate balance between an author's devotion and the unpredictable nature of creativity, underscoring the emotional highs and lows that accompany the writing process.