In "The Spooky Art," Norman Mailer discusses the complexities of a writer's emotional landscape. He emphasizes that writers often start more sensitive than others, which makes them vulnerable to criticism. However, to thrive in their craft, they need to cultivate resilience and the ability to withstand harsh feedback. This duality of being both sensitive and insensitively robust is crucial for their development.

Mailer proposes that a successful writer embodies a mix of strength and weakness, navigating the challenges of their sensitivity while remaining steadfast in their determination. This balance allows them to confront the fears and insecurities that come with the creative process, ultimately leading to growth and the ability to share their work with the world.