In her book "The Writing Life," Annie Dillard reflects on the challenges of being an artist, emphasizing the rigorous discipline required to maintain a consistent creative output. She suggests that true artistry involves confronting one's deep sensitivities and emotional truths, suggesting that the artistic journey is inherently personal and demanding.

Dillard highlights the inner struggles artists face, where the push to create must be balanced with the vulnerability of exposing one's innermost feelings. This ongoing commitment to work diligently along the delicate line of personal experience is what makes the life of an artist both rewarding and arduous.