John Updike reflected on the unique feelings a writer experiences, particularly the thrill of seeing their work in stores, akin to a secret pleasure. He suggested that the traits of a 'nice' person often clash with the nature of a writer, pointing to deeper issues such as self-doubt and shame that plague many authors. This dilemma highlights the struggle between ambition and personal demons, ultimately shaping the writer's journey.

In her book "The Friend," Sigrid Nunez explores these internal conflicts, vividly capturing the tension that arises when a writer grapples with their creation. The metaphor of returning to one’s writing, even after frustration leads to thoughts of quitting, evokes a sense of addiction to the craft, comparable to a dog returning to something undesirable. This captures the complexity of the writing process, where despair and inspiration coexist.