Passion behind the Process

In "The Writing Life," Dillard examines not only the difficult, tedious process of writing, but also of the "energies," that one must have in order to begin such a task. One can be a brilliant writer, full of experience, insight, and knowledge; however, putting those resources to use means that one must be inspired to do so. Where does this energy stem from? Where can one draw the inspiration to engage in the writing process, as described by Dillard as a "dull nine mile hike," a daunting task. One cannot simply get up in morning and decide to write "a thirty page chapter," withouth the proper preparation and energy. This needed energy is compared to the the rituals of "Zulu warriors" who prepare for battle by "banging on their shields with their spears" for several hours and "Aztec maidens" who undergo "purification rituals" to prepare for death. Writers, civilized beings, do not have these options which physically "rouse" our ancient friends in preparation for their trials and toils. Writers, on the other hand, must prepare themselves in someother way "to enter an extraordinary state on an ordinary morning." Inspiration and true passion for writing is what separates the great from the good, the legendary from the ordinary. A writer who lacks passion will find "the nine mile hike" long, difficult, and quite "dull," as Dillard puts it; where as a writer who is truly inspired may find the journey exhilirating. Yes, the writing process is long and tiresome, but when passion is driving the journey, the "hike" may feel more like a sprint. In order to begin successfully, one must be able to draw on their inner strength and inspiration, and that is when ideas will freely flow.