"Writing fiction is for me a fraught business, an occasion of daily dread for at least the first half of the novel, and sometimes all the way through. The work process is totally different from writing nonfiction. You have to sit down every day and make it up"

In this quote, Joan Didion records the essence of the typically tough and challenging procedure of writing fiction. Her usage of the term "filled company" recommends a journey filled with complexity, stress, and emotional challenge. Unlike the structured and fact-based realm of nonfiction, fiction demands immersion in creativity and imagination from the author, which can be a complicated task.

Didion explains the act of writing fiction as "an event of daily fear", highlighting the intense pressure and stress and anxiety an author may feel every day when faced with producing a story from scratch. This shows the worry of the blank page and the unpredictability present in crafting a story that hasn't existed before. For Didion, this anxiety persists "for a minimum of the very first half of the unique, and in some cases all the method through". Here, she indicates that the challenges of fiction writing aren't simply preliminary hurdles however can be a consistent companion throughout the writing procedure.

The distinction Didion draws between composing nonfiction and fiction is telling. nonfiction, with its reliance on truth, permits a framework or structure that an author can build on. In contrast, fiction needs the author to "sit down every day and make it up", encapsulating the essence of development-- bringing new worlds, characters, and stories into presence from absolutely nothing however one's own imagination. This declaration underscores the discipline and daily dedication required in fiction writing. Every day demands fresh innovation and decision-making, which can be both exciting and frightening.

Ultimately, Didion's quote talks to the determination and bravery needed to engage in fiction writing. Despite the fear and problem, the process holds the potential for enormous imagination and self-discovery, leading to stories that resonate on a deeply human level.