Teaching reminds me of playing jazz, of playing with others. There's a lot of improvisation that goes on with teaching. But, it's based on a certain amount of discipline. He describes the experience of creating a story as grueling, with much discipline required. You stay immersed in the discipline.
Writing is an act of faith.
That which thy fathers have bequeathed to thee, earn it anew if thou wouldst possess it. Frank Conroy named director of UI Writers' Workshop. University News Services Release , November 19, 1986. Conversation with Conroy. Iowa City Press Citizen , p.B1.