Meaning: This quote by Phyllis Gotlieb, a Canadian science fiction novelist, captures the essence of the creative process, particularly in the context of poetry. Gotlieb's words suggest a sense of surrender to the muse or inspiration, a willingness to receive and channel the creative energy that flows through her. At the same time, she acknowledges the labor and effort involved in the act of creation. By expressing that "the gods do it through me but I certainly do a hell of a lot of the work," Gotlieb emphasizes the collaborative nature of creativity, where the artist is both a vessel for inspiration and an active participant in the artistic process.

In this quote, Gotlieb highlights the complex dynamics of creativity, where the artist's agency and the mysterious force of inspiration intersect. The notion of "taking what comes" implies a readiness to embrace the unpredictable nature of creative inspiration, suggesting that creativity cannot always be forced or controlled. Instead, it requires a receptivity to the unexpected and a willingness to be open to the flow of ideas and emotions that may arise.

Gotlieb's reference to the gods doing their part through her evokes the idea of artistic inspiration as a transcendent or divine force. Throughout history, many artists and writers have described their creative process in similar terms, attributing their work to a source beyond their conscious selves. This concept of artistic inspiration as a kind of divine intervention has deep roots in cultural and religious traditions, reflecting a belief in the power of creativity to transcend the individual and connect with something greater.

At the same time, by emphasizing the effort and work involved in the creative process, Gotlieb demystifies the romanticized notion of artistic inspiration as a purely passive or mystical experience. She acknowledges her active role in shaping and crafting the creative material that comes to her, highlighting the discipline and dedication required to transform inspiration into a finished work of art.

In the context of poetry, Gotlieb's words resonate with the idea that poetry often emerges from a place of deep emotion, intuition, and subconscious thought. Poets frequently speak of their poems as arriving unexpectedly, as if from an external source, and then laboring over the words to refine and shape the initial inspiration into a coherent and impactful form. Gotlieb's quote captures this paradoxical interplay between surrender and effort, between receiving inspiration and actively shaping it into a work of art.

In conclusion, Phyllis Gotlieb's quote encapsulates the intricate interplay between inspiration and effort in the creative process. It reflects the paradoxical nature of artistic inspiration, emphasizing both the surrender to the flow of creativity and the labor of shaping that inspiration into a finished work. By acknowledging the collaborative dynamics of creativity, Gotlieb's words offer valuable insights into the mysterious and multifaceted nature of the artistic process.