Do Great Writers Rely More On Effort Or Insight?

[This question was posed as a debate on helium.com] 

Great writers rely upon both insight and effort. That said, no matter how profound a thought, how unique and original an idea or how heart-wrenching a story is, without the effort to actually create a legible, readable, logical and inviting tale, insight is worthless.

Writing is hard work! To be a great writer is agony on a writer's worse days, and elation on the best. On the days the words flow as if of their own volition, spirit- inspired and penned by angels, a writer is in heaven on earth. Then begins the work-the editing, the elimination of unnecessary words, tweaking the phrases that digress from the topic, the self-imposed isolation and the determined concentration to take the thoughts and insights to the next level: something worth reading!

Great writers are naturally gifted, without question. I doubt anyone could be a great writer without insight, wisdom, knowledge, perception and a sprinkling of a sense of the ironic. What distinguishes writers from GREAT writers is the effort expended. Great writers study and research and seek out ways to be a better writer. Great writers anguish over each word, every punctuation mark, each chapter title and every detail of characters and countryside. They want the reader to experience what they see and hear and understand first-hand, as if they are beside them as they are living the event in real time.

Without self-discipline, determination, a deep desire, hard work and tremendous effort, much of the great literature never would have made its way to the printed page!