Writing careers are short. For every 100 writers, 99 never get published. Of those who do, only one in every hundred gets a career out of it, so I count myself as immensely privileged.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the rarity of achieving a successful writing career, highlighting the privilege of being among the few who do.
Jim Crace's quote reflects the harsh reality of the writing profession, where the vast majority of aspiring writers never reach publication, and even fewer achieve a sustainable career. It underscores the competitive nature of writing and the luck and talent required to succeed, while also expressing gratitude for having been one of the fortunate few to make a career in this challenging field.
In practice
During a writing workshop, to inspire authors to persevere despite rejection.
Successful people aren't born that way. They become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don't like to do. The successful people don't always like these things themselves; they just get on and do them.
In essence, I owe my career to Garry Marshall. There was no known reason for him to hire me for 'Pretty Woman.'
I'll do whatever I can do to remain employed. I'm just not precious about doing comedy or doing drama. I never want to do something in order to prove to other people what I can do.
I firmly believe that unless one has tasted the bitter pill of failure, one cannot aspire enough for success.
Well, the only way I can get a leading-man role is if I write it.
He who has infinite patience and infinite energy at his back, will alone succeed.
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