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I have spent a good many years since―too many, I think―being ashamed about what I write. I think I was forty before I realized that almost every writer of fiction or poetry who has ever published a line has been accused by someone of wasting his or her God-given talent. If you write (or paint or dance or sculpt or sing, I suppose), someone will try to make you feel lousy about it, that's all.
Stephen King
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the struggle and self-doubt that artists face regarding their creativity and the judgments they encounter.

In this quote, Stephen King shares his personal journey of grappling with shame and criticism as a writer. He acknowledges that almost all creators—whether writers, painters, dancers, or musicians—face disapproval from others, leading them to doubt their talents. King's reflection serves as a reminder that such negative perceptions are part of the creative process, and the key is to persist despite the discouragement.

Themes

CreativitySelf-DoubtArtWritingCriticism

In practice

Example use cases

Use this quote to inspire a writing group discussion about overcoming self-doubt.

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Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
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That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.
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Late last night and the night before, tommyknockers, tommyknockers knocking on my door. I wanna go out, don't know if I can 'cuz I'm so afraid of the tommyknocker man.
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