I have never thought of myself as a good writer. Anyone who wants reassurance of that should read one of my first drafts. But I'm one of the world's great rewriters.
James A. MichenerRead
I was brought up in the great tradition of the late nineteenth century: that a writer never complains, never explains and never disdains.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true writer maintains professionalism and integrity, avoiding complaints or excuses.
James A. Michener's quote emphasizes the ideal conduct of a writer, reflecting values from the late nineteenth century where professionalism was paramount. It suggests that writers should focus on their craft without succumbing to the temptation to complain about their circumstances, explain their choices, or look down upon their work or others, thereby highlighting resilience and respect in the literary profession.
Themes
WriterTraditionIntegrityProfessionalismLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to inspire participants to stay true to their artistic vision.
More from James A. Michener
All quotes βWhenever I start a book, I swear it's going to be a short one. But then it's, 'Who was his grandfather? And how did he get there in the first place? And what kind of animals is he chasing?'
James A. MichenerRead
Rampaging horsemen can conquer; only the city can civilize.
James A. MichenerRead
I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody else does is of no concern whatever except as an interesting variation.
James A. MichenerRead
If a man happens to find himself, he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life.
James A. MichenerRead
The permanent temptation of life is to confuse dreams with reality. The permanent defeat of life comes when dreams are surrendered to reality.
James A. MichenerRead
Similar quotes
I have always fought for ideas - until I learned that it isn't ideas but grief, struggle, and flashes of vision which enlighten.
Margaret AndersonRead
You don't need to climb a mountain to know that it's high.
Paulo CoelhoRead
To rush into explanations is always a sign of weakness.
Agatha ChristieRead
Wounds are the means through which we enter the hearts of other people. They are meant to teach us to become compassionate and wise.
Caroline MyssRead
Every man feels instinctively that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.
James Russell LowellRead
Maharajji told me, 'Give up anger and I'll help you.' I found _x000D_ that love freed me back into the ocean of love and my righteous anger didn't do that. And I would rather be free than right.
Ram DassRead