QuoteProject
You cannot predict literary success; the only way you can possibly aim for it is to do your thing and do it well.
Emma Donoghue
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Literary success cannot be foreseen; focus on your craft and excel at it.

Emma Donoghue's quote highlights the unpredictable nature of achieving success in writing. Rather than trying to anticipate or chase after success, the emphasis is placed on the importance of dedicating oneself to writing authentically and skillfully, as excellence in one's craft is the best path toward potential success.

Themes

LiterarySuccessCraftExcellenceAuthenticity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the journey of becoming a writer.

More from Emma Donoghue

Ma's still nodding. "You're the one who matters, though. Just you." I shake my head till it's wobbling because there's no just me.
Emma DonoghueRead
Ah yes, the paradox of publicity is that even as we do it, we know it's killing off the chance of another reader happening across our book in the ideal state of innocence.
Emma DonoghueRead
At the door, there was one of those moment when two people realize that they like each other more than they know each other. This is nicer than the opposite situation, but more awkward. You try to remember the protocol for touching. You hate to gush, or presume to much, yet you are unwilling to let the moment pass without without some gesture
Emma DonoghueRead
Books are the air I breathe, so I don't notice the seasons.
Emma DonoghueRead
Writing stories is my way of scratching that itch: my escape from the claustrophobia of individuality. It lets me, at least for a while, live more than one life, walk more than one path. Reading, of course, can do the same.
Emma DonoghueRead
...real loneliness is having no one to miss. Think yourself lucky you've known something worth missing.
Emma DonoghueRead

Similar quotes

One of the major keys to success is to keep moving forward on the journey, making the best of the detours and interruptions, turning adversity into advantage.
John C. MaxwellRead
If you want to make money playing poker, find a game with a few suckers, fish, donkeys, live ones, or whatever you choose to call a bad player. Just don't let that sucker be you.
Daniel NegreanuRead
My advice for an entrepreneur just starting out is to differentiate yourself. Why are you different? What’s important about you? Why does the customer need you?
Sara BlakelyRead
Success comes from taking the initiative and following up... persisting... eloquently expressing the depth of your love. What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?
Tony RobbinsRead
Success is not achieved by winning all the time. Real success comes when we rise after we fall.
Muhammad AliRead
Wealth comes from knowing_x000D_ what others do not know.
Aristotle OnassisRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Emma Donoghue | QuoteProject