What's important to me is that all of my books are in print - and, in a way, that becomes the challenge, not winning this prize or getting that review. It's that the work is there, and you can walk into many bookshops throughout the world and buy it.
Interpretation
The value of an author's work is measured by its availability to readers, rather than accolades received.
William Boyd emphasizes that the true accomplishment of a writer lies in having their books published and available for readers, rather than merely seeking recognition through awards or reviews. He suggests that the challenge of making one's work accessible is a significant and fulfilling pursuit in itself, highlighting the importance of readers being able to engage with his literature anywhere in the world.
In practice
A motivational speech about the significance of persistence in one's craft.
As a novelist, where do you go to tap into memories, and impressions, and sensations? It's usually, in my experience, your early life, before you started thinking of yourself as a writer, because somehow those experiences are unadulterated.
Every great man, every successful man, no matter what the field of endeavor, has known the magic that lies in these words: every adversity has the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.
I'd rather invest in an entrepreneur who has failed before than one who assumes success from day one.
The record proves that in peaceful commerce the combined efforts of our countries can produce outstanding results. Our trade with each other is far greater than that of any other two nations on earth.
The blaze of reputation cannot be blown out, but it often dies in the socket; a very few names may be considered as perpetual lamps that shine unconsumed.
We overestimate the event and underestimate the process. Every fulfilled dream occurred because of dedication to the process.
I owe my success to the fact that I never had a clock in my workroom. Seventy-five of us worked twenty hours every day and slept only four hours - and thrived on it.
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