Many friends have said to me, 'I never know when you write…
“Many friends have said to me, 'I never know when you write your books, because I've never seen you writing, or even seen you go away to write.' I must behave rather as dogs do when they retire with a bone; they depart in a secretive manner and you do not see them again for an odd half hour. They return self-consciously with mud on their noses. I do much the same.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author likens her secretive writing habits to a dog guarding a bone, disappearing briefly and returning with evidence of work.
In simple terms: She works alone, unseen, then shows results.
Embrace focused, private work periods.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- authoring a novel
- research
- creative bursts
- meeting deadlines
- seeking inspiration
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance privacy with needed input?
- What signals show your progress to others?
Isolation can limit collaboration and feedback.