Skip to content

I started writing by doing small related things but not…

“I started writing by doing small related things but not the thing itself, circling it and getting closer. I had no idea how to write fiction. So I did journalism because there were rules I could learn. You can teach someone to write a news story. They might not write a great one, but you can teach…” quote by Amy Hempel
Download Open image
“I started writing by doing small related things but not the thing itself, circling it and getting closer. I had no idea how to write fiction. So I did journalism because there were rules I could learn. You can teach someone to write a news story. They might not write a great one, but you can teach that pretty easily.”

Amy Hempel

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Learning foundational skills in a related field can serve as a stepping stone to mastering a desired craft.

In simple terms: Start with related basics before tackling the main goal.

Key Takeaway

Build skills through related practice.

Themes

learning writing skill building discipline

Mood

motivational practical

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • news reporting
  • creative writing courses
  • self‑study plans

Key Concepts

journalism as training ground skill transfer incremental learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What related skill can you practice now?
  • How will it feed into your main goal?
A Different Perspective

Risk of getting stuck in the peripheral field.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Amy Hempel

Explore all 93 Amy Hempel quotes

More Fiction quotes

Browse all 7,410 Fiction quotes