I have a horror of being self-indulgent and wasting time…
“I have a horror of being self-indulgent and wasting time, and there is that risk in doing this kind of work. Are you totally deluded in sitting down at a desk every day and trying to write something? Is it self-indulgent, or might it possibly lead to something worthwhile? At a certain point I decided to keep on because I felt like the work was getting better, and I was taking great pleasure in that.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing may seem self‑indulgent, but perseverance can turn it into worthwhile work.
In simple terms: Writing can be indulgent yet valuable.
Key Takeaway
Persist despite doubts.
Themes
creativity
self‑discipline
purpose
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- blogging
Key Concepts
artistic process
career perseverance
Questions to Reflect On
- When did you feel work was improving?
- How do you measure creative progress?
A Different Perspective
Self‑indulgence can alienate audiences.