I was first published in the newspaper put out by School…
“I was first published in the newspaper put out by School of The Art Institute of Chicago, where I was a student. I wince to read that story nowadays, but I published it with an odd photo I'd found in a junk shop, and at least I still like the picture. I had a few things in the school paper, and then I got published in a small literary magazine. I hoped I would one day get published in The New Yorker, but I never allowed myself to actually believe it. Getting published is one of those things that feels just as good as you'd hoped it would.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Early publishing experiences, despite embarrassment, were valuable steps toward a writing career.
In simple terms: Early work felt awkward but important.
Embrace early imperfect work.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- college newspaper
- literary magazines
- personal essays
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What early work shaped your path?
- How do you view past embarrassments now?
Self‑doubt can hinder progress.