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The thing is, if you make best-sellerdom your goal, you're…

“The thing is, if you make best-sellerdom your goal, you're going to be in trouble. It's a very nice thing to have happen, but if one makes that a goal like, say, a literary writer has the goal of getting the Pulitzer Prize, that's so unpredictable.” quote by Diane Mott Davidson
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“The thing is, if you make best-sellerdom your goal, you're going to be in trouble. It's a very nice thing to have happen, but if one makes that a goal like, say, a literary writer has the goal of getting the Pulitzer Prize, that's so unpredictable.”

Diane Mott Davidson

About This Quote

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

Pursuing bestseller status as a primary goal can constrain creativity because literary success is unpredictable.

In simple terms: Focus on craft, not awards.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize writing over fame.

Themes

writing ambition unpredictability

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

literary motivational

When to use this quote

  • author planning
  • publishing
  • marketing

Key Concepts

goal setting literary awards

Questions to Reflect On

  • Does aiming for bestseller hinder creativity?
  • How to balance ambition with artistic integrity?
A Different Perspective

Some goals can motivate and provide direction.

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