Skip to content

After writing a story I was always empty and both sad and…

“After writing a story I was always empty and both sad and happy, as though I had made love, and I was sure this was a very good story although I would not know truly how good until I read it over the next day.” quote by Ernest Hemingway
Download Open image
““After writing a story I was always empty and both sad and happy, as though I had made love, and I was sure this was a very good story although I would not know truly how good until I read it over the next day.””

Ernest Hemingway

About This Quote

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

After completing a story, the author feels a mix of emptiness and emotional intensity, akin to love, and only later can judge its quality.

In simple terms: Finishing a story leaves mixed feelings; true value emerges later.

Key Takeaway

Give your work time before judging.

Themes

creativity self‑reflection artistic process

Mood

introspective melancholic

Type

literary personal

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • editing
  • personal introspection
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

emotional catharsis delayed evaluation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does distance change your view of your work?
  • Do you wait before sharing your creations?
A Different Perspective

Immediate judgment can be misleading; emotions may cloud assessment.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ernest Hemingway

Explore all 1,464 Ernest Hemingway quotes

More Good story quotes

Browse all 470 Good story quotes