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I never have [suffered writer’s block], although I’ve had…

“I never have [suffered writer’s block], although I’ve had books that didn’t work out. I had to stop writing them. I just abandoned them. It was depressing, but it wasn’t the end of the world. When it really isn’t working, and you’ve been bashing yourself against the wall, it’s kind of a relief. I…” quote by Margaret Atwood
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“I never have [suffered writer’s block], although I’ve had books that didn’t work out. I had to stop writing them. I just abandoned them. It was depressing, but it wasn’t the end of the world. When it really isn’t working, and you’ve been bashing yourself against the wall, it’s kind of a relief. I mean, sometimes you bash yourself against the wall and you get through it. But sometimes the wall is just a wall. There’s nothing to be done but go somewhere else.”

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

Accepting that a project isn’t working can be a healthy release, allowing you to move on without feeling defeated.

In simple terms: Stopping a failing project can be freeing.

Key Takeaway

Know when to quit and pivot.

Themes

creativity resilience self‑compassion

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • career decisions
  • personal setbacks
  • mental health

Key Concepts

growth mindset creative process

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you persisted too long?
  • How can you tell a project is truly unsalvageable?
A Different Perspective

Not all failures are catastrophic; quitting can be strategic.

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