Writing a novel is a very hard thing to do because it…
“Writing a novel is a very hard thing to do because it covers so long a space of time, and if you get discouraged it is not a bad sign, but a good one. If you think you are not doing it well, you are thinking the way real novelists do. I never knew one who did not feel greatly discouraged at times, and some get desperate, and I have always found that to be a good symptom.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Discouragement in novel writing signals engagement and progress, not failure.
In simple terms: Feeling discouraged is normal for writers.
Key Takeaway
Embrace discouragement as a sign of growth.
Themes
writing
creativity
resilience
Mood
reflective
encouraging
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- writing workshops
- solo writing sessions
Key Concepts
authorial self‑doubt
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you turn doubt into motivation?
- When does frustration become productive?
A Different Perspective
Discouragement may stall momentum.