Skip to content

The first person you should think of pleasing, in writing…

“The first person you should think of pleasing, in writing a book, is yourself. If you can amuse yourself for the length of time it takes to write a book, the publisher and the readers can and will come later.” quote by Patricia Highsmith
Download Open image
“The first person you should think of pleasing, in writing a book, is yourself. If you can amuse yourself for the length of time it takes to write a book, the publisher and the readers can and will come later.”

Patricia Highsmith

About This Quote

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

Writers should first entertain themselves; personal enjoyment ensures the work will eventually attract readers and publishers.

In simple terms: Write for yourself first to keep the process enjoyable.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize personal amusement while writing.

Themes

creativity self‑motivation authorship

Mood

introspective inspirational

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • blogging
  • screenwriting
  • journaling

Key Concepts

writing process intrinsic motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What keeps you amused while writing?
  • Can self‑entertainment coexist with audience appeal?
A Different Perspective

If the writer is too self‑indulgent, the work may alienate audiences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Patricia Highsmith

Explore all 115 Patricia Highsmith quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,378 Book quotes