IN MY SO-CALLED CAREER, I'VE OFTEN WRITTEN THINGS THAT I…
““IN MY SO-CALLED CAREER, I'VE OFTEN WRITTEN THINGS THAT I VAINLY THOUGHT WERE INCREDIBLY GOOD AND THAT I ENJOYED READING SO MUCH I FIGURED EVERYBODY ELSE WOULD ENJOY THEM TOO, AND MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, I HAVE BEEN TOTALLY WRONG … I never stopped being surprised that so many critics were uninterested in them, or dismissive, or even hostile. often they tried to point out the allegorical failures of the pieces, even when they were clearly as non-allegorical as they could get. and more than a couple of times, I received emails from somebody asking me what happened, why didn't I write the stories I used to write, and why did I get into all this 'animal rights' nonsense? I guess they thought I was picketing outside university research facilities. I consider all my stories and novels to be animal stories … I never understood why people took MFA degrees, or creative writing courses, and I avoided taking them myself for many years … honestly, I can't imagine why anybody would want to go through the pain and agony of having his work critiqued in an open forum - I tell my creative writing students this all the time, they are all far braver than I am!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even prolific writers can be wrong; critics may dismiss work, and creative pursuits can feel like a painful, brave act, yet persistence is key.
In simple terms: Writers often face criticism and doubt.
Key Takeaway
Keep writing despite criticism.
Themes
writing
criticism
creativity
bravery
self‑doubt
Mood
candid
encouraging
Type
literature
creative process
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- mental health support
- publishing strategies
Key Concepts
narrative failure
artist’s ego
public reception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you filter useful feedback?
- What motivates you after rejection?
A Different Perspective
Not all criticism is constructive.