I just make the best book that I can and try to not worry…
““I just make the best book that I can and try to not worry about audience or if it will sell. The odds are against you, so why abuse your talent for the sake of a chimera? The only real pleasure for me in writing comes from pleasing myself. What readers think is interesting and illuminating (and it may even be correct), but that is nothing compared to the excitement of seeing a world develop. Besides, even though I like most individuals I meet, I have a pretty low opinion of people in general. So if I were to write for people in general, I would have to drastically lower my estimation of the intelligence of my reader. Rather than doing that, I write the way it seems the book has to appear. I don’t think that’s egotistic. There are often things I would like to include in my books—things about me personally and other materials—that I feel I have to leave out because they aren’t relevant to the book. I’m fairly ruthless along those lines, because I try to let nothing come in the way of what’s best for the book. If that means that the book won’t sell or that a publisher won’t buy it, then that’s my problem. I’ll suffer for that, but I won’t let the book suffer for it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Prioritize artistic integrity over market expectations, accepting personal risk for authentic creation.
In simple terms: Create for yourself, not the market.
Key Takeaway
Write authentically despite commercial pressure.
Themes
creativity
integrity
risk
Mood
determined
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- publishing decisions
- personal projects
- creative blocks
Key Concepts
artistic vision
self‑critique
audience perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal vision with audience needs?
- What sacrifices are you willing to make for artistic truth?
A Different Perspective
Market demands can provide necessary feedback; ignoring them may limit reach.