Able Quote by Anonymous
“What profession is more trying than that of author? After you finish a piece of work it only seems good to you for a few weeks; or if it seems good at all you are convinced that it is the last you will be able to write; and if it seems bad you wonder whether everything you have done isn’t poor stuff really; and it is one kind of agony while you are writing, and another kind when you aren’t.”
About This Quote
The author experiences fluctuating confidence, seeing work as either perfect, last, or poor, causing ongoing emotional turmoil during and after writing.
In simple terms: Writing brings alternating pride and doubt, leading to anxiety.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfection and separate self‑worth from each piece.
Themes
creativity
self‑criticism
artistic anxiety
perfectionism
Mood
anxious
reflective
determined
Type
advice
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing drafts
- publishing
- receiving feedback
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
self‑esteem
creative process
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure the value of your work beyond immediate feelings?
- What habits can protect you from creative anxiety?
A Different Perspective
The pressure to produce can stifle originality and cause burnout.
