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About Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich

“I routinely oscillate between exultation and despair. Maybe at the end of the day I feel pretty good about what I've written, but the next morning I see that it's crap. Then I start again - make a new outline, do some more research, try to rethink the whole question.” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
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“I routinely oscillate between exultation and despair. Maybe at the end of the day I feel pretty good about what I've written, but the next morning I see that it's crap. Then I start again - make a new outline, do some more research, try to rethink the whole question.”

Barbara Ehrenreich

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Longform Interview, 2015

The writer experiences intense mood swings, feeling proud then critical, leading to repeated cycles of drafting and revising.

In simple terms: Writer feels high then low, keeps revising work.

Key Takeaway

Accept the cycle, use it to improve.

Themes

creativity self‑criticism perseverance

Mood

reflective determined

Type

advice personal.

When to use this quote

  • drafting
  • research
  • editing
  • self‑review

Key Concepts

psychology writing process growth mindset

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance confidence with constructive criticism?
  • What routine can stabilize your creative mood?
A Different Perspective

Mood swings can stall progress if not managed.

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