--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To be any sort of competent writer one…" description: "\"To be any sort of competent writer one must keep one's psychological distance from the supreme artists.\" — Cynthia Ozick" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/cynthia-ozick-2945_art_to-be-any-sort-of-competent-writer-one-m_1278242.png" --- # To be any sort of competent writer one must keep one's… ![“To be any sort of competent writer one must keep one's psychological distance from the supreme artists.” quote by Cynthia Ozick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/cynthia-ozick-2945_art_to-be-any-sort-of-competent-writer-one-m_1278242.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/cynthia-ozick-2945_art_to-be-any-sort-of-competent-writer-one-m_1278242.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/cynthia-ozick-2945_art_to-be-any-sort-of-competent-writer-one-m_1278242.png) > “To be any sort of competent writer one must keep one's psychological distance from the supreme artists.” [Cynthia Ozick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cynthia-ozick/) ## 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 maintain distance from masters to develop their own voice, avoiding imitation. **In simple terms:** Keep distance from great artists to find your own style. Key Takeaway Cultivate an original voice. Themes creativity individuality literature writing process Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - first novel drafting - academic writing - creative workshops - self‑editing Key Concepts influence authenticity self‑discovery Questions to Reflect On - What steps will you take to balance influence and originality? - How do you recognize when you’re copying too closely? A Different Perspective Too much distance can lead to isolation from useful guidance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Psychological](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychological/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [What are the hallmarks of a competent writer of fiction? The first, it seems to me, is that he should be immensely interested in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-l-mencken/what-are-the-hallmarks-of-a-competent-writer-of-fiction-the-first-it/) [H. L. 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