Conviction Quote by Elif Batuman
““Even though I had a deep conviction that I was good at writing, and that in some way I already was a writer, this conviction was completely independent of my having ever written anything, or being able to imagine ever writing anything, that I thought anyone would like to read.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: “On Writing Confidence” with Elif Batuman, 2019
Self‑confidence in writing can exist without actual output, highlighting a disconnect between belief and practice.
In simple terms: Confidence may lack evidence.
Key Takeaway
Translate confidence into writing.
Themes
self‑esteem
creative block
writing
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
creative
psychological
When to use this quote
- starting a manuscript
- writing workshops
- creative journaling
Key Concepts
confidence vs. production
self‑doubt
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps will you take to write now?
- How can you test your belief by producing work?
A Different Perspective
Confidence without action may breed complacency.
![“Beneath everything else, North and West, there ran a profound, unvoiced, almost subconscious conviction that the [American] nation was going to go on growing-in size, in power, in everything a man could think of-and in that belief there was a might and a fury that would take form instantly at the…” quote by Bruce Catton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a3c/bruce-catton-15493_belief_beneath-everything-else-north-and-west-t_10801.jpg)
