Books Quote by Ernest Gaines
“I suppose I started writing seriously at 16 years old. I thought I wrote a novel at 16 and sent it to New York! They sent it back because it wasn't novel.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Unpublished Memoir, 2023
He began serious writing at sixteen, attempted a novel, but was rejected for lacking originality.
In simple terms: Started writing young, faced early rejection.
Key Takeaway
Embrace early attempts, learn from feedback.
Themes
growth
creativity
rejection
learning
perseverance
Mood
reflective
determined
hopeful
Type
literary
personal development
When to use this quote
- school projects
- first manuscript
- seeking publication
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
self‑discovery
literary ambition
critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What did you learn from that rejection?
- How can early criticism shape future work?
A Different Perspective
Early attempts may lack polish; persistence is key.
