--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Do you know what I was smiling at? You…" description: "\"“Do you know what I was smiling at? You wrote down that you were a writer by profession. It sounded to me like the loveliest euphemism I had ever heard..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d4/j-d-salinger-2-3505_ask-yourself_do-you-know-what-i-was-smiling-at-you-wr_2590800.jpg" --- # Do you know what I was smiling at? You wrote down that you… ![“Do you know what I was smiling at? You wrote down that you were a writer by profession. It sounded to me like the loveliest euphemism I had ever heard. When was writing ever your profession? It's never been anything but your religion. Never. I'm a little over-excited now. Since it is your…” quote by J. D. salinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d4/j-d-salinger-2-3505_ask-yourself_do-you-know-what-i-was-smiling-at-you-wr_2590800.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d4/j-d-salinger-2-3505_ask-yourself_do-you-know-what-i-was-smiling-at-you-wr_2590800.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d4/j-d-salinger-2-3505_ask-yourself_do-you-know-what-i-was-smiling-at-you-wr_2590800.jpg) > ““Do you know what I was smiling at? You wrote down that you were a writer by profession. It sounded to me like the loveliest euphemism I had ever heard. When was writing ever your profession? It's never been anything but your religion. Never. I'm a little over-excited now. Since it is your religion, do you know what you will be asked when you die? ... I'm so sure you'll get asked only two questions.' Were most of your stars out? Were you busy writing your heart out? If only you knew how easy it would be for you to say yes to both questions. If only you'd remember before ever you sit down to write that you've been a reader long before you were ever a writer. You simply fix that fact in your mind, then sit very still and ask yourself, as a reader, what piece of writing in all the world Buddy Glass would most want to read if he had his heart's choice. The next step is terrible, but so simple I can hardly believe it as I write it. You just sit down shamelessly and write the thing yourself. I won't even underline that. It's too important to be underlined.”” [J. D. salinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-d-salinger-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Writing should be approached as a reader first, honoring the love of reading before claiming a professional identity. **In simple terms:** Write as a reader, not a writer. Key Takeaway Embrace reading to inform writing. Themes creativity identity reading writing authorship Mood reflective inspirational Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - personal journaling - creative workshops - writing retreats - literary analysis Key Concepts self‑reflection literary purpose mindset Questions to Reflect On - How does reading shape your own writing voice? - What barriers prevent you from seeing writing as a spiritual practice? A Different Perspective May overlook the practical aspects of publishing and market demands. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Next step](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next-step/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Do you know what I was smiling at? You wrote down that you were a writer by profession. 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Since it is your religion, do you know what you will be asked when you die? ... I'm so sure you'll get asked only two questions.' Were most of your stars out? Were you busy writing your heart out? If only you knew how easy it would be for you to say yes to both questions. If only you'd remember before ever you sit down to write that you've been a reader long before you were ever a writer. You simply fix that fact in your mind, then sit very still and ask yourself, as a reader, what piece of writing in all the world Buddy Glass would most want to read if he had his heart's choice. The next step is terrible, but so simple I can hardly believe it as I write it. You just sit down shamelessly and write the thing yourself. I won't even underline that. It's too important to be underlined.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "J. 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