---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Avoid the unhappy ending, the harsh, the…"
description: "\"Avoid the unhappy ending, the harsh, the brutal, the tragic, the horrible -- if you care to see in print things you write. (In this connection don't do..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/jack-london-595_brutal_avoid-the-unhappy-ending-the-harsh-the-b_1560412.jpg"
---

#  Avoid the unhappy ending, the harsh, the brutal, the…

![“Avoid the unhappy ending, the harsh, the brutal, the tragic, the horrible -- if you care to see in print things you write. (In this connection don't do as I do, but do as I say.” quote by Jack London](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/jack-london-595_brutal_avoid-the-unhappy-ending-the-harsh-the-b_1560412.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/jack-london-595_brutal_avoid-the-unhappy-ending-the-harsh-the-b_1560412.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/jack-london-595_brutal_avoid-the-unhappy-ending-the-harsh-the-b_1560412.jpg)

> “Avoid the unhappy ending, the harsh, the brutal, the tragic, the horrible -- if you care to see in print things you write. (In this connection don't do as I do, but do as I say.”

[Jack London](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-london/)

## 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 avoid grim outcomes and follow their own advice, not their own practices, to produce better work.

**In simple terms:** Avoid tragic endings and follow guidance, not personal habits.

Key Takeaway

Write with intention, not habit.

Themes

writing creativity self-discipline advice artistic integrity

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

practical inspirational

When to use this quote

- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- creative workshops
- personal journaling

Key Concepts

narrative structure self-awareness authorial intent

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you write what you preach?
- How does self-critique improve your work?

A Different Perspective

Following advice without self-awareness can stifle originality.

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## More by Jack London

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