America Quote by Jamaica Kincaid
“The thing about writing in America is that writers in America have an arc. You enter writing as a career, you expect to be successful, and really it's the wrong thing. It's not a profession.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1995
The quote critiques the American literary career path, suggesting that treating writing as a profession leads to misplaced expectations and undermines artistic authenticity.
In simple terms: Writing shouldn't be seen as a job; it's an art.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize creative integrity over career goals.
Themes
art
career
authenticity
expectations
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- publishing industry
- creative writing programs
- freelance writing
- self‑publishing
- literary festivals
Key Concepts
literary culture
professionalism
creative identity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you write for art or for market success?
- How does professional framing affect your creative process?
A Different Perspective
The pressure to commercialize can stifle originality and personal voice.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
