When it’s too good, you do it over again. Too good is too…
“When it’s too good, you do it over again. Too good is too easy. If it’s too easy you have to worry. If you’re not lying awake at night worrying about it, the reader isn’t going to, either. I always know that when I get a good night’s sleep, the next day I’m not going to get any work done. Writing a novel is like working on foreign policy. There are problems to be solved. It’s not all inspirational.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author interview, date unknown
The quote warns that when something feels too easy or comfortable, it may lack depth, and true creative work often involves struggle and worry.
In simple terms: Easy tasks lack depth; struggle fuels creativity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace difficulty to produce meaningful work.
Themes
creativity
effort
risk
discipline
authenticity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- novel drafting
- problem solving
- creative projects
- personal productivity
Key Concepts
Flow state
intrinsic motivation
creative tension
Questions to Reflect On
- What challenges can you seek to deepen your work?
- How does discomfort signal growth?
A Different Perspective
If you avoid discomfort, you may produce shallow work.