--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What matters is not publication or…" description: "\"What matters is not publication or success (success is bad for your prose) but the practice of the imaginative act. Our damaged values depend on it.\" —..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/303/janet-burroway-32021_depends_what-matters-is-not-publication-or-succe_2105098.jpg" --- # What matters is not publication or success (success is bad… ![“What matters is not publication or success (success is bad for your prose) but the practice of the imaginative act. Our damaged values depend on it.” quote by Janet Burroway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/303/janet-burroway-32021_depends_what-matters-is-not-publication-or-succe_2105098.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/303/janet-burroway-32021_depends_what-matters-is-not-publication-or-succe_2105098.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/303/janet-burroway-32021_depends_what-matters-is-not-publication-or-succe_2105098.jpg) > “What matters is not publication or success (success is bad for your prose) but the practice of the imaginative act. Our damaged values depend on it.” [Janet Burroway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-burroway/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The value lies in the act of creating imagination, not in external validation or success. **In simple terms:** Imagination practice matters more than fame. Key Takeaway Focus on creative process. Themes creativity writing self‑development Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - writing workshops - daily writing practice - creative retreats - teaching writing Key Concepts imaginative act intrinsic motivation Questions to Reflect On - How does regular creative practice shape your voice? - What internal rewards do you notice? A Different Perspective Success can be fleeting and may distract from growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Imaginative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imaginative/) [Practice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/practice/) [Prose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prose/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/values/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [A writer's life is so hazardous that anything he does is bad for him. 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