Book Quote by Lauren Grodstein
“I've found a bit of success in my career, and I'm very relieved by it, but the success that comes after a book is published is never as happy as the feeling of writing, of knowing you've written something good, of feeling like you've had a worthwhile day in the chair. That's the best feeling I know, and as soon as writing stops making me feel that way, I'll stop doing it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Writer's Journey, 2015
The joy of writing lies in the act itself, not in external rewards, and when that joy fades, the motivation to continue disappears.
In simple terms: Writing is rewarding for its own sake; external success is secondary.
Key Takeaway
Continue only while writing feels fulfilling.
Themes
creativity
fulfillment
motivation
career
self‑worth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
personal
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- publishing a book
- career reflection
- daily work routine
- creative block
Key Concepts
intrinsic motivation
creative process
authorial identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What activities make you feel most alive?
- How can you preserve the joy of writing amid success?
A Different Perspective
If external accolades dominate, the intrinsic joy may be lost, leading to burnout.
