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Bigs Quote by Lev Grossman

“Nothing is wrong with you. You're not different. Everybody feels as bad as you do: this is just what writing a novel feels like. To write a novel is to come in contact with raw, primal feelings, hopes and longings and psychic wounds, and try to make a big public word-sculpture out of them, and…” quote by Lev Grossman
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“Nothing is wrong with you. You're not different. Everybody feels as bad as you do: this is just what writing a novel feels like. To write a novel is to come in contact with raw, primal feelings, hopes and longings and psychic wounds, and try to make a big public word-sculpture out of them, and that is a crazy hard thing to do.”

Lev Grossman

About This Quote

Source Interview: Lev Grossman on Writing Novels, The New Yorker, 2015

Writing a novel forces you to confront deep, raw emotions and transform them into a public work, which is extremely challenging.

In simple terms: Writing a novel is emotionally intense and hard.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the difficulty as part of the creative process.

Themes

creativity writing emotional honesty challenge artistry

Mood

intense reflective determined

Type

advice inspirational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • creative workshops
  • therapy sessions
  • author retreats

Key Concepts

psychic wounds primal feelings public expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal pain with public storytelling?
  • What strategies help sustain motivation during intense emotional work?
A Different Perspective

The process can be isolating and may exacerbate self‑doubt.

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