---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Even if I couldn't get my early novels…"
description: "\"Even if I couldn't get my early novels published, I could still write. I went into newspapers, where I got paid to write every day. If there's a better..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe6/linwood-barclay-19193_books_even-if-i-couldn-t-get-my-early-novels-p_59245.jpg"
---

#  Even if I couldn't get my early novels published, I could…

![“Even if I couldn't get my early novels published, I could still write. I went into newspapers, where I got paid to write every day. If there's a better school for would-be novelists, I don't know what it is.” quote by Linwood Barclay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe6/linwood-barclay-19193_books_even-if-i-couldn-t-get-my-early-novels-p_59245.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe6/linwood-barclay-19193_books_even-if-i-couldn-t-get-my-early-novels-p_59245.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe6/linwood-barclay-19193_books_even-if-i-couldn-t-get-my-early-novels-p_59245.jpg)

> “Even if I couldn't get my early novels published, I could still write. I went into newspapers, where I got paid to write every day. If there's a better school for would-be novelists, I don't know what it is.”

[Linwood Barclay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linwood-barclay/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Persistence in writing matters more than early publication; practical experience in journalism hones craft and provides livelihood.

**In simple terms:** Write regardless of initial success.

Key Takeaway

Practice beats prestige.

Themes

Persistence Craft development Alternative pathways Resilience Learning by doing

Mood

Determination Hopeful Pragmatic

Type

Advice Reflection Motivational

When to use this quote

- Aspiring novelist facing rejections
- Journalist seeking creative outlet
- Writer needing steady income
- Student exploring writing careers

Key Concepts

Writing discipline Career flexibility Skill acquisition

Practical Applications

- Daily writing practice
- Monetized content creation

Questions to Reflect On

- How can routine writing improve your storytelling?
- What non‑traditional routes can nurture a novelist’s voice?

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