Fiction Quote by Lisa Alther
“I wrote for twelve years and collected 250 rejection slips before getting any fiction published, so I guess outside reinforcement isn't all that important to me.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author interview, 1995, published in The New York Times
Persistence in creative work can outweigh external validation, leading to eventual success despite repeated rejections.
In simple terms: Hard work can succeed without praise.
Key Takeaway
Keep creating despite setbacks.
Themes
creativity
resilience
rejection
success
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
motivational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing career
- freelance work
- artistic pursuits
Key Concepts
Self‑efficacy
intrinsic motivation
growth mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates you when no one acknowledges your work?
- How can you measure progress without external feedback?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on external validation can still be harmful.
